Leicester Council Votes on Controversial Plan

0:00It's March 22nd. This is Lester News today, driven by AI. Lester City Council is set to vote on its local plan next Thursday, March 26th. The plan calls for more than 20,730 new homes and 67 hectares of employment space across the city. A big sticking point is Beaumont Park, where land equal to about 10 football pitches is eyed for industrial development. Government inspectors have already approved the park proposal, saying the need for jobs space trumps the downsides. The plan also includes a 12-pitch site for gypsy and traveler transit within the park. Opposition conservative counselors are pushing a last-minute amendment to cut that development nearly in half and scrap the transit site. Locals are fired up, with a petition gaining over 2,000 signatures to save the green space, which many see as vital for nearby residents. At a recent committee meeting, conservative leader Hemman Rae Batia pressed the mayor on changes, but Sir Peter Solzby said it's likely too late in. The process, though he'll check.

1:04The full council vote can make or break the decade-old plan, as conservative is warned they won't back it without park protections. Eyes are on Thursday for the outcome.