A campaign to challenge aspects of the emerging draft Rutland Local Plan is being launched by the Rutland branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) tomorrow (26 Feb).

While CPRE Rutland supports some elements of the draft Rutland Local Plan to 2036, it objects to the current plans for the St George's Barracks site and, in particular, believes the scale of housing proposed far exceeds the needs of the county.

If delivered, the branch fears it will have a serious adverse impact far outweighing any benefits.

Ron Simpson, vice-chair of CPRE Rutland told Oakham Nub News: "The campaign is a positive one about protecting the countryside and promoting a better Rutland for 2036. It Is not just a campaign against St George's.

"Our aim is to secure a garden village there of under 500 homes - or an alternative use - which we think would be more appropriate.

"There are some aspects of the Rutland Local Plan we support, but acknowledge widespread community concern about the scale of the proposals for St George's which appear to generate significant environmental and traffic related issues."

The national CPRE body is funding two campaign co-ordinators to promote the reasons why the proposals for the North Luffenham barracks site should not be adopted in the Local Plan to 2036.

The barracks is due to close in 2021/22, with joint proposals by the Ministry of Defence and Rutland County Council to create a new garden community.

This would include up to 2,215 new homes, plus potentially 30 more on the site of the current Edith Weston School, space for new businesses, a new primary school, healthcare facilities and a country park.

The public is invited to attend the launch event being held at Oakham's Victoria Hall at 7pm for 7.30pm.

It will be hosted by president of CPRE Rutland Sir Laurence Howard and guest speakers will include chief executive of CPRE Crispin Truman, CPRE head of planning Matt Thompson and a representative from East Midlands Affordable Housing.

The meeting agenda will include CPRE Rutland's vision and campaign plan relating to Rutland Local Plan to 2036.

The Rutland 2036 campaign film will also be launched on the night and the evening will close at 9.30pm following a public debate.

Due to anticipated demand, advance registration is required and can be booked by clicking the red button below.