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Welcome to The Barkby and Barkby Thorpe Parishes Action Group (BABTAG)

BABTAG was established in 2008 to oppose national plans to accommodate Leicester City overflow by creating a New Town of 5,000 houses and business units next to the parishes of Barkby, Barkby Thorpe and Hamilton Grounds. This proposal is known as the Thurmaston SUE (Sustainable Urban Extension.)

Our Goals are:

1. To oppose, through reasoned argument, the proposal for the Thurmaston SUE
2. To defend the historic identity and integrity of Barkby, Barkby Thorpe and Hamilton Grounds
3. To run a public campaign targeting opinion formers and the local media

Working to save this (left) from becoming this (right)

Proposed area of development of New Town (click on map to open in larger scale)

Website overview

Our Information Page gives details of "Charnwood 2026", the response of Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) to national government directives that CBC create 19,000+ new homes between 2001-2026.
Our Publicity Page hosts our press releases and relevant media coverage, including details of our highly successful March through Barkby to publicise our opposition to the 5000 houses.
Our first Publicity of 5th December 2008 gives you the full background on why BABTAG was established.
Our Democracy Page lists BABTAG dealings with the democratic spectrum from parish council to national government. Charnwood Borough councillors all face re-election in 2011. The politicians must listen to your opinions and we ask you to contact them.
Please look at our Links Page for information on other action groups and relevant websites of interest.

The 5000 houses - the threat remains!

'Intolerable' Traffic Petition Presented

A petition, signed by 128 residents, on "intolerable" traffic has been presented to County Council leader David Parsons at the Pochin School, Barkby.
Local children tell Mr Parsons of their concerns for safety on our busy village roads. This situation will become worse if new housing developments are granted planning approval.
Click here to see our press release and images from the event.

Persimmon 150 Houses Development

Persimmon Group is advertising the building of 150 homes in a field after the pinch on Barkby Thorpe Road. Sadly, planning permission is already granted but there is much traffic congestion and pollution to object to.
Click here for our latest leaflet with information on how and to whom to write/email.
Please do it now and protect our village from more vehicles!

Stephen Hampson (Conservative) elected as new County Councillor

Councillor Hampson is already fighting traffic issues of the Persimmon 150 houses Development. Check our Election Page for more information.