Urgent Call to Tackle Derelict Site and Deliver Affordable Homes for Local People - Labour Party North West Leicestershire

3rd May, 2026

Labour Group calls on the council to act on its commitment to deliver affordable social housing at The Oak Pub site in Whitwick, almost five years after its purchase.

Residents remain left in limbo as the derelict site continues to blight the area, contributing to anti-social behaviour, pest issues, thanks to council mismanagement of the project, costing local taxpayers nearly £500,000 so far.

Cllr Peter Moult outside the derelict Oak pub in Whitwick

Concerns are growing among residents and local councillors about the ongoing impact of a long-neglected, derelict building that continues to blight the local area. For too long, The Oak Pub at Whitwick has been allowed to deteriorate, creating unnecessary stress for nearby households and contributing to a wider sense of neglect within the community.

Derelict properties are more than just an eyesore; they can attract anti-social behaviour, vermin, pose safety risks, and undermine the well-being of residents who deserve to feel secure and proud of where they live. Leaving such sites unaddressed sends the wrong message and fails to reflect the needs and priorities of local people.

The council has now had the site under public ownership for nearly 5 years and yet the promise to demolish the site and erect new social homes seems to be no further forward. Yet the council continues to maintain the site at a cost of c£1000 per annum, alongside previous costs stated at around £480,000. This is yet another example of the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition not getting on with the job of delivering for local people and ensuring good use of taxpayers’ cash.

The Labour Group are calling for urgent and decisive action to:

Demolish the existing structure without further delay, removing the eyesore of ongoing concern.
Provide a clear, publicly accountable timeline for action and redevelopment.
Commit to building high-quality, genuinely affordable social housing on the site, ensuring that local residents and families benefit directly.

It is unacceptable for brownfield land to remain unused and neglected at great expense - Cllr Peter Moult

After visiting the site, ward Councillor Peter Moult said:

“At a time when the demand for affordable homes continues to outstrip supply, it is unacceptable for brownfield land to remain unused and neglected at great expense.

This site presents a clear opportunity to invest in the future of our community, transforming a problem into a positive solution that meets local housing needs.”