Harborough District Council welcomes county council comments on draft local plan

A Cabinet report, published on 10 March 2025 by the county council, sets out the county council’s draft response to the Proposed Submission Draft Harborough local plan consultation. It reiterates the county council’s continued commitment to support district councils in the development of local plans and welcomes a number of elements in the draft plan.  It also identifies some areas where the draft plan may be improved, particularly in relation to the delivery and funding of transport infrastructure.

David Atkinson, Director of Planning, said: “We are delighted to have published our draft local plan for consultation to ensure we have met all the governments requirements under the existing planning regime which will be meaning we have to build 2,000 less houses over the plan period to 2041. 

“We do fully understand that transport infrastructure is one of the key issues communities and residents want when considering our proposed new site allocations and in particular sustainable transport options. As a council we fully support such initiatives and are committed to continuing to work with the county council to secure the improvements that are needed.”

Harborough District Council is not expected to be adopting a new local plan until sometime in late 2026 or early 2027.  Following its current consultation, which runs from 10 March to 6 May 2025, the council will consider the feedback and decide whether to submit the draft plan to government for independent examination in the autumn.  If submitted, an independent inspector will be appointed by government to examine the draft plan before the draft plan can be adopted. 

Harborough District Council will continue to work with the county council, other infrastructure providers and any Inspectors appointed by government to ensure the draft plan meets the requirements of the planning system and delivers the infrastructure needed to support new development and communities within the district.  

The county council’s cabinet report will be considered by Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet on 18 March 2025.

Have your say on Harborough District Council’s draft local plan at: www.harborough.gov.uk/localplan