Five-year housing land supply updated as new local plan gets nearer

An update published today, 31st October 2025, by Harborough District Council confirms that the district’s five-year housing land supply has dropped slightly from 3.5 to 3.1 years, as a direct result of changes in government policy, something that is beyond the council’s control.

The council has found itself in this position, alongside many other councils, following changes to the government’s housing targets and new Planning Policy Framework as part of the government’s plans to build 1.5million homes during the term of this parliament (by 2029).

Consequently, the council continues to be under the five-year threshold which means planning permission for new applications should be granted unless the site is in a protected area, such as vulnerable to flood risk or important habitat, or the adverse impact would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of development.

The council is progressing a new draft local plan that if progressed to submission and adopted, would ensure the council has a five-year housing land supply in place. This is a key reason to progress the local plan through its remaining preparation stages as quickly as possible.

A council spokesperson said: “The current position with the five-year housing land supply is a direct result of changed government policy that is beyond our control. It clearly illustrates the pressing need for the council to progress its new local plan to adoption as quickly as possible.

“Doing this will enable the council to be able to regain control of housing delivery in the district through a plan-led approach.

“This situation is not unique to Harborough district. Many councils up and down the country are in a similar, difficult situation due to the government’s revised housing targets.

“The underlying driver for the increase in the number of houses councils are being required to deliver is the Government's stated ambition to deliver 1.5 million houses during the life of this Parliament.” 

The council’s Cabinet will be considering a report at its meeting on the 12 November which will confirm the intention to consider the new draft local plan at its council meeting in March 2026.

The latest five-year housing land supply position covering the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030 can be viewed on the council’s website.