Local Plan discussions focus on ‘housing for all’

Harborough District Council’s Local Planning Executive Advisory Panel will meet at the Three Swans Hotel on Monday 22 August 2016 to look at future affordable housing – ie. housing priced lower than that on the open market.

Councillors will discuss proposals for 20 per cent of housing in new developments to be ‘starter homes’. These are private homes to be sold at 80 per cent of market value and targeted at buyers under 40 years old. The report also includes proposals that a further 20 per cent of new homes should be made available to a housing association for rent or shared ownership (part rent/part buy).

Other draft planning policies will be discussed relating to development in the countryside, development on existing employment areas, and protection of green wedges in areas of separation.

The panel will also consider a countywide Strategic Growth Statement for Leicestershire – which is currently out for public consultation – which aims to create a new Strategic Growth Plan for Leicestershire and set out a ‘single vision’ for the county which Local Plans will support.

No decisions will be made by the advisory panel but it can make recommendations to the council’s Executive committee.

Harborough District Council’s new Local Plan will set out planning policies in the district up to 2031. It will make sure development meets strategic priorities in terms of housing, employment, community facilities, transport and other infrastructure needed to support development.

As part of this, four development options are currently being considered and worked through following public consultation – with a preferred single option or hybrid option being selected in the Autumn.

The public will once again be invited to comment on the Local Plan, at a date to be confirmed, before it is submitted to the Government for examination.

Read the full Local Planning Executive Advisory Panel reports on the council’s website