House-building plan needs to be revised
A MAJOR overhaul of planning policies is in the pipeline for Harborough district - just one year after the adoption of the Core Strategy framework.
Harborough District Council is to discuss the adoption of a new ‘Local Plan’ to plan out where new housing developments can be built over the next 20 years.
The move comes following a change in Government policy since the Core Strategy document was adopted last November.
It could see an extra 1,000 homes built across the district over the 20-year period, on top of the 7,700 already forecast.
Proposals to begin drawing up the new framework were due to be discussed by the council’s Conservative-controlled executive committee on Monday.
But it was announced at the meeting that the item would be held to allow for cross-party discussions at the meeting of full council scheduled for December 3.
Council leader Mike Rook said after the meeting: “The local plan and master plan for north west Harborough have major implications for the whole of the sistrict, so it’s right that every council member should have the chance to present their views and vote on the best way forward.”
A report prepared for Monday’s meeting said the Core Strategy does not full comply with the National Planning Policy Framwework published by the Government in March.
It says the new rules are aimed at favouring sustainable development and working with developers in a ‘flexible’, rather than ‘restrictive’ manner.
The report warns if it does not make changes, the council risks losing planning appeals because the Core Strategy does not agree with Government policies to encourage development.
The new policy would be adopted by mid-2014, says the report.
Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of the Lib Dems on the council, said: “The move by the Executive to defer any debate or decision up to full council is welcome and is we feel a clear reaction to the strong campaign being mounted by the residents, MHraid and the Lib Dems.
“Couple this with the warning from the Liberal Democrats that we were ready to invoke the ‘Call In’ procedure to try to stop a decision that could have thrown out the baby with the bath water rather than a light touch review to ensure compliance with national guidance.”
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Weather for Market Harborough
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
