Figures show how many houses have been built in Harborough district in 2019-2020 - and how many are 'shared-ownership or affordable'

More than 900 homes have been built in Harborough district in 2019-2020, it’s been revealed.

About 205 of those new properties were “shared-ownership or affordable”.

That’s housing “which can be rented or purchased at a lower rate than on the open market”, said Harborough District Council.

The new figures have emerged as the council published its Authority Monitoring Report 2019/20 - approved by its Cabinet yesterday (Monday).

The in-depth study monitors the delivery of the Local Plan including providing new homes and employment land and building the economy while also protecting Harborough’s proud heritage and great character.

Despite the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, the Harborough Local Plan has “continued to provide a framework for growth and delivery of infrastructure”, said the council.

Cllr Phil King, who leads the authority, said: “The adoption of the Local Plan in 2019 was a significant and welcome milestone.

“It continues to provide a robust framework giving us more control over development in the district, and helping deliver the jobs, infrastructure and homes – many of them affordable – needed for a growing population.

“This is supported by powers at a community level, with more neighbourhood plans also being adopted, giving residents a real say over development in their area.”

The new report also shows the council has topped the Government-required five-year housing supply, currently boasting a 7.74-year housing supply.

“Any council which does not have a five-year housing supply risks housing developments being imposed upon them in locations which may fall outside sites agreed in approved planning policy documents,” said the council.

“Nearly 60 hectares of additional employment land was also developed to help create employment opportunities at a challenging time for the economy and high levels of unemployment.

“The council is continuing to work with communities to bring neighbourhood plans to fruition to support grassroots planning powers.”

During 2019/20, the Neighbourhood Plan for Tur Langton was adopted, as well as the review of the Great Glen Neighbourhood Plan – the first neighbourhood plan review in the country.

Fleckney and Husbands Bosworth were both due to hold a referendum last year.

But the popular vote’s now set to be held this May as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

“We understand development isn’t always popular.

“But growth is important for our local economy and to meet the needs of our residents,” stressed Cllr King.

“As the population expands, people need places to live and work and for recreation - the Local Plan helps provide this.

“Plus, more people means more customers for local shops and services which supports growth in our economy.”