Key Housing Decision Could Be Delayed Again

A crunch decision on if homes earmarked for Leicester will be built in the Harborough District could be delayed for a third time.

Councillors are due to consider the controversial plan on Monday, but it has emerged an overhaul of government policy on housing and planning – which could have implications on the matter – is due to be released the following day.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien has requested the key vote is put back a week, so details of the national changes can be fully assessed:

Councillors are to be asked to decide whether or not to accept more than 1,500 additional homes from the city’s unmet need over the next 13 years.

Mr O’Brien and the area’s other MPs argue is not a legal requirement, but Harborough District Council say not agreeing to ‘Duty to Cooperate’ could jeopardise the approval of it next Local Plan – putting the district at risk of speculative planning applications.

Seven out of the nine authorities across Leicestershire have already agreed to the measure.

Speaking about the request to delay Monday’s decision, a spokesperson for the council said: “The council is looking at how we can accommodate this request in line with council procedures and processes.”