Key Housing Decision Set To Be Delayed Again

Councillors will be asked to vote for another delay in making a decision on the plan to allow homes earmarked for Leicester to be built in the Harborough District.

The controversial matter was due to be discussed at a council meeting tonight, but members will be asked to defer the decision for a week.

That will allow time for the full assessment of new guidance on housing and planning policy – set to be released by the government tomorrow – which could have implications on the key decision.

The request for the decision to be put on hold for a third time came from Harborough MP Neil O’Brien, who has been campaigning against the council accepting the homes from the city.

Other items relating the formation of a new Local Plan and extra finance which could be put towards it will also be delayed.

A council spokesperson told HFM: “The Leader of Harborough District Council, Cllr Phil Knowles, will ask members to defer decisions relating to the new Local Plan, including Leicester’s unmet housing need, at a meeting of Full Council on Monday 11 December.

“Following a letter from Harborough MP Neil O’Brien to Cllr Knowles, in which he requests a delay due to changes coming into effect next week to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the leader will ask Council that it defers its consideration of the Local Plan reports.”