Key Homes Decision Delayed For Third Time

A decision on if new homes earmarked for Leicester will be built in the Harborough District has been delayed again.

Councillors last night agreed to defer it for a week, to allow for the assessment of changes to government planning and housing policy – set to be announced today –  which could impact the controversial plan.

Over 3,000 people have signed a petition urging Harborough District Council not to sign the ‘Statement of Common Ground’ which would see over 1,500 additional houses built across the area over the next 13 years.

The area’s MPs argue is not a legal requirement, but the council fears not agreeing to it could jeopardise the approval of it next Local Plan – putting the district at risk of speculative planning applications.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien told HFM he is pleased there will be a delay, after requesting it:

Cllr Phil Knowles addressed last night’s meeting

Seven out of the nine district and borough councils across Leicestershire have already agreed to accept some of Leicester’s unmet housing need.

A final decision by councillors in Harborough will now be taken on Monday December 18th.

Speaking at last night’s Full Council meeting, Leader Cllr Phil Knowles stressed no decision had been made: