MP Calls For Transparency Over Local Plan Process
Written by HFM News on 1st August 2024
Harborough’s MP is calling for council bosses to release details of where new housing and other developments could go across the area over the next 20 years.
Various sites are being considered as part of the formation of the district’s new Local Plan and Neil O’Brien told HFM residents should be told of where they are:
Harborough District Council say it would not be appropriate to release details at this stage .
A spokesperson said: “The council is preparing its new local plan for the Harborough District. This work includes undertaking confidential technical testing of the emerging document and sites.
“These sites are being tested, and therefore it would be premature to release details and locations at this stage. It is vital that the council follows prescribed stages as set out by government for the preparation of a local plan, including the confidential technical testing of the sites and plan before publication.
“To ensure submission of the draft local plan by June 2025, the council must adhere to the national local plan making process. We need to follow the process in every way to ensure that the plan can be adopted, following examination by a Planning Inspector, so that the district can be protected from unplanned development.
“It is anticipated that the draft plan, including preferred sites, will be shared publicly in early 2025.”
Cllr Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “It is not helpful or appropriate that officers are being asked to release confidential information at the pre-testing stage of development of the local plan. This appears to be a further attempt to frustrate the development of a local plan which will protect the district from a free for all for developers.
Meanwhile nearly 200 additional homes a year could have to be built across Harborough under the government’s plans to accelerate housing building.
The figure has been released as Labour start to consult on the proposals.
The district’s current target is to deliver just over 500 homes annually.
