Call To ‘Pause’ Local Plan Work Rejected
Written by HFM News on 30th July 2024
A call for Harborough District Council to pause work on the preparation of the area’s new local plan has been rejected.
Opposition Conservative councillors requested the move in light of changes to national housing targets and other parts of the planning system, to be implemented by the new government.
But last night’s meeting of the Full Council heard putting things on hold would potentially cost the taxpayer around £2m, as much work has already been carried out on the project, which will decide where housing and other developments will go over the next 20 years.
Last night’s Full Council meeting
A majority of councillors backed an amendment to the original motion put forward by Conservative Cllr Phil King, which was tabled by coalition Council Leader Cllr Phil Knowles.
It stated council planning officers will look carefully at any implications of the government changes and a special meeting of councillors would be called to discuss them, if necessary.
Cllr Simon Galton, deputy leader of the council, spoke at the meeting and hit-out at the opposition for suggesting work was paused:
Conservative councillor Rosita Page told the meeting that although the original motion was not supported, it resulted in positive action from the ruling coalition administration.
