Harborough’s Local Plan ‘At Risk’ Unless Transport Issues Resolved

Leicestershire County Council has warned that Harborough District Council’s new Local Plan could face serious problems at examination unless outstanding transport concerns are resolved.

The authority says there is a “material risk” to the future of the blueprint if agreement cannot be reached ahead of a key deadline set by planning inspectors.

The A6 in Kibworth

Harborough District Council submitted its Local Plan to the Government in April, setting out where almost 6,500 new homes could be built across the district over the next 15 years, including a ‘new town’ of 4,000 homes near Great Glen.

It is now due to be examined by independent planning inspectors.

The County Council previously raised concerns and maintains that the plan fails key national tests of soundness in relation to transport.

It argues the plan does not provide a sufficiently robust strategy for delivering the transport infrastructure needed to support future development, particularly the cumulative impact of growth along the A6 corridor.

The authority also says there is no coherent approach to securing developer contributions towards transport improvements and raises concerns that some strategic road upgrades needed to support the plan may not be delivered within the plan period.

Planning inspectors have instructed the two councils to produce a Statement of Common Ground on transport matters by August 14th, setting out where they agree and where differences remain.

A report considered by LCC’s Cabinet states that if agreement cannot be reached, it could “pose a material risk to the continuation of the Plan through its Examination in Public”.

Campaigners have been fighting plans for a ‘new town’ near Great Glen

The report also reiterates the County Council’s wider aim of ensuring the Local Plan provides a strong enough framework to secure the transport, education and other infrastructure needed to support planned housing growth across the district.

County Councillor Phil King (Gartree) told the meeting he had warned in March that the Local Plan was being submitted too early and believes the current situation has proved those concerns correct.  He said key transport infrastructure, funding and congestion issues—particularly along the A6 corridor—remain unresolved, arguing that thousands of homes should not be allocated before there is a clear plan for how improvements will be delivered and paid for.

Cabinet members approved recommendations allowing officers to continue working with Harborough District Council in an effort to resolve the outstanding transport issues ahead of the examination.

A spokesperson for Harborough District Council said: “We continue to work closely with Leicestershire County Council on transport matters and the Local Plan.

“The issues referenced in the recent Leicestershire County Council Cabinet report were first raised in its response to the draft Local Plan published in March 2025. They are not new concerns and remain the focus of ongoing joint work to establish common ground ahead of the Local Plan Examination.

“The council remains confident that its Local Plan is sound and is committed to delivering sustainable growth, providing much-needed homes and jobs while protecting the district’s character and maintaining the services and facilities valued by residents.”