Local Plan Moves To Government Stage As Housing Proposals Progress

A major development plan for the Harborough district has moved forward after being submitted to government for examination.

The Local Plan sets out sites for around 6,500 new homes over the next 15 years, including more than 1,400 to the north of Market Harborough.

An independent inspector will now be appointed to assess whether the blueprint is legally compliant and “sound”, including reviewing evidence from the council and representations from residents, with public hearings to take place.

Land identified for new housing to the north of Market Harborough in the Local Plan

Councillors narrowly voted to push the plan to the next stage in March, with the then opposition Conservative group refusing to support it. Following a vote earlier this week, they are now in control of the council.

There are major objections to proposals for around 4,000 homes near Great Glen, which critics have likened to a new town.

Henri Winand from the Stop The New Town group told HFM they will be represented by experts at the hearings:

Campaigners from Stop The New Town

A Harborough District Council spokesperson said: “The Local Plan was agreed by full council on 16 March 2026 and has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. We await further information from the Inspectorate and we will communicate details of inspection dates and public hearings once they are known to us.”