HDC Refutes Claims Over City Expansion
Written by HFM News on 9th July 2025
Harborough District Council bosses say there are still no plans to giveaway any parts of the district in local government reorganisation.
They have responded after Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby claimed the county’s borough and district council leaders had ‘acknowledged’ the case for expanding the city’s boundaries was ‘unarguable’ and ‘widely accepted’.
Over 7,500 people have signed a petition opposing any such expansion of the city, which could impact areas like Great Glen.
Leicestershire’s seven district and borough councils, including Harborough have put forward a plan to split the county into two unitary authorities – one for South Leicestershire – which would include the area currently served by HDC – and the other for North Leicestershire and Rutland.
Leicester City would make-up a third unitary authority based on its existing boundaries.
Rival plans have been suggested by Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council.
A public consultation on the proposed ‘North, City, South plan’ is on-going and Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of Harborough District Council says although he will remain ‘open minded’ and listen to all feedback, his current personal view is not in favour of supporting any part of Harborough district being put into the City:
Cllr Simon Whelband, leader of the opposition at HDC, told HFM the differing stances on this issue is a concern:
John Richardson, Chief Executive of Harborough District Council said: “Whilst we continue to engage with residents, businesses and local organisations on our North, City, South proposal, and work towards submitting our final proposal to Government in the autumn, no changes have been made to our interim proposal, in which the city boundary would remain unchanged.
“There will be an open debate about the final submission of the North, City, South proposal at Council in September, and the proposal will go to Scrutiny. Cabinet will consider the outcome of the engagement and the debates at Council and Scrutiny when reaching their final decision before the proposal is submitted in time for the Government’s deadline of 28 November 2025.
“Residents can have their say on the North, City, South proposal until 20 July 2025 at: https://www.northcitysouth.co.uk “
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