This week in North West Leicestershire:

Future of the District Hinges on New Local Plan: Housing, Jobs, and Green Spaces on the Table

The Local Plan Committee met on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to discuss the proposed North West Leicestershire Local Plan, a crucial document that will guide development and shape the district for years to come. This plan sets out the council's strategy for housing, economic development, and environmental protection up to 2042, and its adoption will have a profound impact on residents, particularly concerning the availability of homes, job opportunities, and the preservation of our local environment.

A Blueprint for Growth: Housing and Economic Development

At the heart of the discussion was the proposed submission draft of the Local Plan. This comprehensive document details the council's strategy for meeting future housing and economic development needs.

• Housing Targets: The plan proposes a housing requirement of 690 dwellings per annum, totalling 12,420 homes over the plan period. This will directly influence the number of new homes built in our communities, impacting affordability and availability.
• Employment Land: The plan also addresses the need for general employment land and strategic warehousing, with specific figures for office, industrial, and warehousing floorspace. This is vital for creating local jobs and supporting the district's economy.
• Development Strategy: A key element is the settlement hierarchy, which directs new development to appropriate locations. The plan identifies the Coalville Urban Area as the Principal Town, with significant long-term growth planned for a new settlement at Isley Woodhouse, south of East Midlands Airport. This new settlement is expected to include approximately 4,250 homes and essential facilities.

The plan also outlines specific policies for:

• Housing Allocations: Detailing sites for new housing across various settlements.
• Housing Types and Mix: Ensuring a variety of homes to meet diverse needs, including specialist housing for older people and those with disabilities.
• Affordable Housing: Setting out the council's approach to securing much-needed affordable homes.
• Self-build and Custom Housebuilding: Supporting residents who wish to build their own homes.
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs): Addressing concerns about the concentration of HMOs in areas like Kegworth.

Protecting Our Environment and Heritage

Beyond housing and jobs, the Local Plan places a strong emphasis on environmental protection and the enhancement of our local heritage. Policies cover:

• Nature Conservation: Protecting biodiversity and habitats.
• The National Forest and Charnwood Forest Regional Park: Safeguarding these important natural assets.
• Historic Environment: Conserving and enhancing the district's heritage.
• Green and Blue Infrastructure: Ensuring the provision and management of green spaces and water features.

The committee was asked to recommend to Cabinet that the Proposed Submission Draft Local Plan be approved for consultation. This is a critical step towards its formal adoption, which is anticipated by Autumn/Winter 2027.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Local Plan Committee meeting documents.

Coalville's Future: Capital Projects and Events Take Shape

The Coalville Special Expenses Working Party met on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, to review upcoming capital projects and events for the 2026/27 period. These decisions directly impact the quality of life for residents in Coalville, from the upkeep of local parks to the organisation of community celebrations.

Investing in Coalville's Infrastructure

The working party received an update on several capital projects aimed at improving local amenities:

• Park and Cemetery Maintenance: Work is scheduled for Coalville Park public toilets, graffiti removal at Greenhill Recreation Ground, and tree works at London Road and Broom Leys Cemeteries. Path sealing at Broom Leys Cemetery is also planned.
• Tree Planting Initiatives: Significant tree planting has already taken place at Greenhill Recreation Ground, Stadium Close open space, and Western Avenue Recreation Ground, supported by external funding.
• Coalville in Bloom : Flower towers and hanging baskets will be installed, with shop owners consulted on contributions for baskets outside their premises.

A significant concern was raised regarding upcoming work by Severn Trent at Scotlands Recreation Ground to install an underground shaft tank. While the area will be reinstated, the disruption and lack of detailed information from Severn Trent were highlighted. The council cannot legally prevent these essential works, but residents will be kept informed as details emerge.

Concerns were also raised about the need for additional dog bins and a bench at the Western Avenue play area, which officers noted as part of a wider review. The condition of a wall at Coalville Cemetery is being monitored, with contingency funds available.

A Calendar of Community Events

The working party also reviewed the 2026/27 events programme:

• Music and Picnic in the Park : Scheduled for 4 and 5 July 2026 in Coalville Park, this event will feature family entertainment, sports, music, and food.
• Coalville Sport : A new event on Saturday 4 July, designed to introduce families to local sports clubs.
• Christmas in Coalville : Planned for Saturday 28 November, this event will include a main stage, food traders, Santa's Grotto, street performers, and the Christmas Light Switch On. A Christmas market and funfair are also planned.

Discussions around Christmas in Coalville included potential road closures and building works, with efforts to ensure Christmas lighting can still be accommodated. The event will feature an ice rink and a snowdome, responding to resident feedback.

Further updates on events will be presented at the next meeting on 18 August 2026.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party meeting documents.

This week in North West Leicestershire:

Council Cabinet Tackles Housing Standards and Regeneration Projects

The Cabinet met on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to address critical issues concerning housing quality, regeneration, and the council's overall performance. A key focus was the council's response to an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and plans to improve visitor experiences at a historic local landmark.

Improving Housing Standards for Residents

Councillor Andrew Woodman, the Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented an important report on Housing Action Plans following an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). The RSH inspection in August 2025 assessed the council's performance against four consumer standards: Neighbourhood and Community, Safety and Quality, Tenancy, and Transparency, Influence and Accountability.

The Regulator identified weaknesses, particularly in the Safety and Quality Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard, resulting in a C2 grading. This means that some residents may have experienced issues with the safety and quality of their homes, and that communication and tenant involvement could be improved. The Cabinet was asked to approve an Action Plan designed to address these findings and work towards achieving a C1 grading. This plan aims to improve tenant satisfaction, ensure compliance with regulations, and enhance operational efficiency. Crucially, it focuses on a co-produced approach with tenants and members, meaning residents will have a greater say in how these improvements are made.

The implications of this are significant for vulnerable groups who rely on council housing. Improved safety and quality mean more secure and comfortable living conditions, while enhanced transparency and accountability can empower residents and ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting documents.

Boosting Tourism at Moira Furnace

Plans for Phase Two of the Moira Furnace Visitor Experience Improvement Programme were also discussed, presented by Councillor Tony Gillard, the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder. This project is a key part of the district's regeneration efforts and aims to enhance the appeal of this historic site, which dates back to 1806.

Phase Two will see investment in improved infrastructure and visitor facilities, including a new visitor centre with a café and toilets, as well as enhancements to site access, parking, and play facilities. The report sought approval to allocate £2.455 million from the Business Rates Reserve for this phase. This investment is expected to attract more visitors, support local businesses, and create a more engaging experience for families and tourists, contributing to the local economy.

The Community Scrutiny Committee had previously reviewed these proposals and provided comments and recommendations, indicating a thorough examination of the plans.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting documents.

Council Performance Under Review

The Cabinet also received a performance report for the Council Delivery Plan for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This report, presented by Allison Thomas, the Chief Executive, reviewed progress against the council's key priorities: A well-run Council, Clean and Green, Housing and Communities, and Planning and Regeneration.

While the report highlighted strong planning performance and excellent recycling rates, it also noted areas requiring improvement, including customer complaints performance and disclaimed opinions on the council's accounts for 2023/24 and 2024/25. These disclaimed opinions mean that auditors could not provide assurance on the accuracy of the council's financial statements, which can impact public trust and confidence in the council's financial management. Addressing these issues is vital for ensuring the council operates efficiently and transparently.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting documents.

Local Plan Committee Discusses Future Development and Housing Policies

The Local Plan Committee met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to discuss crucial updates to the Local Development Scheme and various Local Plan policies that will shape future development in North West Leicestershire.

Shaping the District's Future: Local Plan Policies

The committee reviewed updates to several key Local Plan policies. Discussions included:

• Strategic Warehousing Site Allocations: Policies concerning strategic warehousing sites were examined, with a focus on maintaining separation between settlements. This is important for preserving the character of our villages and towns and preventing urban sprawl.
• Housing Types and Mix: The committee discussed challenges residents face in finding suitable housing, particularly bungalows, and explored ways to improve their availability and location. This is vital for ensuring housing meets the diverse needs of our aging population and those with specific accessibility requirements.
• Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople (Policy H9): The report detailed updated accommodation needs for Gypsy and Traveller pitches and Travelling Showpeople plots. It highlighted the absence of transit sites in Leicestershire and the ongoing work to find a solution, which is crucial for meeting the needs of these communities and ensuring fair access to accommodation.
• Economic Strategy (Policy Ec1): Proposed wording for this policy aims to support sustainable economic growth, which is essential for creating local jobs and opportunities for residents.
• Long-term Management of Community Assets: A new policy was proposed to ensure that new open spaces and community facilities are properly managed and maintained for the long term, guaranteeing their continued benefit to residents.
• Affordable Housing (Policy H5): The policy was to be updated to reflect changes in national planning policy, ensuring that new developments contribute to the provision of much-needed affordable homes for local people.

Responding to Neighbouring Plans

The committee also considered the council's response to a consultation on the Oadby and Wigston Regulation 19 Local Plan. The report recommended objecting to Oadby and Wigston's declared unmet housing need, arguing that the justification was not sufficiently robust. This demonstrates how councils work together and scrutinise each other's plans to ensure fair and evidence-based development across the region.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Local Plan Committee meeting documents.

Other Matters

The Assessment Sub Committee met on Monday, 18 May 2026. No summary or transcript was available for this meeting.

This week in North West Leicestershire:

Council Leadership and Strategic Housing Distribution Take Centre Stage

The Council convened for its annual meeting on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, to set the direction for the coming year. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to establishing the council's leadership and agreeing on the framework for how housing will be distributed across the region.

Appointing Leaders and Structuring Committees

The meeting began with the formal appointment of the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Council, followed by the selection of the Leader of the Council. These appointments are crucial as they determine who will steer the council's strategic decisions and represent the district. The agenda also included the vital task of appointing members to various committees and groups, and electing their Chairs and Deputy Chairs. These committees are where much of the detailed scrutiny and decision-making on specific issues takes place, from planning applications to financial oversight.

The council also reviewed and agreed its Scheme of Delegation, a document that clearly outlines which powers and responsibilities are entrusted to council officers. This ensures transparency and accountability in how day-to-day operations are managed. Representatives to outside bodies and the schedule of meetings for the upcoming municipal year were also confirmed, providing a roadmap for the council's work.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Council meeting documents.

Shaping Housing Distribution Across Leicestershire

A key strategic discussion involved the Leicester and Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground concerning Housing Distribution under the New Standard Method. This report, presented by the Strategic Director of Place, outlines the agreed approach to how new housing will be allocated across the Leicester and Leicestershire Housing Market Area.

This is a critical issue for residents, as it directly influences where new homes will be built, impacting everything from local infrastructure and services to the character of our neighbourhoods. The report takes into account updated figures for housing needs and how these will be reflected in local plans. The council's decisions here will shape the availability and affordability of housing for years to come.

A related Statement of Common Ground regarding Strategic Distribution was also on the agenda, likely addressing broader regional development needs.

Urgent Decisions and Capital Programme Update

The meeting also included a report on Urgent Decisions taken by the Cabinet, detailing any immediate actions that were necessary between formal meetings. An update on the Capital Programme, which outlines planned spending on major projects and infrastructure, was also discussed.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Council meeting documents.

This week in North West Leicestershire:

Self-Build Homes Approved on Countryside Land, Balancing Housing Needs with Environmental Concerns

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, to consider applications for self-build dwellings. A key decision involved granting Permission in Principle (PIP)[^1] for two self-build homes on land adjacent to 49 Church Lane in Ravenstone. This site is currently agricultural land and lies outside the designated Limits to Development, meaning the proposal goes against the council's Local Plan policies S2 and S3, which aim to direct new housing to within settlements.

However, the committee heard that there are significant material considerations supporting the application. The council has a duty to provide self-build plots due to a substantial unmet demand, and the proposed development is accessible via sustainable transport. Officers recommended permission, noting that the loss of agricultural land would be minimal and that an acceptable design could be achieved at the technical details consent stage.

The committee also discussed a similar application for a single self-build dwelling on land to the east of 56 Loughborough Road in Coleorton. This site also falls outside the Limits to Development and is within the Swannington Neighbourhood Plan area, conflicting with its Policy H2. Again, the report highlighted the crucial need to meet the demand for self-build plots. While the impact on the character of the area was considered limited, and an acceptable design could be achieved, the Swannington Neighbourhood Plan, adopted in March 2023, is less than five years old and contains policies restricting development in the countryside.

The outcomes of these discussions will shape the availability of self-build opportunities for residents looking to create their own homes, while also navigating the council's commitment to protecting the rural environment.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Planning Committee meeting documents.