The Local Plan Committee of North West Leicestershire Council met on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to discuss progress on the new Local Plan and to consider statements of common ground regarding strategic distribution and housing distribution. The committee also approved a Supplementary Planning Document concerning contributions to the East Midlands Freeport.

New Local Plan - Progress Update

The committee received an update on the progress of the new Local Plan, with Interim Planning Policy Team Manager Tom James outlining the status of key evidence base studies and expected timescales for future stages. Members discussed the consequences of not meeting the outlined timescales, with the Head of Planning and Infrastructure emphasising the importance of adhering to them to avoid challenges to the Council's five-year housing land supply. The report was noted by the committee.

Leicester & Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground – Strategic Distribution

The committee discussed the draft Statement of Common Ground (SoCG) relating to strategic distribution. Councillor R Morris expressed his dissatisfaction with the draft SoCG, believing it required further investigation due to its potential negative impact on the rural areas of the District. He highlighted concerns about the collaborative work only involving two of the seven bordering councils, leaving many areas with insufficient detail to inform the SoCG. Councillor Morris stressed the need for further investigation before members could make an informed decision. Members acknowledged the importance of preserving the District's rural identity but also recognised the necessity of finalising the Local Plan by the end of the year due to Local Government Reorganisation. It was noted that the points raised by members could be investigated if officers had the resources after the Local Plan submission. The comments were to be considered by the Council at their meeting on 12 May 2026.

Leicester & Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground – Housing Distribution Under the New Standard Method

The committee discussed the draft Statement of Common Ground concerning housing distribution under the new standard method. Members raised concerns about whether Oadby and Wigston Borough Council could meet its own housing needs and the implications this would have on the process and the Local Plan. The Principal Planning Policy Officer responded that, in the event their housing needs were not met, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council would have to justify their unmet need. The comments were to be considered by the Council at their meeting on 12 May 2026.

East Midlands Freeport Contributions SPD

The committee discussed the draft East Midlands Freeport Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Members supported the collaborative working between authorities but suggested that a basic summary of the SPD would have been beneficial for the public prior to consultation. Councillor John Legrys moved the recommendations, subject to the condition that the public be provided with a basic summary of the SPD before consultation. This was seconded by Councillor Ray Morris and the committee resolved to agree to a minimum four-week consultation on the draft SPD and delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Place to agree any minor modifications to the final consultation draft prior to consultation commencing. Councillor Paul Lees left the meeting at 7:01pm.

The meeting commenced at 6:00pm and closed at 7:44pm.