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 received updates on evidence base studies and anticipated timescales for the Local Plan's progression, and also considered the Leicester and Leicestershire Authorities' Statements of Common Ground on strategic distribution and housing distribution.

New Local Plan - Progress Update

The committee received an update on the progress of key evidence base studies for the new Local Plan. Work on the Sustainability Appraisal, Transport Modelling, Infrastructure Delivery Plan, Habitats Regulations Assessment, Whole Plan Viability Assessment, Housing Mix and Type evidence, Strategic Distribution Needs and Apportionment Study, and the Open Space, Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy were all progressing. The Interim Planning Policy Team Manager, Tom James, presented the report, outlining expected completion dates for these studies, with most anticipated to be finalised by April or May 2026.

The report also detailed the anticipated timescales for the Regulation 19 consultation and submission of the new Local Plan. Key milestones included a report on outstanding policy areas to the Local Plan Committee in April 2026, seeking approval to consult on the Regulation 19 Local Plan in May 2026, followed by a public consultation period from June to September 2026. The formal submission of the Local Plan was targeted for October or November 2026, ensuring it met the deadline of 31 December 2026 for submission under the current plan-making system.

Leicester & Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground – Strategic Distribution

The committee discussed the draft Leicester and Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground (SoCG) relating to strategic distribution. Sarah Lee, Principal Planning Policy Officer, presented the report. While members acknowledged the importance of finalising the Local Plan by the end of the year, particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation, some expressed concerns about the draft SoCG. One member stated they were not supportive of the draft Statement of Common Ground believing it required further investigation due to its potential negative impact on the rural parts of the District. It was also noted that the Council had only collaborated with two of the seven bordering councils on the SoCG, leaving many areas with insufficient detail to inform a well-informed decision. Members were assured that if officers had the resources after the Local Plan submission, the points raised could be investigated further. The comments made by members 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

Joanne Althorpe, Principal Planning Policy Officer, presented the report on the Leicester & Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground regarding housing distribution under the new standard method. Members discussed the implications of the revised standard method, which had led to an increase in housing need for North West Leicestershire. Concerns were raised about whether Oadby and Wigston Borough Council could meet its own housing needs and the potential implications for the process and the Local Plan. Ms Althorpe 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 made by members were to be considered by the Council at their meeting on 12 May 2026.

East Midlands Freeport Contributions SPD

The Interim Planning Policy Team Manager, Tom James, presented the report on the 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 benefited the public, providing a better understanding prior to consultation. Councillor John Legrys moved the recommendations, subject to the condition that the public were provided with a basic summary of the SPD prior to consultation. This was seconded by Councillor Ray Morris and resolved that a minimum four-week consultation on the draft East Midlands Freeport Contributions SPD be agreed, and that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place to agree any minor modifications to the final consultation draft SPD prior to consultation commencing. Councillor Paul Lees left the meeting at 7:01pm.

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