The Local Plan Committee of North West Leicestershire Council was scheduled to discuss proposals for new strategic warehousing sites, updates to housing policies, and the adoption of a new design guide. The meeting also included discussions on the long-term management of community assets and updates on the Isley Woodhouse new settlement policy.

Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire

The committee was scheduled to consider the adoption of the Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This guide aims to provide clear expectations for the design of new developments, aligning with national planning policy and the National Model Design Code. The document has undergone public consultation, with feedback incorporated into the final version. The guide covers various aspects of design, including context, movement, nature, and the creation of attractive public spaces, with the intention of promoting high-quality, sustainable, and well-designed buildings and places.

New Local Plan - Policies Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and agreeing policy wording for the new Local Plan. This included proposed policies for seven strategic warehousing site allocations: Land south of East Midlands Airport (EMP90), Land north of Remembrance Way, Kegworth (EMP73 part), Land south of Kegworth bypass (EMP97), Land between Ellistown Terrace Road and Wood Road, Battram (EMP98), Land north of J11 (Mercia Park II) (EMP82), Land north-east of J11 A/M42 (EMP83/84/94), and Land at Corkscrew Lane (J13 A42) (EMP80).

Discussions were also scheduled for Policy H4: Housing Types and Mix, which has been updated based on consultation responses and new evidence on housing needs. The policy aims to ensure a suitable mix of housing types and sizes, including provisions for older people and accessible housing.

An update to Policy IF8, concerning Parking and New Development, was to be considered, specifically addressing the need for lorry parking facilities in light of identified shortages. The policy aims to support the development of appropriate lorry parks while protecting existing facilities and ensuring safe access and driver welfare.

A new policy on the Long-Term Management of Community Assets and Stewardship was scheduled for discussion, focusing on ensuring that new open spaces, community facilities, and green or blue infrastructure provided through development are properly managed and maintained in the long term.

Policy AP1: Design of New Development was also on the agenda. This policy sets out the council's expectations for high-quality design in all new developments, emphasizing the importance of responding to local context, community engagement, and adherence to the Good Design Guide.

Finally, updates to Policy IW1, concerning the Isley Woodhouse New Settlement, were to be discussed. This policy outlines the requirements for the development of a new village, including housing numbers, employment floorspace, community facilities, infrastructure, and design principles, with a focus on creating a sustainable and high-quality settlement.

Public Question and Answer Session

The meeting was scheduled to include a public question and answer session, allowing members of the public to raise concerns and seek clarification on matters related to the Local Plan and planning decisions. Questions were received regarding site EMP97, specifically concerning evidence of its deliverability, the assessment of its historical context, and the reasoning behind consultation processes. Other questions related to the track record of developers, changes to the petitions scheme, and the viability of site C77 for affordable housing due to ground gas risks.