The Local Plan Committee of North West Leicestershire Council was scheduled to discuss the adoption of a new Good Design Guide and consider updates to several key Local Plan policies. These discussions included proposals for strategic warehousing sites, housing types and mix, parking provisions, the long-term management of community assets, design standards for new developments, and the allocation for the Isley Woodhouse new settlement.

Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire

The committee was scheduled to consider the formal adoption of the Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This guide, which has been developed in alignment with national planning policy and the National Model Design Code, aims to provide clear guidance on the council's expectations for the design of new developments. The document incorporates feedback from public consultation and includes detailed guidance on various aspects of design, from context and movement to nature and public spaces. The report highlighted that the guide aims to promote high-quality design that creates healthy, social, and economically vibrant places, and includes considerations for green infrastructure, sustainable drainage, biodiversity, energy consumption, and sustainable construction.

Local Plan Policies Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and agreeing policy wording for various aspects of the new Local Plan.

Strategic Warehousing Site Allocations

The committee was to consider policy wording for seven strategic warehousing sites: Land south of East Midlands Airport (EMP90), Land north of Remembrance Way (A453), 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 A42 (EMP83/84/94), and Land at Corkscrew Lane (J13 A42) (EMP80). For each site, specific policy requirements were outlined concerning design, landscaping, amenity, sustainable transport, and heritage. For EMP90, the policy included requirements for a masterplan and consideration of the Freeport designation. EMP97's policy specifically addressed highway access from Whatton Road and potential impacts on East Midlands Airport. EMP98's policy emphasised separation from Battram, while EMP82 and EMP80 were to have allocation policies to provide a framework for future applications, despite having existing resolutions to grant outline consent. The policies for EMP83/84/94 highlighted the need to avoid adverse impacts on the River Mease SAC/SSSI.

Housing Types and Mix (Policy H4)

The committee was to discuss proposed updates to Policy H4: Housing Types and Mix. These updates were informed by responses to the Regulation 18 consultation and updated evidence on housing mix. The revised policy aimed to provide a suitable housing mix for all new residential developments, with specific requirements for major developments. It included updated dwelling size breakdowns based on the Leicester and Leicestershire Housing Mix Update Paper (2026), with provisions for flexibility based on site context and local housing needs. The policy also included criteria for specialist housing suitable for older people and those with disabilities, and supported the provision of bungalows and single-level housing.

Parking and New Development (Policy IF8)

An update to Policy IF8 concerning parking and new development, with a specific focus on lorry parking, was scheduled for discussion. The report highlighted a national shortage of lorry parks and a pressing issue in North West Leicestershire, referencing the National Highways Lorry Demand Assessment . While several sites had been considered for lorry park allocation, officers did not propose allocating any of them, recommending instead the continuation of the existing enabling policy. Amendments to the policy wording were suggested to provide further clarity and include a criterion to protect against the loss of existing lorry parking facilities.

Long-Term Management of Community Assets and Stewardship

The committee was to consider a new policy on the long-term management of community assets and stewardship. This policy aims to ensure that new open spaces, community facilities, and green or blue infrastructure provided through development are properly managed and maintained in the long term. For major developments, a stewardship or governance strategy would be required, outlining management, funding, and community involvement.

Design of New Development (Policy AP1)

The committee was to discuss Policy AP1: Design of New Development. This policy sets out the council's expectations for high-quality design in all new developments, aiming to ensure new buildings and places fit well with their surroundings, are attractive, and function effectively. The policy emphasises the importance of understanding the site and local area, community engagement, and adherence to the North West Leicestershire Good Design Guide. It also includes requirements for sustainable construction methods, crime reduction, efficient land use, and the retention of landscape features. For strategic or sensitive proposals, independent design review was encouraged.

Isley Woodhouse New Settlement (Policy IW1)

Finally, the committee was scheduled to review updated policy wording for Policy IW1, concerning the Isley Woodhouse new settlement. This policy outlines the allocation of land for a new, standalone village, detailing requirements for housing numbers, mix, affordable housing, employment floorspace, education provision, community facilities, open space, and infrastructure. Key principles for the planning and delivery of the settlement included a focus on health and wellbeing, climate change adaptation, high-quality design, sustainable transport, and integration with the surrounding context. The policy also addressed noise mitigation, masterplanning, and the establishment of long-term governance and stewardship arrangements.

The meeting agenda also included standard items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and a public question and answer session. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 March 2026 were also scheduled for confirmation.