Issue - meetings

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Place

Presented by the Leader

Councillor R Blunt presented the report to members and was pleased that Council was asked to formally adopt the Local Plan as it had been a long time in the making.  He reminded members that the plan allocated land to meet the district's development needs during the period up to 2031.  This would give the Council an element of control over where new development happens, and would help prevent inappropriate or unsustainable development. He highlighted that the Council was currently winning many more planning appeals than previously, and that was because independent inspectors were taking the new plan, and the very healthy supply of housing land with planning permission, into account when deciding appeals.  He added that the healthy housing land supply, in particular, had been hard won.  He acknowledged that Planning Committee Members had been asked to make tough choices over the last few years, and those difficult decisions were now translating into new homes on the one hand, and a healthy five year supply to allow the Council to defend appeals on the other.  He emphasised the importance of maintaining housing land supply and urged members not to be complacent as this hard won position of strength was very easily lost, and once lost, was doubly difficult to regain.

Councillor R Blunt stated that the up to date Local Plan gave the Council a reputation as an authority that had delivered and this track record would help us bid for funding for better infrastructure to support our growth.  He added that North West Leicestershire was a district that was open for business and would continue to support developers of new homes, jobs and infrastructure in our shared ambitions for the district.  However the plan would help ensure quality homes were built in the right place.  Local people and businesses would benefit, and new residents and businesses would be attracted to the area.  He added that the Local Plan recognised the need to ensure planning contributes to enhancing the natural environment by making best use of green spaces for recreation and leisure, providing routes for walking and cycling, supporting wildlife and helping manage flooding. 

Councillor R Blunt explained that the Local plan would continue to protect the green wedge between Coalville and Whitwick.  Inspectors accepted the argument that to allow the unwanted and unnecessary housing development within the area of separation would be tantamount to precluding the south east Coalville major urban extension.  He reported that viable, implementable planning permissions were within reach to deliver the flagship sustainable urban extension.  He added that the growth in Coalville provided an opportunity for further regeneration within the town centre with the increased spending power new residents would bring to the town.  He acknowledged however the importance of continuing the drive to improve the offer Coalville provides through leisure activities, night-time economy and the retail offer.

Councillor R Blunt reminded members that the Local Plan was not only about Coalville, but was about each and every community across the district, all of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48