Regulation 19 - Proposed Draft Local Plan Submission

Figure 2: Key Diagram showing the development strategy for Harborough Local Plan

Our reasons for this policy

4.3 Both the UK's and the district's populations are increasing with people living longer and more people moving in than leaving the area. House prices are increasing and there is an acute need for affordable housing. As a result, we have growing and changing communities needing homes, jobs, shops and services. The role of the Local Plan is to make provision for the right amount of development to meet these needs, whilst protecting and enhancing the environment, and combatting climate change. Comment

4.4 The starting point for determining the amount of housing we should plan for is to calculate our Local Housing Need using the Government's standard method. In addition to this, Government policy requires any needs that cannot be met within neighbouring areas (referred to as unmet need) to be taken into account when establishing the amount of housing to be planned for. Comment

4.5 Neighbouring Leicester City has an unmet housing need because it does not have sufficient land available in its area to meet its own housing need in full. To address this, the Leicester and Leicestershire authorities agreed a Statement of Common Ground (SoCG) apportioning Leicester's unmet housing and employment needs arising between 2020 and 2036 to the surrounding Districts/Boroughs. This is the Leicester & Leicestershire Authorities - Statement of Common Ground relating to Housing and Employment Land Needs (June 2022). Comment

4.6 The starting point for this work was each authority's Local Housing Need figure which for Harborough was 534 homes per year. Taking into account various factors, including the district's functional relationship with Leicester, the Statement of Common Ground suggests our housing requirement should be increased by 123 homes per year to 657 homes per year between 2020 and 2036, to help meet Leicester's housing need. This is why the annual housing requirement is higher for the 2020 to 2036 period. The Statement of Common Ground including the amount of unmet need in Leicester is based on the Government's standard method for calculating housing need at the time of preparation. Comment

4.7 The planned amount of housing therefore not only addresses our own needs but also contributes a modest proportion towards meeting Leicester City's housing need. This collaborative approach is necessary because we are part of the same housing market area. Leicester provides many of the commercial developments, job opportunities, cultural opportunities and services we rely on, making interdependent growth crucial for the quality of life across Leicestershire. Comment

4.8 In addition to the homes identified in Policy DS01 above, we already have a significant supply of homes that will count towards meeting our 13,182 housing requirement by 2041. We have a pipeline of 8,417 homes that have been built since 2020; are already committed with planning permission/allocated in Neighbourhood Plans; or we expect to come forward as windfall sites by 2041. Comment

Location of Development

4.9 Our strategy identifies a pattern of development that seeks to support our economy, provide a balance between homes and jobs in the district and ensure access to services and facilities including education, health, shops, leisure and open space. It has been informed by an understanding of the environment and the relationship between our settlements and the countryside. Comment

4.10 Our strategy is built on an understanding of our settlement hierarchy. We have assessed the services and facilities available within our settlements. This has helped us to understand each settlement's role and function and which settlements are capable of supporting new development. Our settlement hierarchy is shown in Table 1. Comment

Table 1: Settlement Hierarchy

4.11 Table 2 below sets out the latest housing supply position across the district and by settlement: Comment

Table 2 District Land Supply Position by Settlement

4.12 Our projections show we will meet the identified housing needs within the plan period. The anticipated pace of delivery is shown in Appendix 6. We recognise actual pace may vary on a site-by-site basis, so the amount of homes we have allocated in this plan includes a contingency above the housing requirement to account for the risk of slower or lower delivery. To this end, we have allocated and made provision for a total of 14,839 dwellings to meet the housing requirement of 13,182 dwellings. Comment

4.13 Our decision to focus residential development predominantly on Leicester Urban Area and Market Harborough is largely a reflection of the higher levels of existing or potential accessibility to public transport (see Harborough Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal, 2024). Market Harborough has the district's only railway station, and the bus network is more extensive with higher frequency services near Leicester (Infrastructure Delivery Plan, 2024). Comment

4.14 The potential for more environmentally friendly travel such as by public transport or walking and cycling is at its highest in these locations. Reducing the need to travel long distances by car to access services or work is critical for reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change (Climate Change and Renewable Energy Study, 2024) which, in turn, will help us deliver the climate objectives set out in Policy DS03. There is also clear correlation between the accessibility to services to support development – again reducing the need to travel long distances. A hierarchy of settlements in the district has been defined based on their size and function as shown in Table 1. The areas nearest Leicester and the Market Towns of Market Harborough and Lutterworth are nearer the top of this hierarchy due to the scale and ranges of services offered. This is why they are the focus for growth. Comment

4.15 Despite being near the top of the hierarchy, Lutterworth has a lower amount of growth allocated in Policy DS01 than its position in the settlement appears to suggest. This reflects the high number of homes already permitted in recent years, including the East of Lutterworth Strategic Development Area allocated in the previous local plan. It also reflects the town's smaller size and population compared to Market Harborough. Its population in 2021 was less than half that of Market Harborough. Comment

4.16 We have also identified allocations for homes in Medium Villages and housing targets for Small Villages across the district. This is intended to enable modest and proportionate growth in these locations ensuring an appropriate scale of development based on the level of existing residential planning permissions, a broad assessment of the development capacity (as evidenced through the Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment Update 2024), the size of the village and the level of service provision. Comment

4.17 Finally, we also expect additional homes to be delivered from outside of the residential site allocations and Small Village housing targets, known as windfall development. Our expectation of future windfall development is based on past trends suggesting an additional 450 homes will be delivered on windfall sites by 2041. Comment

4.18 The NPPF indicates the Local Plan should set out a housing requirement for designated neighbourhood areas which reflects the overall strategy for the pattern and scale of development and any relevant allocations. The 'Total 2020-2041' column in Table 2 above therefore contains the housing requirement for current and future neighbourhood areas between 2020 and 2041. For settlements not identified in Table 2 the housing requirement for neighbourhood areas is zero. Comment

Our reasons for this policy

4.19 We are planning for more than just housing development – we are also focused on creating jobs. Maintaining vibrant centres and providing land for businesses is essential to support job creation. This policy supports a stronger, more resilient local economy and will help us stay competitive as a place to do business. Comment

Business use development

4.20 Our office and industrial market by contrast is largely locally focused, primarily serving small and medium size businesses. Many of our residents work in office-based businesses in Leicester and beyond including London. Our analysis (Harborough Local Housing and Employment Land Evidence, 2024) has revealed some market complexities. Take up of offices in Harborough has fallen since the Covid-19 pandemic of the early 2020s, with higher vacancy rates, mirroring the position across the country. Rental levels, in combination with higher build costs, have made new-build office development challenging. Comment

4.21 Given this context, we project that substantive new-build office development in the short-term, is unlikely. However, in the medium to longer term, our forecast evidence points to growth in office-based activities as well as other light industrial, general industrial and small-scale distribution uses (Harborough Local Housing and Employment Land Evidence, 2024). Table 3 identifies the level of employment land required. Comment

Table 3 Total Employment Land Needs 2020-2041

Source: Harborough Local Housing and Employment Land Evidence, 2024

4.22 When we account for completions of employment land and new developments in the pipeline as at 31 March 2023, this shows the supply / demand balance as set out in Table 4. Overall, there is a modest surplus although the balance position for different types of use varies. Comment

Table 4 Total Employment Surplus/Deficit Balance

4.23 Source: Harborough Local Housing and Employment Land Evidence, 2024

4.24 However, we still want to deliver more floorspace to ensure homes and jobs are balanced and sustainable places are created. Providing for additional employment land supply links to ambitions in our Economic Development Strategy (2024). We want to diversify the economy to avoid an over reliance on the logistics sector. A range of spaces is needed to accommodate business growth, and to attract a broader base of businesses that can create jobs including those offering higher skilled roles. Comment

4.25 There needs to be enough flexibility in the supply of employment land to provide choice for businesses starting up or relocating to our district as well as to enable existing business to expand to retain the jobs they provide. This flexibility in land supply is also there to facilitate the replacement of older employment premises / property which are not serving modern business needs. Comment

4.26 Our strategic location within the area known as the 'Golden Triangle' for its logistical advantages, means the need for strategic warehousing and distribution continues to grow. Demand has driven growth in e-retailing, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic of the early 2020s. Our evidence tells us more and larger strategic distribution spaces are required to support Leicester and Leicestershire's growing logistics sector and that the district has an important and continuing role to play (see Harborough Strategic B8 Needs Sensitivity Analysis, 2024). Access to the Strategic Road Network is key for the sector with only a small part of the district having good accessibility via M1 Junction 20. This has led to the success of Magna Park and its recent expansion. Focusing future growth for B8 logistics warehousing at Magna Park builds on established infrastructure and public transport networks. Comment

The role of employment areas

4.27 Existing employment areas help us by providing a wide range of different types, sizes, ages and quality of premises. Our Key Employment Areas are our highest quality and most important areas, by virtue of scale, type or location, and centre on existing office parks and industrial estates. These areas function best if they remain only or predominantly in employment use to reinforce commercial confidence, facilitate trading and avoid conflicting activities. Retaining the focus on employment generating uses in General Employment Areas, is also important as these areas provide a variety of fit for purpose premises which are important to maintaining overall stock levels and a balance of provision across the district, but which may benefit from upgrade and investment to aid their durability and market attractiveness. Maintaining office space has become more difficult due to planning law changes allowing its conversion to other commercial uses, such as shops, without planning permission. In response, conditions or restrictions may be applied to prevent such conversions, ensuring businesses retain the space they need to operate and grow. Comment

4.28 Magna Park is identified as a Strategic Distribution Employment Area to safeguard the site for large-scale strategic distribution uses (Use Class B8). We are focusing additional provision at Magna Park, because of the strategic road access advantages the site benefits from, as well as the availability of space to support both current and future business needs. Beyond Lutterworth, there are no other locations within the district which benefit from the same level of access to the Strategic Road Network (Harborough Strategic B8 Needs Sensitivity Analysis, 2024). We also recognise that some non-strategic storage and distribution uses can complement these areas as long as they are small scale, proportionate, and beneficial to the overall functioning of the strategic distribution park. This flexibility allows us to support the diverse needs of businesses while maintaining the primary focus on strategic distribution. Comment

4.29 Outside these defined employment areas, there may be greater scope to adapt or redevelop premises especially where they are no longer fit for business purpose. In these cases, we want to support business where it does not undermine our ability to maintain a good supply of employment land in the district (Policy DM13 explains more about how we apply these requirements). This balanced approach ensures we can respond to evolving economic conditions while maintaining our overall supply of office and industrial space. Comment

4.30 We want to continue to encourage economic development in rural areas by promoting a diverse range of employment opportunities and retaining and expanding the smaller employment hubs that are scattered across rural settlements. This means supporting agricultural activities as well as diversification, including farm-based businesses and tourism-based activities. The diversification efforts aim to make farming more economically viable while ensuring that the landscape and rural character are protected. Policy AP04 explains how we will enable businesses to foster local job creation by supporting small-scale employment in rural settings. Comment

Retail

4.31 The retail sector has an important role to play in job creation and the local economy – as well as providing important services to our residents. We have identified a retail hierarchy that is intended to provide a focus for retail development (see Table 5). Market Harborough, our largest centre, is defined as a Town Centre. Other centres within the district but also in neighbouring authorities beyond it, also serve retail needs. Leicester and larger shopping parks, such as Fosse Park in Blaby District, provide higher-level shopping facilities. Comment

Table 5 Harborough Retail Hierarchy

Source: Harborough Retail Town Centres Study, 2025

4.32 Our assessment shows that whilst national retail trends have been evident in our centres, health checks suggest that they are more resilient and have relatively low vacancy rates and a good range of services. Market Harborough, the largest of our centres, and Lutterworth are performing well particularly in relation to the position in 2013 and the UK average, while Broughton Astley has experienced some decline but is performing satisfactorily in difficult market conditions (see Harborough Retail Town Centre Study, 2024). Shopping behaviour will continue to change, and Harborough's centres will need to respond. Tables 6 and 7 present the combined floorspace projections for retail and food/beverage floorspace to 2041, and targets for each of these areas. A lower need than in previous plan periods reflects changes in how people shop in recent years, notably the rise of internet shopping (see Harborough Retail Town Centre Study, 2024). While some need is anticipated, Table 6 indicates that most retail growth can be accommodated by the reoccupation of vacant town centre units or absorbed by commitments / proposals for the next 10 years. Any longer-term residual need between 2036 and 2041 could be accommodated through a combination of retail and mixed-use allocations in Market Harborough and through limited provision of local shops / services within strategic housing developments over 400 dwellings including in the Land South of Gartree Road Strategic Development Area (see Policy SA01). Comment

Table 6 Retail, food and beverage floorspace Requirements (sqm gross) – cumulative

Source: Harborough Retail Town Centre Study, 2025

Table 7 Retail, food and beverage floorspaces Needs (Sqm gross) by Location – cumulative

Source: Harborough Retail Town Centre Study, 2025

Table 8 Residual retail and food/beverage floorspace capacity at 2041 (sqm gross)

Source: Harborough Retail Town Centres Study, 2025

4.33 Maintaining the vibrancy of centres is an important component of our economic strategy for development as they (along with others nationally) move from a retail focus to providing a combined retail, leisure and cultural offer for those looking for a day / evening out. Analysis suggests some future expenditure growth which could support new commercial leisure and cultural floorspace of about 1500sqm to 2041, with new emerging leisure activities e.g. escape rooms providing more potential than traditional leisure activities often found in town centres. The strategy of this Local Plan is flexible to encourage the reoccupation of vacant retail floorspace and direct such uses to our centres. The 'historic core' of Market Harborough in particular, and to some extent Lutterworth are important for their heritage value – and this is part of their wider leisure and cultural appeal. Comment

Our reasons for this policy

4.34 This policy offers a holistic approach to the environment, integrating climate action and nature conservation. It embeds a sustainable transport hierarchy which aims to reduce high carbon travel modes in favour of more sustainable alternatives like walking and cycling. This contributes to our broader objectives to lower emissions and reduces car dependency by locating residential areas near accessible services and promotes resource-efficient, environmentally responsible development. Comment

4.35 Green and Blue Infrastructure can deliver a range of benefits to support development which is resilient to climate change. Delivery of multifunctional green and blue infrastructure can promote better water resource management and water quality, reduce flood risk and aid cooling through increased tree canopy cover. Comment

4.36 Green and Blue Infrastructure can also significantly improve the overall quality of life for residents by providing areas for recreation, relaxation and social interaction, which is essential for both mental and physical wellbeing. There are approximately 654 open space sites covering a total area of about 1,100 hectares excluding Greenways (see Harborough Open Space Strategy, 2021). This includes a variety of green infrastructure types such as allotments, amenity greenspaces, cemeteries, civic spaces, natural and semi-natural greenspaces, parks, gardens, and provision for children and young people as shown in Table 9. Comment

Table 9 Types and Amount of Green Infrastructure

Source: Harborough Open Space Strategy, 2021.

4.37 Most of this space is Natural and Semi-Natural Greenspace, covering almost 872 hectares. These areas include spaces that are particularly important to local communities, offering recreational opportunities, aesthetic value, historical significance, and environmental benefits. Comment

4.38 Our district is crisscrossed by green and blue corridors, including the Welland, Sence, Soar, Swift, and Avon rivers, the Grand Union Canal, and dismantled railway lines. These corridors are essential for biodiversity, providing pathways for wildlife and connecting various habitats. By protecting and enhancing these key corridors, we help maintain ecological networks and promote the movement of species, which is crucial for environmental resilience. Traffic-free cycle routes, long-distance recreational paths and bridleways can play a similar role by safeguarding these routes. Comment

4.39 As acknowledged in Chapter 2, Harborough District is relatively poor in biodiversity terms. This is due primarily to the predominance of agriculture. However, several sites in the district are protected for their nature conservation or geological or geomorphological importance. These include Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which are identified for protection because of their exceptional wildlife, habitats, and geological features. We have over 200 Local Wildlife Sites, and two Local Nature Reserves at North Kilworth and Scraptoft which, along with irreplaceable habitats like ancient woodlands, veteran trees, species-rich hedgerows, and grasslands, are essential for maintaining biodiversity at the local level. Comment

4.40 Regionally Important Geological or Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are critical for understanding the processes that have shaped our landscape. Harborough District has four RIGS: Tilton Cutting, Saddington Reservoir, Great Bowden Borrowpit, and Foxton Locks. These sites are protected due to their scientific importance and contribute significantly to our understanding of geological and geomorphological processes. Comment

4.41 We safeguard existing biodiversity and geodiversity sites for their intrinsic value. They support ecosystems that provide us with clean air, water, and fertile soil. But we are also safeguarding these sites for people as we want to ensure that our natural heritage is preserved and enhanced to support leisure and recreation and associated health benefits. We recognise there can sometimes be a conflict between recreational use and nature conservation. The Grand Union Canal and reservoirs are highlighted as a particular focus as they are less valuable in ecological terms compared to other blue infrastructure (Green and Blue Infrastructure Study, 2024). This is consistent with our aspirations to develop tourism and leisure activities (see Policy DS02). Comment

4.42 The Draft Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy identifies key habitats and species that require immediate attention and lays out strategic aims to increase biodiversity, improve habitat quality, and create a connected and resilient landscape for wildlife, people and livelihoods. We need to ensure developments contribute to delivery of the local nature recovery network through the protection of local ecological networks and achieving the delivery of biodiversity net gain in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy, which emphasises that onsite biodiversity gains should be considered first, followed by registered off-site biodiversity gains, and – as a last resort – purchase of statutory biodiversity credits. Comment

Our reasons for this policy

4.43 Harborough District is essentially rural in character and the quality of the landscape and built heritage is important in maintaining the district's identity. This identity is part of what makes our district a desirable place to live and why it is a desirable location for development. Concentrating development activity within the defined areas will help us maintain our rural identity. We will also deploy other specific planning tools to reinforce this identity and open up access to the countryside notably: Areas of Separation and Green Wedges. Comment

4.44 Visual connection between settlements and the surrounding countryside is a defining feature of the Harborough District landscape and is especially prominent in areas where the topography allows for expansive, long-distance views. Such views contribute significantly to the overall visual quality and sense of place within the district. Comment

4.45 So as to improve our understanding of the qualities and characteristics of our local landscape, we have updated our landscape character evidence (Landscape Character Assessment, 2024). We have identified ten distinct landscape character types in the district and 26 landscape character areas within these (see Figure 3). Our evidence highlights perceptual qualities of these landscape types vary across the types, with some areas offering expansive, uninterrupted views while others provide a more enclosed and intimate experience. Alongside the district-wide landscape character work, the sensitivity of the local landscape around our main settlements has been assessed (Landscape Sensitivity Assessment, 2024). Comment

Figure 3: Landscape Character Types and Areas, Source: Harborough District Landscape Character Assessment, 2024

4.46 The district has a rich cultural heritage, evidenced by the presence of over 1,280 listed buildings, 66 scheduled monuments, 6 registered parks and gardens, and 63 conservation areas. These assets contribute to the historical depth and identity of the landscape. These assets are often clustered within villages (see Figure 4). They play a large part in defining the character of the landscape and the individuality of particular settlements. A significant heritage asset is the Grade II* flight of locks, various listed buildings associated with the Grand Union Canal (a conservation area), and the Inclined Plane Scheduled Monument. We want to prevent the gradual erosion of the historic environment by avoiding piecemeal or cumulative developments that could weaken the integrity of conservation areas and the landscape character of our district. Comment

Figure 4: Heritage assets Source: Harborough District Landscape Character Assessment, 2024

4.47 The district covers a wide area and most settlements in the district are geographically dispersed. However, there are some settlements where the potential for merging with neighbouring settlements or employment areas is of concern. Areas of Separation have been defined where the potential for coalescence is at its highest taking into account not only established development but also allocations for new development set out in this plan. The reason for creating these Areas of Separation is to ensure towns and villages maintain their unique identity and that the overall landscape character of the area – countryside interspersed with distinct towns and villages – is maintained. The overall function of Areas of Separation is to ensure that development does not harmfully reduce the separation between settlements or between settlements and employment areas. Several Neighbourhood Plans have also identified Areas of Separation with specific policies for these areas. We have updated our evidence to inform the defined Areas of Separation boundaries designated in this plan (Areas of Separation Study, 2024). Comment

4.48 While Leicester does not have a Green Belt, we have identified Green Wedges which form part of a wider network of such designations in and around the city. Green Wedges are strategic areas of land, mostly extending from Leicester into adjacent local authority areas, including Harborough District. They are largely undeveloped open land between the urban area and the surrounding countryside. Green Wedges are long-standing protections that have formed part of our planning policy for more than 30 years. They differ from Areas of Separation in that they are aimed not just at preventing the merging of settlements but also at guiding development, providing a 'green lung' into the urban area of the City and facilitating recreational opportunities. Only development which supports these functions is allowed within Green Wedges. In Harborough District, they are valued by the communities living near them, helping to retain a village character in areas adjacent to the Leicester urban area. We carried out a review of existing Green Wedge designations to inform the definition of appropriate boundaries (Green Wedge Assessment, 2024). Comment

Our reasons for this policy

4.49 Getting infrastructure planning right is top priority for our current residents and no doubt our future ones too. It is also essential to the success of our businesses. If we are going to achieve our vision and objectives, we, along with the County Council, Infrastructure providers and developers, need to make sure that the infrastructure is in place to enable the development strategy outlined in this Chapter especially as it relates to housing and employment growth. Comment

4.50 As a Council, our control around many aspects of service delivery is limited. But the policy is intended to make sure the Council through its planning powers enables better access to important infrastructure and services. We want to make sure new and existing communities have access to the local green spaces, health facilities and other services they need. We want to keep our vehicles moving and, wherever practical, provide reliable, more environmentally friendly ways to travel. Comment

4.51 This list of infrastructure requirements and the infrastructure identified in the policy is not exhaustive. We cannot either list or anticipate all infrastructure and the models for delivering services from them over the life of the plan. This will be affected by demographic changes; demand for school places for example is highly sensitive to birth rates. However, the requirements identified are some of the most critical to supporting development in the early stage of the plan. We will keep this under review through updates to our Infrastructure Delivery Plan throughout the Local Plan period. Comment

4.52 The key projects identified are in response to our assessment of existing 'baseline' capacity and projected demand from the growth outlined in Policy DS01 (see Harborough Infrastructure Delivery Plan, 2025). This evidence highlights that: Comment

• There is the potential for increased demand in highways
• The public transport system's capacity is variable, particularly in rural areas.
• New secondary school places and post 16 provision is needed in Market Harborough and Principal Leicester Urban Area, along with primary school places, and pressure is being felt in other hotspots like Lutterworth, Kibworth, and Broughton Astley
• With the anticipated population increase by 2041, there will be more pressure on our existing Open Spaces, and we have an aspiration to provide accessible green spaces within a 10-minute walk of residential areas to promote active lifestyles and mental wellbeing.
• Local participation rates in sports are higher than national averages and we expect higher demand for sports facilities from new residents and workers, but there is already shortfall in sports facilities, particularly in Kibworth and Market Harborough. Poor quality pitches and facilities have been identified especially for football, rugby and cricket with a requirement for an additional 3G pitch for football. Contributions will be sought from new development to address identified issues. (highlighted in Playing Pitch Strategy 2022 and the PPS stage E review 2024).
• NHS partners know our GP surgeries are constrained; healthcare services will be necessary for future developments.
• Community groups, accommodating a range of provision including youth provision, have reached capacity due to increased local demand, increased population will exacerbate this issue.
• A longstanding need for new cemetery provision is now becoming acute

4.53 Potential expanded wastewater treatment capacity may be required in Market Harborough. We have already identified significant demand on the highways network and working with the relevant highways authorities have developed a strategic approach to mitigation. Our expectation is that this will be funded by development, where needed, to address development impacts. We will continue to work with partners to develop bids and business cases to secure public funding of projects alongside this. Comment

4.54 This policy also ensures that all developments, which collectively increase the demand for strategic transport infrastructure, contribute fairly to its provision in line with legal requirements (whether in accordance with the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 as amended or legislation that supersedes this). We want to be clear upfront about our expectations for contributions from developments for transport, affordable housing, education, community facilities, health as well as other requirements. The Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (HDC, 2022) provides further information and advice to developers on the strategic mitigation requirements including measures we take to ensure mitigation requirements are directly and fairly related to the scale of development being proposed. We will review this document and update it when necessary. Comment

4.55 It is important that cumulative infrastructure impacts and requirements, and the opportunities for a coordinated approach to infrastructure provision arising from clusters of development are considered in a comprehensive manner by developers. For the clusters of development listed above in Policy DS05 the Council will require evidence to be submitted in the form of a Joint Infrastructure Framework in support of planning applications to demonstrate that a comprehensive approach to infrastructure impact assessment and a coordinated approach to provision, in particular for transport, education, health and green infrastructure has been followed. Comment

4.56 Our requirements for developer contributions are to address the impacts of development and are informed by the infrastructure priorities identified in Policy DS03 and as well as: Comment

• The affordable housing needs detailed in Policy HN01
• Training and Procurement Plans to support local employment and skills development, fostering economic growth and community development highlighted in Policy DS02

4.57 We have extensively tested the likely costs of these requirements as part of the preparation of this Local Plan to make sure they are proportionate and fair and, critically, deliverable. Our analysis confirms that such contributions are viable for the scales and types of developments identified (see Harborough Local Plan Viability Assessment) Comment

4.58 Finally, we expect upgrades to utilities infrastructure, such as water supply, drainage, and electricity, should be made in good time to accommodate new developments without overloading existing systems. Failure to do so will detrimentally affect new as well as existing residents and businesses. Comment