Regulation 19 - Proposed Draft Local Plan Submission

9. Monitoring and Delivery

9.1 We have carefully considered how policies within the Harborough Local Plan will be implemented. We have made sure that each policy is practical, achievable, and aligned with our district's unique needs and resources. Comment

Monitoring the Local Plan

9.2 To ensure the Local Plan remains responsive and continues to meet its objectives, we will monitor social, economic and environmental changes, development and infrastructure delivery against the plan's vision, policies and targets. The monitoring framework detailed in Appendix 3, will help us track the progress of policy implementation and assess how effective our strategies are. We will use key indicators and performance metrics to measure outcomes and identify any areas where adjustments might be needed. We will report on Local Plan implementation through an Authority Monitoring Report, which will be published on our website. Comment

9.3 Policies in the Local Plan will be reviewed at least every five years taking account of factors identified by the NPPF or other national guidance in place at the time of the review, and our monitoring framework. In addition, an early Local Plan update (full or partial) will be initiated in the following circumstances: Comment

Adoption of a SoCG relating to unmet housing or employment need

9.4 Once the scale of any further unmet housing or employment need within the Leicester and Leicestershire Housing Market Area is clarified, the seven Leicestershire authorities will be in a position to agree how it will be apportioned through the preparation and adoption of a SoCG. Comment

Publication of a Local Plan in the Leicester & Leicestershire Housing Market Area evidencing unmet housing need

9.5 Where no SoCG has been adopted, this trigger commits the Council to a full or partial review of this Local Plan within 12 months of the date of publication of a Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation in the Leicester & Leicestershire Housing Market Area, providing that it is accompanied by robust evidence of unmet housing need. This is a fall-back position to ensure that work is commenced on a full or partial review as soon as any unmet housing need is quantified through publication of a relevant Local Plan, in the event that Leicestershire local authorities have no agreed apportionment of such unmet need at that time. Comment

Adoption of a SoCG relating to strategic distribution

9.6 This Local Plan identifies and plans for a scale of strategic distribution (or large-scale warehousing) informed by the latest evidence of need available. However, the fast-paced nature of this sector combined with the outstanding decision on the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange means the scale of need for this sector across Leicester and Leicestershire is still emerging. As such, provision within this Local Plan is made to address the current known quantum of need within this plan period, with this trigger in place to review and address any significantly greater agreed need. Comment

Monitoring based on key indicators

9.7 Where the monitoring of key indicators, as set out in the monitoring framework, demonstrates significant and persistent shortfalls in the delivery or supply of housing against the housing requirement this will trigger the need for a review. Comment

9.8 Should the statutory review indicate that the Local Plan requires a partial or full update, we will seek to commence the update within 6 months of this scenario becoming established. By incorporating these review mechanisms, we ensure that our Local Plan can adapt to changing circumstances and continue to guide sustainable development effectively. This aligns with our vision of maintaining Harborough's attractive countryside and vibrant communities while fostering growth and enhancing quality of life for everyone in our district. Comment

9.9 The Monitoring Framework in Appendix 3 includes 5 year housing land supply as a key indicator. The NPPF (2024) requires local planning authorities to identify and update annually a supply of specific deliverable sites sufficient to provide a minimum of five years' worth of housing against their housing requirement, or against their local housing need where the strategic policies are more than five years old and need updating. The purpose of the 5 year housing land supply is to provide an indication of whether there are sufficient sites available to meet the housing requirement. It is therefore an important monitoring tool to ensure the Local Plan remains on track to deliver the housing requirement in Policy DS01. Comment

9.10 Where the 5 year housing land supply is calculated against the housing requirement in Policy DS01, past shortfalls or over-supply in housing completions against the housing requirement will be calculated from the base date of the plan (2020), and taken into account when calculating the 5 year housing land supply. If there is a shortfall it will be added to the housing requirement for the next 5 year period (the Sedgefield approach). If there is an over-supply it will be removed from the requirement over the remaining plan period (the Liverpool approach). This ensures a shortfall in housing completions against the housing requirement can be made-up quickly and any oversupply is spread over a longer period preventing significant short-term reductions in the requirement that could make delivering the housing requirement more challenging. This approach to the 5 year housing supply will be used to inform Development Management decisions and manage housing delivery over the plan period to ensure the housing requirement in Policy DS01 is met. Comment

Partnership working and engagement

9.11 We know that the successful implementation of our Local Plan relies on working closely with a wide range of partners. We value our collaborations with developers, infrastructure providers, local communities, and other organisations. However, for many of our objectives we will be reliant on the actions of developers and other organisations, such as key infrastructure providers like the NHS. Comment

9.12 Our Statement of Community Involvement explains more about how we approach consultation and engagement on planning matters. There are two statutory milestones of public consultation, known as Regulation 18 'Issues and Options', and Regulation 19 'Proposed Submission Draft'. Both consultations have been carefully planned to meet regulatory requirements and publicised to raise awareness and encourage participation from local residents, our Parishes, neighbouring authorities, infrastructure providers and the development industry. In addition to public consultations, advice and oversight in the preparation of this local plan has been provided throughout by a steering group of elected Ward Members, known as the Local Plan Advisory Panel. Comment

Neighbourhood planning

9.13 Neighbourhood plans play a particularly important role alongside the Local Plan, supporting its implementation, and achieving community priorities. Our Neighbourhood Plans: Comment

• Provide local insights by capturing the specific needs and desires of local communities, ensuring that development is tailored to fit the character and requirements of each area.
• Help direct at a more local scale where new homes, shops, and offices should be built and outline what new buildings should look like to complement existing townscapes and landscapes.
• Can provide direction on need for provisions for improving local facilities, such as parks and community centres to enhance the quality of life for residents.

9.14 We are proud to have one of the highest numbers of Neighbourhood Plans in the country, demonstrating the strong commitment of our communities to actively participate in shaping their future. This grassroots involvement is essential to achieving the vision outlined in our Local Plan, fostering vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities that enhance the quality of life for everyone in the Harborough District. Comment

9.15 If you are part of a group preparing neighbourhood plans and want to allocate housing sites, Appendix 4 identifies the housing target by neighbourhood areas. You can access more information and guidance here: [Harborough District Council Neighbourhood Planning] Comment

Viability

9.16 It is important to ensure that the viability of our policies is a key focus for the local plan. We have looked closely at the viability of all our policies, especially those with significant impacts, as highlighted in the preceding chapters. Our comprehensive viability assessments have shown that these policies are not only realistic but also implementable. This includes ensuring our strategies for infrastructure, housing, and economic development will effectively support our vision for a sustainable and vibrant community. Comment