Policy H1 - Provision of New Housing sets out the proposed distribution by settlement for a minimum residual housing land supply of 4,660 dwellings in the plan period. Policy H1 includes two Strategic Development Areas (SDA) allocations, three site allocations in Market Harborough for 1,140 dwellings (Policies MH1 - 3) and one site allocation in Fleckney for 130 dwellings (Policy F1).

This policy outlines that Harborough District Council is able to meet all of its housing requirement within the District, evidenced by the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), 2016. The Plan, as at paragraph 5.1.5., notes that should any local authorities within the Leicester and Leicestershire HMA be unable to meet their full housing needs, because of either a lack of physical capacity or significant harm to the principles and policies of the NPPF, there will be a need to consider whether those needs can be met elsewhere within the HMA.

Given current uncertainty over the extent of any unmet need within the Leicester and Leicestershire HMA, this is not a sound basis upon which the Plan can reasonably progress. Any such unmet need must be considered fully at this stage in order to ensure compliance with the tests of soundness, and any relevant provisions of the NPPF. The Plan cannot be considered positively prepared, effective or consistent with national policy. If the Council continues with this approach, it will not have demonstrated the Duty to Co-operate.