IMR 2b.

On behalf of my client, Richborough Estates, I write to submit representations to the consultation on the Harborough District Local Plan: Submission Version. These representations relate to land Richborough is currently promoting for residential development at Kimcote Road, Gilmorton. The site was subject to a recent outline planning application for up to 43 houses (ref 17/00885/OUT), which now has a resolution to grant planning consent following the meeting of Planning Committee on 3 October 2017.
We support the strategic priorities identified in the Local Plan, and in particular the objective of meeting housing needs for both Harborough District and the wider Leicester and Leicestershire Housing Market Area (HMA). However, the local planning authority must ensure that the strategy taken to meeting these priorities takes full account of the most recent evidence of housing need for the HMA, and in particular the fact that both Leicester City and Oadby and Wigston District Councils have confirmed that they will not be able to meet their full needs within their own administrative areas.
If the Harborough Local Plan is to be adopted in advance of the extent of unmet need being confirmed, or its distribution between the remaining authorities in the HMA being agreed, a firm policy commitment must be made to undertake a prompt review of the Local Plan to address these matters at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, and in anticipation of the role Harborough is expected to play in meeting unmet need in the HMA, it would be prudent for the overall level of development and range of identified sites to be increased. Such an approach will ensure that the Local Plan is sound at the time of examination, and capable of providing the certainty and plan-led approach which is required.
The distribution of development set out in Policy SS1 The Spatial Strategy, and in particular the identification of Selected Rural Villages (SRVs) to accommodate appropriate levels of growth, is supported. However, consideration should be given to the allocation in the Local Plan of sites across all tiers of the settlement hierarchy for which growth is planned. For SRVs where options for growth are limited, and/or Neighbourhood Plans which allocate housing sites are not being taken forward, the allocation of sites in the Local Plan will ensure the delivery of sufficient levels of development across the full range of the settlement hierarchy. This will reduce the risk of certain settlements and tiers of the hierarchy not making their required contribution to meeting Harborough's housing requirements, and ensure that the plan is both effective and positively prepared. The failure to make such allocations could risk the plan not being found sound.
We broadly support the distribution of development as defined in Policy H1 Provision of New Housing, and the proposed levels of development in the SRVs being expressed as minima. We also support the identification of Gilmorton as a SRV, which correctly reflects the range of services and facilities available in the village and confirms its sustainability and suitability as a location for growth.
The deliverability of Richborough Estates' site at Kimcote Road is demonstrated by the Planning Committee's resolution to grant planning consent on 3 October 2017, subject to completion of a Section 106 agreement which is now close to being finalised. It is anticipated that the site will be marketed before the end of 2017, to enable to swift submission of reserved matters and commencement of delivery on this sustainable site in 2018.
I trust these representations are of assistance and will be taken into consideration. If you have any queries or require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact me.