Regulation 19 - Proposed Draft Local Plan Submission

The Plan should be amended at the least in two specific ways:

1. Retain Local Plan Policy L1 – East of Lutterworth SDA, from the adopted Local Plan; Appendix 1 of the SDLP currently proposes it is replaced.
2. Identify the SDA on the Policies Map as a Major Committed Strategic Development Area on the Policies Map. This is the approach for the currently adopted Local Plan to major housing commitments, such as at Market Harborough.

In addition, the explanation to DS1 at 4.15 could be further amplified on this basis to provide clarity to the public and decision makers about the importance of the Lutterworth East to the growth of the town and the district.

The Submission Draft Local Plan (SDLP) sets out a spatial strategy for where future growth will be allocated and directed, primarily based on residual development requirements, taking account of the committed supply pipeline.
An element of this committed supply is made up of the East of Lutterworth Strategic Development Area (Lutterworth East). This is a strategic site in the currently adopted Local Plan, delivering up to 2750 homes, commercial land, community uses and green infrastructure.
Outline planning permission for the entirety of the Lutterworth East was granted in May 2022, and also includes full permission for vehicular access and spine road infrastructure.
The Housing Trajectory at Appendix 5 of the SDLP includes 1,500 units delivered within the plan period to 2041 for Lutterworth East.
Leicestershire County Council Strategic Property Services (LCC SPS) are actively pursuing the implementation and delivery of the Site and working in partnership with Harborough District Council to do so. This includes amendments to the original planning permission in respect of logistics space and affordable housing provision, which received resolution to grant in December 2024.
At present commencement of development is anticipated in 2027/28, starting with commercial development adjacent to the A4304, residential development is anticipated to commence in 2029/30 with first completions in 2030/31. LCC SPS will enter into a Statement of Common Ground with the Council closer to the start Examination of the SDLP, to provide an up-to-date position on likely commencement and delivery timescales.
Given the scale of development, the importance of the delivery of Lutterworth East, and the SDLP Spatial Strategy’s implicit reliance upon the Site, the Plan is not considered justified or effective without clearer recognition. The Plan should be amended at the least in two specific ways:

1. Retain Local Plan Policy L1 – East of Lutterworth SDA, from the adopted Local Plan; Appendix 1 of the SDLP currently proposes it is replaced.
2. Identify the SDA on the Policies Map as a Major Committed Strategic Development Area on the Policies Map. This is the approach for the currently adopted Local Plan to major housing commitments, such as at Market Harborough.

In addition, the explanation to DS1 at 4.15 could be further amplified on this basis to provide clarity to the public and decision makers about the importance of the Lutterworth East to the growth of the town and the district.