Regulation 19 - Proposed Draft Local Plan Submission

Object

Representation ID: 13996

Received: 06/05/2025

Respondent: Bloor Homes East Midlands

Agent: Stantec

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

Bloor Homes do not support policy DM08 as currently proposed and request that the policy is reviewed,
with elements on rainwater storage and 20% runoff rates being specified further. It is considered that
policy DM08 has not been positively prepared, is not justified or based on sound evidence, as per
paragraph 36 of the NPPF. We therefore reserve the right to comment on this once further information is
made available.

Object

Representation ID: 13998

Received: 06/05/2025

Respondent: Bloor Homes East Midlands

Agent: Stantec

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

When reviewing policy DM09 it is considered that the wording includes no flexibility and fails to have regard to
viability and individual development proposals. As such, Bloor Homes do not support the policy as currently
drafted.

Support

Representation ID: 14001

Received: 06/05/2025

Respondent: Bloor Homes East Midlands

Agent: Stantec

Whilst Bloor Homes support the principle of the policy and securing a mandatory requirement of 10% BNG, it
is considered that the policy as currently worded does not provide any flexibility and sets an absolute
requirement.
Recommendations are made to amend the wording of draft policy DM10 to ensure that it is sound and justified,
as per the tests set out at paragraph 36 of the NPPF

Support

Representation ID: 14005

Received: 06/05/2025

Respondent: Bloor Homes East Midlands

Agent: Stantec

The Local Plan vision for Harborough sets out the Council’s vision for how the District will evolve from the period 2020 – 2041. The Council state that “by 2041, the communities and residents of Harborough District will have benefitted from the development of new homes and workspaces whilst the place maintains its mainly rural character”. Bloor Homes support the recognition by the Council that the delivery of new homes will bring about a range of benefits for residents and the local community.

Paragraph 22 of the National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’) (December 2024) informs that strategic policies should look ahead over a minimum 15 year period from adoption to anticipate and respond to long-term requirements and opportunities. The Council issued an
updated Local Development Scheme (‘LDS’) (February 2025) on 3rd March 2025 which sets out the timetable for the preparation of the new Local Plan. The LDS proposes the following timetable:
• Regulation 18 Issues and Options Consultation – January / February 2024;
• Regulation 19 and 20 Proposed Submission Local Plan Consultation – March – May 2025;
• Regulation 22 Submission Local Plan for Examination – September / October 2025; and
• Regulation 26 Local Plan Adoption – October – December 2026.

As currently proposed, the LDS recognises the need to comply with paragraph 22 of the NPPF and anticipates that the new Local Plan will be adopted by December 2026. A Plan period of 15 years is therefore proposed to 2041. Albeit should any delays be anticipated to the proposed timetable for the new Local Plan which prevents a minimum period of 15 years post adoption, the Council would need to take this into account and have due regard. However, like many stakeholders, we consider it vital that the new Local Plan is adopted as soon as possible and
avoids any further delays.

The Local Plan vision goes on to inform that new development will complement the established townscape and offer a range of housing options, including affordable housing. To ensure that new development serves to complement the established townscape, proposals should be focused in the most sustainable locations, adjacent to existing development, such as the Site. This is supported by Bloor Homes.

The vision also recognises the need for residents in new communities to benefit from improved access to local services and community provision, including healthcare, education and recreational facilities. To enable these provisions to come forward, it is considered that the
delivery of large developments, such as the Site, will ensure that these provisions are delivered in the right location, and new communities are suitably supported. The development proposals will provide land for parkland, public open space and allotments and sustainable connections to the range of local services and facilities within Great Glen. As such, this is supported by Bloor Homes.

The vision then concludes that residents will shape new development across the District through effective community engagement and proactive neighbourhood planning. This approach is supported by Bloor Homes who have a strong track record of community engagement. Bloor Homes are currently liaising with Harborough District Council through the pre-application route and would look to engage with the Great Glen Parish Council as discussions progress. As detailed in the concept masterplan, the development would provide community facilities such as allotments and parkland.

On whole, Bloor Homes support the vision for the Draft Local Plan and its timely adoption.

Support

Representation ID: 14006

Received: 06/05/2025

Respondent: Bloor Homes East Midlands

Agent: Stantec

As set out at paragraph 1.3 of the Draft Local Plan Consultation Document, the new Government requires every Local Planning Authority to have an up to date Local Plan. From previous discussions with Officers, it was confirmed that Harborough District Council are seeking to
progress the Draft Local Plan under the transitional arrangements set out at Annex 1 of the. It is therefore acknowledged that the new Local Plan will need to meet 80% of the Standard Method requirements and will be examined under the previous version of the NPPF
(December 2023). This is further recognised at paragraph 1.8 of the Draft Local Plan Consultation Document. Notwithstanding this, a future planning application that is submitted for THE SITE will be considered and determined under the updated NPPF (December 2024).

For the purpose of this submission therefore, any further references to the NPPF will be to the 2023 version unless stated otherwise.

Support

Representation ID: 14008

Received: 06/05/2025

Respondent: Bloor Homes East Midlands

Agent: Stantec

On the whole, Bloor Homes support the Local Plan objectives in principle and their ability to meet the longer-term vision for Leicester and Leicestershire. It is considered that the development proposals at Land off Stretton Road contribute significantly towards meeting the development objectives and regard should be had to this by the Council.

Support

Representation ID: 14020

Received: 06/05/2025

Respondent: Bloor Homes East Midlands

Agent: Stantec

The Harborough Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation is accompanied by an updated Policies Map which illustrates site allocations and designations within the District.

The Site is not allocated or subject to any formal designations. As outlined within this report, Bloor Homes consider it necessary for the Council to allocate additional sites within the District for housing, with the Site representing an unconstrained and deliverable option in a sustainable location. Should the Site be reviewed, Bloor Homes reserve the right to comment further as the Draft Local Plan progresses.