The Local Plan Committee of North West Leicestershire Council was scheduled to discuss a new Good Design Guide for the district and an update on Local Plan policies. The meeting's agenda also included the consideration of several site allocation policies for strategic warehousing and updates on housing types and mix, parking policies, and the long-term management of community assets.

Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire

The committee was scheduled to consider the formal adoption of the Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This guide, developed with input from various stakeholders including the National Forest Company and Leicestershire County Council Highways, aims to provide clear guidance on the council's expectations for the design of new developments. The document covers aspects such as context, movement, nature, and the creation of attractive public spaces, aligning with national planning policy and the National Model Design Code. The report indicated that minor modifications had been made following consultation, including updates requested by the Council's Waste Services Team regarding bin sizes and colours. The adoption of this guide was recommended by the Cabinet on 24 March 2026.

Local Plan Policies Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on various Local Plan policies. This included the proposed policy wording for seven strategic warehousing site allocations: Land south of East Midlands Airport (EMP90), Land north of Remembrance Way, Kegworth (EMP73 part), Land south of Kegworth bypass (EMP97), Land between Ellistown Terrace Road and Wood Road, Battram (EMP98), Land north of J11 (Mercia Park II) (EMP82), Land north-east of J11 A42 (EMP83/84/94), and Land at Corkscrew Lane (J13 A42) (EMP80). For each of these sites, specific requirements regarding design, landscaping, amenity, and transport were outlined.

The committee was also scheduled to discuss Policy H4: Housing Types and Mix, with proposed amendments reflecting updated evidence on housing needs and consultation responses. This policy aims to ensure a suitable mix of housing types and sizes, including provision for older people and accessible homes.

An update to Policy IF8 – Parking and New Development was also on the agenda, specifically addressing lorry parking. This policy aims to support the development of appropriate lorry parks and facilities, particularly in light of identified shortages in the district, while also considering the loss of existing facilities.

Furthermore, a new policy on the Long-Term Management of Community Assets and Stewardship was scheduled for discussion. This policy seeks to ensure that new open spaces, community facilities, and green or blue infrastructure provided through development are properly managed and maintained in the long term, with clear governance and funding mechanisms.

Policy AP1: Design of New Development was also to be considered, setting out the council's expectations for high-quality design in all new developments, with a requirement to adhere to the North West Leicestershire Good Design Guide.

Finally, updates to Policy IW1, the allocation policy for the Isley Woodhouse New Settlement, were scheduled for discussion. This policy outlines detailed requirements for the development of this significant strategic allocation, covering housing mix, employment uses, education provision, community facilities, open space, and infrastructure.

The meeting also included a public question and answer session and the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 18 March 2026.