The adopted development framework is the Leicester City Core Strategy which was adopted in 2014. Leicester City are currently in the process of preparing a new Local Plan which has recently been examined by the appointed Inspector in November 2024.
The adopted Core Strategy provides direction for growth for Leicester City up until 2026. The Core Strategy set out a housing target of 25,600 dwellings to be provided between 2006 and 2026, with 25% to be delivered through non-strategic sites in the city.
The emerging Leicester Local Plan 2020-2036 is currently at an advanced stage in its preparation, with the Inspectors’ Post Hearing Letter being published on the 6th of January 2025. Within the submission Plan, it is stated that there is a need for 39,424 dwellings across the duration of the Plan. However, only a supply of 21,118 dwellings is available, resulting in an unmet need of 18,694 dwellings. The land off Heacham Drive, Leicester is a draft allocation within the emerging Plan for the development of approximately 53 dwellings (site reference: 1042 Land off Heacham Drive, Leicester (Phase 2)), with the updated Housing Trajectory (Examination document reference: EXAM 111 – Housing Trajectory) expecting delivery to commence in 2027/28 and complete in 2028/29.
Although the site is identified as green space within the adopted Core Strategy, within the Inspectors’ Post Hearing Letter, the Inspectors are satisfied that the allocations located on open space within Leicester are justified in order to meet the development needs, and any impacts are capable of being mitigated for. The land off Heacham Drive, Leicester will contribute towards Leicester City’s evident housing need through the provision of 60 dwellings, 20% of which will be affordable.