News and features from Harborough District Council - February 2025

Draft local plan on track for publication

Harborough District Council has confirmed that it’s on track to publish its draft local plan as part of its Cabinet papers on 12 February 2025.

The council has also announced that it plans to extend its public consultation on the draft plan beyond the six-week statutory minimum to an eight-week period to give local residents, businesses and local groups plenty of time to read and respond to the draft plan.
 
The Government announced its response to the recent National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation before Christmas 2024. As Harborough District Council was at an advanced stage with its draft local plan, the council is able to continue with its plan-making under the old NPPF and previous housing numbers. 
 
The draft local plan will go to Cabinet on 20 February 2025 and subject to it being approved by Cabinet, it will go to Council on 3 March 2025.
 
If Council agree, the draft local plan will then move to an eight-week public consultation in March 2025.

Garden Waste Subscription Service is now open

The Garden Waste collection subscription service is now open. 

As part of service improvements, you no longer need an account or password to sign up to the service and recurring payments are no longer taken automatically.

To get the best value for your subscription please ensure you sign up by 23 March 2025, before the 2025/2026 collection season begins in April 2025.

You can put grass cuttings, leaves, flowers, weeds, twigs, and small branches in your green wheeled bin which is collected fortnightly from the kerbside outside your home.

Review our budget proposals

Residents and businesses are encouraged to have their say on Harborough District Council's draft budget proposals for 2025/26. We are also consulting on the council’s draft Empty Homes Strategy, including changes to Council Tax Exemptions and Discounts, as part of the budget consultation.

The consultation will run until 9am on Monday 10 February 2025.

Please share your views and comment on this survey

Have your say on ways to make space for nature

People are being asked to share their views on an ambitious new strategy to make space for nature across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.

The draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) has been developed by Leicestershire County Council and partners to protect nature and allow it to recover by preserving and improving habitats and biodiversity. 

The consultation is looking for input from residents, farmers, landowners and other interested groups on the draft strategy, which sets out practical actions to boost the area’s wildlife and natural spaces.

The main points include:

• A big picture look at how habitat loss, shrinking species populations and the effects of climate change can be tackled

• The priority habitats and species that need urgent attention

• What action is needed to build a healthier, more connected natural environment

• Creating space for nature to flourish while supporting local people and their livelihood

Developed with input from local councils, environmental groups, farmers, landowners, and the community, the draft strategy also highlights important habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and urban green spaces, along with key species that need help.

Responses to the consultation, which runs until Friday 28 February, will be used to develop the final version of the LNRS, which will be published in the summer. 

Property investments to tackle homelessness 

More homeless people will be helped following Harborough District Council’s purchases of privately owned properties.

By bolstering its own supply of housing stock the council will be able to provide clean, safe and secure temporary accommodation for those most in need.

A mixture of one, two and three bedroom homes have been acquired in Lutterworth, Fleckney and Broughton Astley with further opportunities being explored to buy in other locations across the Harborough district.

Flying the Flag this February

Throughout February to mark LGBT+ History Month we are flying the Progress Flag at The Symington Building in support of our LGBT+ communities.

We recognise that LGBT+ people continue to experience barriers in everyday life and want to demonstrate our commitment to eliminating all forms of discrimination and prejudice.

No one should experience prejudice or hate for who they are, and we all have a role to play in challenging and ending discrimination homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in our communities.

For more information about local LGBTQ+ events or support groups visit the Leicestershire LGBT+ Centre website at: www.leicestershirelgbtqcentre.org

Gartree 4: Latest update from Ministry of Justice

With the start of the new year, works on site will continue as part of the ‘enabling works’ phase which means that there will be an increase in site presence and physical activity. I have recently written out to residents to provide them with an update on what they may see on and around site in the coming months- these works are summarised below:

Works will take place on Welland Avenue. This includes drainage, ducting and kerbing and installation of a box culvert (a structure to drain water), works on the main car park, installation of ducts and cable by National Grid Electricity Distribution and installation of hoarding with access maintained for members of the public.

Further site works will also continue. This will include, but not be limited to, demolition of the existing building on the prison site, native shrub planting for the newest artificial badger sett, continuation of works on the new north access road from Gallow Field Road and installation of acoustic fencing behind Stuart Crescent.

In early February, traffic management will be in place to create a bellmouth (a road entrance) off Gallow Field Road. This will reduce Gallow Field Road to a single lane, with traffic lights, whilst works take place. Access for the public will be maintained and this is expected to take seven weeks.

We continue to listen and respond to feedback received on the works carried out to date. We are working closely with key stakeholders to address issues and make changes wherever we can, including additional signage and CCTV to manage construction traffic more effectively.

You can contact my team via email (psdenquiries@justicegov.uk) should you have any questions, queries or suggestions, including on how you would like to be kept up to date on progress.

James Smith
Senior Responsible Owner, New Prisons Programme

Keeping healthy and active this winter  

There are some simple steps you can take to stay safe and healthy at this time of year – from preparing your home or business to taking care of yourself, your family and neighbours.

Sign up to receive weather alerts from the Met Office. They also provide some useful advice and tips covering everything from how to prevent frozen pipes to what to do in the event of a flood, helping you to be prepared and ready in the event of severe weather. Remember to check on friends and neighbours, especially if they are vulnerable and could need some support.

Look after your mental and physical health and make the most of the natural light by going out for a walk. There are some beautiful walks across the Harborough district, or you could join a local walking group & make some new friends too.

Find local routes & walking groups or download free Harborough heritage trails and Kibworth walking trail.

Alternatively please check out this range of accessible exercise and groups available locally.