One of the issues most frequently raised with me – but which I have no say over – is local planning.
While I can make an impact nationally (which I try very hard to do!), the levers of power rightfully sit with your locally elected Borough Council and Councillors, who make decisions on where local housebuilding and development takes place.
The current Borough Council has been Liberal Democrat-run since 2019, and they are responsible for local planning decisions.
Something you may have heard me talk about a lot over the last few years is the impact of not having an up-to-date Local Plan.
Local Plans control where housebuilding goes in our area, ensure that we have protections in place for our heritage and environment, and, perhaps most importantly, include provision for infrastructure (schools, GPs, roads, etc) to grow alongside these new developments. Without an up-to-date Plan – as we have found out – we are significantly exposed.
This has been compounded since the Labour Government came in, with building targets for our area increased by 59%. All while targets in Leicester City have been reduced by -31%.
Like you, I see so much housebuilding across our towns and villages, but without the infrastructure to match.
I have been calling on the Council to get an up-to-date Local Plan in place for the past six years, and now is the chance to have your say...
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has launched a consultation for the draft Local Plan and it's really important that you take part and share your views.
This is your opportunity to spell out your vision for housebuilding and new developments across Hinckley and Bosworth for the next decade and beyond!
You can complete the consultation, which is open until 5pm on Friday 28th November, here: https://www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/2025reg18
Alternatively, if you have questions about the draft Plan and would like to speak about it in person, you can attend one of the Borough Council's drop-in events 👇
- Newbold Verdon Cricket Club, Alans Way, Newbold Verdon, Saturday 25 October, 10am to 1pm
- St Simon and St Judes Church Hall, High Street, Earl Shilton, Monday 27 October, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
- Twycross Village Hall, Burton Road, Twycross, Tuesday 4 November, 4pm to 7:30pm
- Hinckley Hub, Rugby Road, Hinckley, Tuesday 25 November, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
