Parishes may get more say on how land used

PARISH councils could get more of a say in where new housing developments are created in their areas.

The move would be in addition to powers parish bodies already have within any neighbourhood plan.

Looking at the future needs of Hinckley and Bosworth up to 2036 the borough council is considering giving parishes a larger role in the growth of residential areas.

Many parishes are already actively pursuing neighbourhood plans which will have to be formally taken into account when deciding on any change within the community, whether that be economic or industrial additions or new homes.

Now as well as this in its draft Local Plan, the borough is seeking to broaden parish involvement.

A borough spokesman said: “We are considering a policy position in which the distribution pat- tern for new development is determined by parish councils and the borough council. Under this option, for the Local Plan period, local parishes will be expected to put forward an annual figure for the number of new homes, employment and other land uses that they will bring forward through their neighbourhood development plans.

“The cumulative figure will then be offset against our borough’s objectively assessed hous- ing need to establish a residual figure. The Local Plan will distribute, through its spatial strategy, the residual housing, employment and other land uses. In some areas, this will be in addition to what is included in a neighbourhood plan.”

This is just one option the borough council is looking at to guide policy on future growth.

The draft Local Plan will be going out to public consultation soon.