Leicester City Council is currently undertaking public consultation into its latest Local Plan, which will guide its planning policies and land use up until 2031.

The council has to draw up Local Plans every few years, to set out how it will adapt to ongoing changes such as population growth, the need to provide new jobs, houses and schools, and other infrastructure needed to support a thriving, growing city. It will look at subjects including where and when new housing should be built. It will also examine employment needs, including encouraging investment, creating new jobs and use of existing employment land.

The Local Plan will also explore the city’s transport needs, such as future transport options, tackling congestion and improving air quality.

The greater Leicester urban area is one of the fastest growing in the country, with a population of about 650,000, of which 350,000 live within the city council area. Some of the Issues to be addressed in the local plan include:

• Land needed for office and business space to create jobs
• The land needed to cope with extra housing needed for a growing population
• The quality of open space in the city
• Where new shopping facilities could be located
• Sites suitable for student accommodation
• Creating a prosperous, thriving city centre
• Improvements to transport options
• Regeneration, including the city’s Waterside area

This consultation is the very first stage of the process which is expected to last about 18 months. Views given will be used to form the first draft Local Plan, which will then go out for further public consultation. Why not come along and have the opportunity to express your views.