Leicester development plan gets go-ahead
A new plan which will guide Leicester’s development over the next 15 years has been endorsed by the government. The Leicester Core Strategy will guide decisions on planning applications and allocate land for uses such as homes, offices, green spaces and shopping.
The plan, which was developed by the city council, has been judged to be effective by the government in the way it plans for the homes and job opportunities required for the city’s families and growing population.
Leicester is one of only five councils in the East Midlands to have a core strategy rated as ‘sound’ by the government.
Diana Chapman, the council’s head of planning, policy and design, said: “The plan seeks to continue regeneration of the city centre by strengthening the shopping and office areas, whilst trying to draw people onto public transport rather than always having to use a car.
“It promotes a healthy lifestyle by enabling walking and cycling and protecting the green open spaces and riverside and by linking them to where people live and work. Affordable homes will be a requirement when new housing areas are planned, as well as high eco standards and quality design, fit for the future. Development at Ashton Green to the north of the city is also supported in the strategy”.
