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Planning policy evidence base

The following documents provide a local evidence base on the key social, economic and environmental characteristics and issues of the city that helps to inform us in our preparation and delivery of the Local Plan.

Green wedge review

The Green Wedge review assesses the character of the Green Wedges within the city.

Playing pitch strategy

The playing pitch strategy and action plan is a jointly prepared report for Sport England, Leicester and Rutland Sport and for us to assess the demand and supply of sports facilities within Leicester area.

Site assessment methodology and proposed assessment criteria

The site assessment methodology and proposed assessment criteria document describes the process of how sites will be put forward as allocations and designations in the new local plan.

Gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople accommodation assessment

The 2016 gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople accommodation assessment (GTAA) provides a robust assessment of current and future need for gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople accommodation in Leicestershire.

Employment land study

The employment land study is a strategic assessment of economic development needs including an assessment of existing employment land and local information in respect of the Leicester office market, Cultural Quarter, Pioneer Park and textiles sector.

Housing and economic development needs assessment

The housing and economic development needs assessment (HEDNA) assesses future housing needs, the scale of future economic growth and the quantity of land and floorspace required for B-class economic development uses between 2011 and 2031 and 36.

Open space, sport and recreation study

The open space, sport and recreation study (OSSR) provides evidence of publically accessible open space in Leicester, and sets the city in the context of open space provision in the county. It also asks questions about open space provision and the requirements going forwards.

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

To view the SHLAA and associated information see the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment page.

Climate change evidence base study

The climate change evidence vase study provides the evidence base to develop planning policies for climate change and renewable energy for the emerging local plan.

Town centre and retail study

The town centre and retail study is a joint report prepared on behalf of us  and Blaby District Council which assesses the current retail centres and looking at work additional retail capacity is needed up to 2031.

Surface water management plan

The surface water management plan is a framework document which helps to understand what the main causes of flooding are within Leicester. Surface water flooding contained within this document covers flooding from sewers, drains, groundwater, and run off from land, watercourses and ditches.

Strategic flood risk assessment (SFRA)

The strategic flood risk assesses the flood risk to the city of Leicester and brings the best available flood risk information. This Level 2 SFRA also assesses specific flood risks to strategic regeneration areas (SRAs) and potential major development sites around Leicester.

Local transport plan 2011-2026

The local transport plan (LTP3) sets out the council's transport policies for delivering a sustainable highways network. It also sets out future highways investment priorities as well ways to reduced vehicle based air pollution.

Study about the strategic warehousing and logistics sector

This study about the strategic warehousing and logistics sector in the county was jointly commissioned by the Leicester & Leicestershire authorities and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.  The study has been prepared by G L Hearn in partnership with MDS Transmodal and Iceni Projects.

The study provides a comprehensive and up to date analysis of the strategic distribution sector, defined as units of 9,000sqm and above, and the factors which will impact on its future operation.  In addition to using data from a wide range of sources, the consultant team engaged with developers and agents to gain insight into the operation of the property market for this sector. An important output of the study is the assessment of how much additional floorspace is likely to be needed for rail-served and road-served strategic distribution covering the period 2020 to 2041. 

A number of previous studies have been prepared on this subject, dating back to 2013. This latest study provides a comprehensive updated position with respect to the future need for floorspace and the quantum of additional land needed to accommodate it and effectively supersedes the findings in those earlier studies. 

The study will form part of the evidence base for the Leicester and Leicestershire authorities’ Local Plans. The authorities will continue their joint working on this subject with the aim of agreeing how the need for additional floorspace can best be addressed within the county.  Subject to this, it will be for individual authorities to make specific provision for the sector in their own Local Plans as appropriate.