Leicestershire
A landlocked county in the East Midlands, known for its fox-hunting heritage, rolling shires, and the city of Leicester.
Planning Permission in Leicestershire
Planning permission in Leicestershire is obtained from the relevant district or borough council. Leicester City is a separate unitary authority with its own planning service. Leicestershire County Council administers minerals and waste planning but has no role in determining residential planning applications.
Charnwood Borough Council's planning pages provide access to its adopted Local Plan (2011-2028). Policy CS2 (Spatial Strategy) and Policy CS18 (Design) are the primary policies for residential development. The council's design policies require development to be of high quality and to respond positively to the character of the local area. Within the Charnwood Forest landscape, the council expects proposals to demonstrate a design approach informed by the distinctive geology and woodland character of this nationally important landscape.
Harborough District Council's planning pages cover one of Leicestershire's most rural districts. The council's adopted Local Plan (2011-2031) includes policies that support residential development in the district's principal settlements while protecting the open countryside. The district's design policies reflect the stone vernacular of the Welland Valley - ironstone and limestone construction with Collyweston slate roofing - and the brick and tile character of the lower-lying rural areas.
Community Infrastructure Levy is charged by several Leicestershire district councils. Blaby District Council and Charnwood Borough Council both have adopted CIL schedules. The self-build exemption is available from all CIL-charging authorities for qualifying applicants. Applicants should confirm the CIL position with the relevant district council before committing to a site.
The National Forest Company's Planning Design Guide provides additional design guidance for development in the National Forest area that spans parts of North West Leicestershire District. The guide promotes the use of natural and sustainable materials, woodland integration and the creation of wildlife-friendly gardens and grounds. Self-builders in the National Forest area are encouraged to engage with this guidance from the outset of the design process.
Validation requirements across Leicestershire's district councils are broadly consistent. Core documents required for a planning application include a completed application form, location and site plans, a design and access statement, and the statutory fee. Additional site-specific requirements may include a heritage impact assessment for sites near listed buildings or in conservation areas, an ecological survey for sites with potential for protected species, and a flood risk assessment for sites in the Soar, Eye, Welland or Wreake river corridors.
Charnwood Borough Council's planning pages provide access to its adopted Local Plan (2011-2028). Policy CS2 (Spatial Strategy) and Policy CS18 (Design) are the primary policies for residential development. The council's design policies require development to be of high quality and to respond positively to the character of the local area. Within the Charnwood Forest landscape, the council expects proposals to demonstrate a design approach informed by the distinctive geology and woodland character of this nationally important landscape.
Harborough District Council's planning pages cover one of Leicestershire's most rural districts. The council's adopted Local Plan (2011-2031) includes policies that support residential development in the district's principal settlements while protecting the open countryside. The district's design policies reflect the stone vernacular of the Welland Valley - ironstone and limestone construction with Collyweston slate roofing - and the brick and tile character of the lower-lying rural areas.
Community Infrastructure Levy is charged by several Leicestershire district councils. Blaby District Council and Charnwood Borough Council both have adopted CIL schedules. The self-build exemption is available from all CIL-charging authorities for qualifying applicants. Applicants should confirm the CIL position with the relevant district council before committing to a site.
The National Forest Company's Planning Design Guide provides additional design guidance for development in the National Forest area that spans parts of North West Leicestershire District. The guide promotes the use of natural and sustainable materials, woodland integration and the creation of wildlife-friendly gardens and grounds. Self-builders in the National Forest area are encouraged to engage with this guidance from the outset of the design process.
Validation requirements across Leicestershire's district councils are broadly consistent. Core documents required for a planning application include a completed application form, location and site plans, a design and access statement, and the statutory fee. Additional site-specific requirements may include a heritage impact assessment for sites near listed buildings or in conservation areas, an ecological survey for sites with potential for protected species, and a flood risk assessment for sites in the Soar, Eye, Welland or Wreake river corridors.
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