Minerals and Waste Local Plan

Every local authority should prepare a local plan, as required by the National Planning Policy Framework and the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended). We have a plan-led system and decisions should be taken in line with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

Leicestershire County Council makes policy for minerals and waste development.

Our development plan consists of the Leicestershire Minerals and Waste Local Plan (adopted 25 September 2019) and the relevant district or borough local plan. Any approved neighbourhood plans in the area also form part of the development plan.

Minerals and Waste Local Plan review

The Leicestershire Minerals and Waste Local Plan (LMWLP) was adopted in September 2019. Plans need to be up to date to be effective. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states policies in local plans should be reviewed to assess whether they need updating at least once every 5 years and should then be updated as necessary. As the LMWLP was adopted in September 2019, this means that Leicestershire County Council is required to undertake a review by September 2024.

A review was carried out during 2022 and its results reported to Cabinet on 17 November 2022. An early Review was carried out for a variety of reasons. These include Government changes including to environmental legislation; the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill (LURB); and a variety of local factors such as the delivery of the Newhurst EfW and low sand and gravel reserves.

Whilst the Newhurst facility is currently under construction, it has not been delivered within the expected timescales. The current LMWLP commits to a review of the plan where the 2020/21 deadline is not met.

The LMWLP was examined against the NPPF 2012. The NPPF has been updated in July 2018, February 2019 and July 2021. A Government consultation on further changes to the NPPF is currently underway.

The Review assessed whether the LMWLP policies, vision and objectives remain effective and up to date. It concludes that the LMWLP is performing well, including at appeal, and its implementation is delivering sustainable minerals and waste development in Leicestershire as intended.

We provide guidance and support for communities in neighbourhood planning.

Leicestershire has 7 district and borough councils, and each has its own local plan for the area.

Find your district council

National planning guidance

National planning guidance can also inform decisions on planning proposals. The most recent national planning guidelines are: 

National Planning Policy Framework

Planning practice guidance

National planning policy for waste

Adoption notification

In accordance with the local planning regulations, the following documents are available:

Hard copies of the above documents are available for inspection at:

County Hall
Glenfield
Leicester
LE3 8RA

between the following hours:

Monday-Thursday: 8.30am - 5pm
Friday:  8.30am - 4.30pm 

Members of the public wishing to view the documents at County Hall are advised to contact the planning team by email planningcontrol@leics.gov.uk or phone 0116 305 1085.