Rutland Faces Planning Overhaul as Government Policy Shifts Housing Targets
Rutland County Council is set to embark on the significant task of revising its emerging Local Plan following substantial changes to the Government's National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A recent report considered by the Council's Cabinet highlighted the far-reaching implications of these national policy updates, particularly concerning the calculation of Local Housing Need (LHN).
The revised methodology, published by the UK Government in December 2024, has dramatically increased the housing target for Rutland. Under the new formula, the County's LHN has surged from 123 dwellings per annum to a considerably higher figure of 266 dwellings per annum.
While Rutland County Council has the option to proceed with the independent examination and adoption of its currently submitted Local Plan, it has made a proactive commitment to develop a new plan that directly addresses the challenge of meeting these significantly increased housing targets within the framework of the updated NPPF.
Councillor Paul Browne, Cabinet Member for Planning, explained the rationale behind this decision: "Due to the new National Planning Policy Framework and the revised calculation of Rutland’s Local Housing Need (LHN) together with the latest published Housing Delivery Test figure for Rutland, the Council is now unable to demonstrate a five-year Housing Land Supply."
He further emphasised the Council's commitment to responsible development: "The Council is dedicated to ensuring sustainable growth and development within the region, in line with national and local priorities. We are therefore making arrangements to commence work on a new plan to account for these recent changes to the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework and our revised Local Housing Need."
During a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, April 8th, a series of recommendations were considered and subsequently agreed upon. The Council will now commence work on a new Local Plan under the Government’s recently revised plan-making system. This strategic move aims to proactively address the newly identified shortfall in Rutland’s housing need and ensure a well-planned approach to future development within the county.
The initial estimate indicates that the new Local Plan will need to accommodate an additional 3,800 dwellings beyond the provision outlined in the current emerging plan, extending the plan period to meet the revised targets. The Council's existing emerging Local Plan has already identified St.George’s Barracks and Woolfox as potential Future Opportunity Areas that could contribute to meeting Rutland's housing and employment requirements. However, Cllr Browne acknowledged that "further work is needed to properly explore the potential of both sites."
Addressing the scale of the challenge, Cllr Browne stated: "The new requirements placed on us by Government mean that Rutland must look to build more homes each year than at any point in its recent history. Starting swiftly on a revised Local Plan is the best way to respond to this challenge. We have some large sites in the County that might be able to accommodate growth, but each has its potential constraints to be considered. It’s important that we continue to engage with the owners of these sites and the existing communities around them as part of this next plan.”
This decision signifies a significant undertaking for Rutland County Council, requiring careful consideration of land availability, infrastructure capacity, and the needs of existing communities. The development of the new Local Plan will necessitate extensive work and engagement to ensure that the increased housing targets are met in a sustainable and well-planned manner, reflecting both national policy and local priorities.
Residents interested in learning more can access the full report and minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on April 8th, 2025, via the Rutland County Council website at: https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=2922&Ver=4
