Planning in Oadby and Wigston

Improving Health and Wellbeing

Development proposals will be required to assess their impact upon existing services and facilities, specifically services and facilities relating to health, social wellbeing, culture and recreation. All residential development proposals of 11 units or more and non-residential development proposals of a combined gross floorspace of more than 1,000 square metres will be required to submit a Health Impact Assessment screening statement. The statement will measure the potential impact and demands of the development proposal upon the existing services and facilities. The Borough Council will require the Health Impact Assessment screening statement to be prepared in accordance with the advice and best practice for such assessments as published by the Department of Health and other agencies. For developments where the initial screening assessment indicates more significant health impacts, a more comprehensive, in depth Health Impact Assessment will be required. Where significant impacts are identified, planning permission will be granted where measures to mitigate the impact are provided, either onsite and / or offsite through the use of planning obligations.

Community Facilities

The Council will work with key partners including developers to secure and maintain a range of new community facilities. All development proposals must support and enhance community services and facilities where appropriate by: - providing on-site and / or contributing towards new or enhanced community facilities off-site to meet any needs arising from proposed development. - avoiding the loss of community facilities, unless it can be demonstrated that they are no longer needed by the community they serve. The Council will support community facilities where: - there is good access by pedestrian routes, cycle routes and public transport; - they encourage co-location of community uses; - sufficient car parking is already available or can be provided to meet the needs of the development; - residential amenity can be protected from any detrimental impact in terms of noise, traffic and hours of use; and - the external appearance of the building can provide a sense of place and can positively reflect the character and appearance of its surroundings.

Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities

In relation to open space, sport and recreation facilities, the Council will protect existing sites from development where; there is a demand to retain them; they contribute towards the Green Infrastructure in the Borough; and the equivalent cannot be provided elsewhere. New development will contribute either physically or financially to the provision or improvement of open space, sport and recreation facilities. The quantity requirements, the Council's Playing Pitch Strategy and the Council's Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document will be used in relation to the provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities provision within the Borough, to satisfy need and allow every resident access to adequate, high quality, accessible open space and play areas. Provision of open space, sport and recreational facilities must: - be located close to their intended population catchment areas; - be accessible by a choice of transport modes other than the private car; - be of an appropriate scale and design; and - seek positive impacts to landscape form. Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, must not be developed or lost unless: - an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; - the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; and - the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.

Public Realm

All proposals for large scale development and / or refurbishment and / or regeneration, must incorporate high quality public realm on-site and / or contribute towards public realm improvements off-site. All proposals that propose new public realm or impact upon the existing public realm must ensure that the pedestrian is prioritised over other modes of transport and that materials and design are of the highest standards. Development proposals that provide public realm schemes, as identified within the Town and District Centre Guidance will be, in principle, supported. The following schemes will be supported; - Further improvements to the public realm within the centres of Wigston, Oadby and South Wigston; - Improvements to the public transport facilities within the centres of Wigston, Oadby and South Wigston; and - Extension and improvement of The Lanes in Wigston town centre. All public realm redevelopment or improvements must follow the principles and guidance set out in the Council's Public Realm Strategy Supplementary Planning Document. The Borough Council will use developer contributions as necessary to ensure appropriate contributions to wider public realm improvements, both within the Borough's main centres and outside of the centres.

Shop Fronts

Proposals for the installation or replacement of shop fronts will be assessed against the following criteria: - All proposals must improve the appearance, and be designed within the scale and architectural character, of the building within which they are located and the local vernacular. - All shop fronts must remain within their existing structural openings and be framed with fascia signs. - Adjacent shop fronts must be separated by a pilaster, matching the building. Original pilasters must be retained where they exist and where practicable. All original features, such as iron columns, timber, ornamental brackets or carved stonework, will be preserved or restored where practicable. - All canopies must be retractable and sited below the fascia. - All shop fronts must present an open and active frontage to the street.

Security Shutters

In order to avoid the potential negative impacts of the appearance of security shutters (including roller shutters), all proposals that require their installation will be assessed against the following criteria: - The applicant must satisfy the Council that the type of security shutter they are proposing is the most appropriate for the locale in which it is situated. - Shutters must not obscure any architectural detail or historic interest. - Shutter boxes must, wherever possible, be hidden within the structure of the building or behind shop fascias, so as not to affect the character and architecture of the building. - Shutters must be perforated with no more than 60% of the shutter being solid. - Shutters must be colour powder coated or painted, or stainless steel. Special consideration will be given to the installation of shutters in Conservation Areas.

Landscape and Character

All development proposals within the Borough will be determined against the need to conserve and enhance the distinctive landscapes in the Borough. The Council will ensure that all development proposals reflect the prevailing quality, character and features such as settlement patterns, important views, open spaces and significant natural habitats. Development proposals will only be permitted where it is in keeping with the area in which it is situated. Development proposals that are contrary to the policy guidance as set out within the Council's Landscape Character Assessment, the Conservation Areas Supplementary Planning Document and / or the Conservation Area Appraisals will not be approved. Development proposals that have a potential adverse impact on nationally designated areas or features of landscape and cultural significance will not be permitted.

High Quality Design and Materials

The Council will require the highest standards of inclusive design and use of the highest quality materials for all new development and major refurbishment in the Borough. Proposals for new development and major refurbishment must create a distinctive environment by; - respecting the existing local and historic character; - utilising inclusive design principles, including layout, orientation, landscape, streetscape, scale, materials, natural surveillance and sustainable construction; - creating development that is of high architectural quality; - ensuring patterns of development are sympathetic to their surroundings; and, - responding to the local topography and the overall form, character and landscape setting of the settlements; Proposals for new development and major refurbishment must ensure safe and healthy communities by; - creating inclusive places that design out opportunities for anti-social behaviour and crime; - creating spaces that are accessible to all regardless of ability or background; - encouraging sustainable means of travel, including walking, cycling and public transport; - protecting local amenity, including, resisting development that has unacceptable contributions towards air quality, noise, vibration, smell, light or other pollution, loss of light or overlooking; - providing opportunities to promote biodiversity; - providing opportunities for well designed and integrated public art; - incorporating measures to minimise waste and energy consumption, conserve water resources and provide for renewable energy generation; Proposals for new development and major refurbishment must create connected places by ensuring that development; - connects effectively and efficiently to existing routes and developments, by avoiding dead ends and convoluted routes, to allow it to integrate into the wider settlement and to link to existing services and facilities; - integrates with existing sustainable modes of transport including cycle, pedestrian (including canal towpaths and public rights of way), and public transport; and - provides appropriate parking facilities, including that for cycling and motor vehicles (where relevant). Compliance with the above criteria will need to be expressed through submission of a Design and Access Statement. Major development including large-scale refurbishment will require preparation of a masterplan, development brief and / or design code where deemed appropriate by the Council. Proposals for innovative and outstanding design or construction that contributes to the aims of sustainable development and reducing the impacts of climate change will in principle be supported by the Council.

Oadby Sewage Treatment Works

The Council will allocate the site for employment land use development (use classes B1, B2 or B8). The land area will form an extension to the existing Kenilworth Drive Identified Employment Area and is illustrated on the Council's Adopted Policies Map. Any proposal for redevelopment must create a sustainable, well designed and high quality scheme. The applicant will be required to produce a masterplan illustrating how the wider issues including accessibility, impacts on the local highway network, impacts upon the surrounding Green Wedge, impacts on flood risk and mitigation of potential contamination will be taken account of and mitigated if necessary. Any proposal must provide an appropriate number of bus stops and associated infrastructure, including bus shelters and information display boards on-site as well as off-site, to allow for this sustainable method of public transport. Any proposal must provide any other associated infrastructure required to bring the site forward sustainably, including cycle ways and footpaths, on-site as well as off-site. Off-site transport infrastructure or financial contributions towards off site transport infrastructure may be required to make the development sustainable. All development proposals will need to conform to other relevant policies within this Plan.

Protecting Identified Employment Areas

Identified Employment Areas (illustrated in the Council's Adopted Policies Map) will be protected from inappropriate development, redevelopment and change of use. The Council will also enhance the identified areas through appropriate development. In accordance with guidance set out in the Council's Employment Sites Supplementary Planning Document and the Employment Land and Premises Study, the 'Core' Identified Employment Areas will be safeguarded for B1a, B1b, B1c, B2 and B8 uses only. Any change of use from a B class use will not be permitted. Proposals to change the use of land or buildings within 'Base' Identified Employment Areas from B1a, B1b, B1c, B2, or B8 use will only be acceptable if they clearly demonstrate that the alternative use (s): - will not have an adverse impact on any other employment use(s) in the identified employment area in which it is located; - will not significantly reduce the overall supply and quality of employment land and premises within the locality; - will deliver economic regeneration benefits to the site and / or area or there will be a significant community benefit which outweighs the impact; - will involve a vacant building for which there is clear and robust evidence of proactive marketing (a minimum of twelve months), with registered commercial agents at a reasonable price, to demonstrate that there is no realistic prospect for continued employment use; and, - The site / premises are no longer suitable or reasonably capable of being redeveloped for employment purposes. This Plan allocates 0.55 hectares of employment use land (B1, B2 and / or B8 use) adjacent to Magna Road Identified Employment Area in South Wigston. The allocation is illustrated on the Council's Adopted Policies Map.

Creating a Skilled Workforce

The Council will support development proposals that relate directly to the development of local skills, and training opportunities, particularly for young people and residents who are unemployed. The Council will work with its partners including, Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, local universities, colleges, schools and academies and Leicestershire County Council, to maintain and improve the local work force and provide residents the best chance to be more competitive in the job market. Planning permission will be granted for new residential development where the individual or cumulative impacts of the development on education provision can be addressed, at the developer's cost, either on-site or through financial contributions towards off-site improvements. If there is an identified need to do so, the Council will use legal agreements to secure any necessary improvements in education provision arising as a result of development.

Climate Change, Flood Risk and Renewable Low Carbon Energy

New development proposals in the Borough shall take into account the potential risks and impacts of climate change; and, ensure that the prospect of flood risk is minimised through appropriate mitigation measures. Climate Change The Council will require all development proposals to make use of sustainable resources and reduce their impact upon climate change by meeting high standards of sustainable design and construction. The Council will also expect all major-scale planning applications, including refurbishments (11 or more residential units or 1,000+ square metres of floor area) to be accompanied by a Sustainability / Energy Statement demonstrating how (potential) harmful emissions have been addressed and minimised by taking account of: - Energy efficiency; - Water conservation; - Sourcing of construction materials; - Giving consideration to site orientation aspects of a scheme; - Promoting sustainable means of transport; - Sustainable waste management solutions (during and post-construction); and, - The feasibility of integrating renewable energy solutions into the development. Flood Risk New development proposals in the Borough must take into account the potential impact of climate change on water resources, water quality and on the level of flood risk posed, as detailed in the Council's latest Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) and by the Environment Agency. Development in areas that would be at risk from flooding must be avoided unless it can be demonstrated that: - Appropriate land at lower risk is not available (and this has been evidenced through the application of the National Planning Policy Framework Sequential Test); - There are national policies or other material considerations permitting development of that nature on land with a high risk of flooding; - There are exceptional reasons for development to take place in that location; and, - The localised and cumulative risk of flooding can be fully mitigated through careful design and engineering methods. A detailed Flood Risk Assessment will be required for all development proposals greater than 1 hectare in size situated within a Flood Zone 1 and all development proposals regardless of size situated in Flood Zone 2 or 3, or in an area within Flood Zone 1 which has critical drainage problems. The assessment must identify the necessary mitigation and adaptation measures which must: - Aim to avoid or reduce the risk of flooding and harm from it by ensuring the sequential approach has been taken and the development is safe for the lifetime of the development and will not increase flood risk to others; - Include suitable habitat creation and not cause detriment to existing habitats and species; and - Demonstrate how such measures form an intrinsic part of the overall development. Development must proactively manage surface water run-off through the promotion of sustainable drainage techniques and positive land management, including the use of permeable surfacing. Development of previously developed sites must be accompanied by a desktop study to identify any potential contamination. If there is potential for contamination to be present on site, further more detailed investigation will be required to ensure that contaminants are not mobilised through development and enter groundwater supplies or watercourses. Renewable / Low Carbon Energy Unless it can be demonstrated by an applicant not to be feasible or viable, all developments greater than 1 hectare in size will be required to incorporate on-site renewable energy generation and / or on-site provision of buildings that reduce the need for non renewable energy use. The Council will support renewable or low-carbon energy schemes, subject to the following considerations: - The degree to which the scale and nature of a proposal impacts on the landscape, particularly having regard to the Council's Landscape Character Assessment; - The degree to which the proposal has demonstrated any environmental, economic and social benefits of a scheme as well as how any environmental or social impacts have been minimised (e.g. visual, noise or smell); - The impact on designated sites on European, national and local biodiversity and geological; and, - The impact on the amenity of residents and other interests of acknowledged importance, including the historic environment.

Biodiversity and Geodiversity

The Council will look to support development proposals that proactively seek a net gain and: - Conserve, protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity through minimising loss of valued features in the landscape, such as, hedgerows, woodland, trees, ponds and wetland. - Conserve and protect irreplaceable woodland, such as ancient woodland or veteran trees. - Mitigate for any loss of valuable assets through applying measures for reinstatement, replacement or on / off site compensatory work that will enhance or recreate those habitats in circumstances when loss of the original habitat is unavoidable through development; and, - Explore opportunities to restore, enhance, create or connect with established natural habitats as an integral feature of the proposed scheme. Where development will have known detrimental impacts or cause lasting harm to the natural habitats in that location, the Council will compensate for that loss through effective conditions in the planning decision or by seeking developer contributions to contribute towards off-site mitigation measures. Working in collaboration with developers, as well as local and national agencies with ecological and geological expertise, the Council will identify, conserve, protect and enhance natural assets, so that habitats and species can thrive and help to create rich biodiversity within the Borough for future generations to enjoy. The Council will also protect trees with Tree Preservation Orders associated to them. All proposals must also take account of the guidance set out in the Council's Tree Strategy.

Sustainable Drainage and Surface Water

The Council will require all proposals, including refurbishments (11 or more residential units or 1,000+ square metres of floor area) to incorporate appropriate Sustainable Drainage Systems in accordance with the latest National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems and in agreement with the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for Leicestershire. All schemes must be informed by specific catchment and ground characteristics, and they will be required to establish the wider ranging issues relating to long-term management, adoption and maintenance of SuDS. Where development proposals are received in areas known to be susceptible to surface water flooding issues, appropriate management and mitigation schemes will be required. Developers will be encouraged to submit proposals that incorporate solutions to reduce the risk of flooding from the outset.

Green Wedges

Green Wedges protect important areas of green land within the Borough and the Council will retain these areas as open and undeveloped. The objectives of all Green Wedges situated within the Borough are to: - Prevent the merging of settlements; - Guide development form; - Provide a 'green lung' between the urban area and the countryside; and - Act as a recreational resource. Due to the open and undeveloped nature of the Green Wedges, the Council will allow uses that are consistent with the following. - Agriculture, horticulture and allotments and associated development necessary to facilitate and support these uses; - Outdoor leisure, recreation and sporting facilities and associated development necessary to facilitate and support these uses; - Forestry and bodies of water and associated development necessary to facilitate and support these uses; - Footpaths, bridleways and cycle ways; and, - Burial grounds and associated development necessary to facilitate and support these uses. The Council will support proposals that retain and enhance public access into the Borough's Green Wedges, as well as proposals that retain and enhance the role that the Green Wedges play in the Borough's Green Infrastructure Network and its biodiversity. Road proposals or dedicated public transport routes within the Borough that are evidenced as being required will only be acceptable where it has been proven that there are no alternative routes outside of the Green Wedge. Any proposal that has an adverse impact on the Green Wedge will only be permitted where there is a justifiable need which outweighs these impacts and where a Landscape Character Assessment has been undertaken to ensure that all detrimental impacts that a development may cause have been addressed and can be mitigated.

Countryside

Land outside of the Leicester PUA, defined limits to development, direction for growth allocations and Green Wedges will be defined as Countryside. The openness and intrinsic qualities of the Countryside will be protected. The Borough Council will promote good management of the Countryside whilst allowing it to adapt to the identified needs of the community. Some forms of development may be required in the Countryside. Development justified as necessary in the Countryside must be appropriate in terms of layout, scale, height, materials, form, impact and siting. Development must not adversely affect landscape, wildlife, the ecological, geological, environmental, archaeological or historic resources of the specific site and the surrounding areas. Any development proposal causing adverse impacts in the Countryside will only be permitted where there is a justifiable need which outweighs these impacts and where a Landscape Character Assessment has been undertaken to ensure that all detrimental impacts that a development may cause have been assessed and can be mitigated.

Local Green Space

In areas designated as Local Green Space, new development that would cause harm to the local significance of the Local Green Space will not be permitted except in very special circumstances. Very special circumstances will not exist unless it can be demonstrated that the harm to the local significance of the Local Green Space is clearly outweighed by other considerations. Proposals put forward to the Council for Local Green Space designation will be assessed against the criteria set out within national planning policy.

Green Infrastructure

The Council will seek a net gain in Green Infrastructure through the preservation and enhancement of open spaces and assets that comprise the Borough's Green Infrastructure and its network. Where relevant, all new development resulting in a net gain in residential dwellings and / or other forms of development, such as employment, retail and commercial floor space must contribute towards achieving this net gain. Green Infrastructure assets will be created, preserved, managed and enhanced by: - safeguarding and enhancing existing Strategic Green Infrastructure assets / corridors; - contributing towards the creation of new multi-functional areas of green space; - seeking opportunities to link fragmented habitats, protect vulnerable habitats and integrate biodiversity within communities; - seeking the creation of new strategic and / or local Green Infrastructure assets / corridors within all new development; - actively promoting the restoration, re-creation and enhancement of existing Green Infrastructure assets / corridors and the biodiversity that they support; - not allowing development that compromises the integrity of the existing overall Green Infrastructure network; - protecting and conserving species and sites of ecological and geological significance; - facilitating off-site improvements to existing Green Infrastructure assets / corridors, particularly their quality and accessibility; - where relevant, working in partnership to enhance the value of Strategic Green Infrastructure assets / corridors that are also of significance outside of the Borough, such as the Grand Union Canal and River Sence (including their riparian habitats).

Culture and Historic Environment Assets

The Council will conserve and enhance the Borough's unique cultural identity, as well as its significant heritage and historic character through the identification and protection of designated and non-designated heritage assets. The Borough's heritage assets include: - Conservation Areas; - Nationally and locally listed buildings and significant monuments; - Non-designated heritage assets; - The character of the historic cores in the Borough; - Landscape features, including ancient woodlands and veteran trees; - Field patterns; - Watercourses; - Drainage ditches and hedgerows of visual, historic or nature conservation value; - Archaeological sites and remains; and, - Historic parks and gardens. All development proposals must safeguard, conserve or enhance both designated and non-designated heritage assets and their settings, as well as the character and setting of areas of acknowledged significance. Where development is likely to have a significant adverse impact on designated heritage assets and their settings and / or non-designated heritage assets and their settings, and / or other historic / heritage character areas and cannot be avoided or they cannot be preserved in situ, the development will not be permitted, unless there are substantial public benefits, which outweigh that harm or loss.

Development in Conservation Areas

The Council will only permit new development in Conservation Areas provided it will conserve and enhance the character and prevailing quality of the area. Development will not be permitted where: - Development would prejudice the essential features of the Conservation Area, including historic settlement patterns, relationships between buildings, the arrangement of open areas and their enclosure, or significant natural or heritage features; - The detailed design of proposed buildings, including height, density, mass, layout, proportions, or materials would not respect the character of an area; - The development would prejudice the setting and surroundings of a Conservation Area or spoil the inward or outward views; and, - Development would prejudice the local distinctiveness, appearance or the ambience of a Conservation Area. In order to determine the effect of proposed building and engineering works in Conservation Areas, the Council will require the submission of detailed plans and will not grant outline planning permission, unless they contain sufficient supporting information by which the impact of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area can be judged. At the Council's discretion, on all major proposals for developments of 11+ dwellings or 1,000+ square metres floor space, the developer may be required to submit additional detailed design codes or statements, in accordance with the respective Conservation Area Appraisals, to fully demonstrate the impacts that the proposed scheme will have. Demolition in a Conservation Area Within Conservation Areas, permission for development involving demolition or substantial demolition will not be granted unless it can be demonstrated that: - The structure to be demolished makes no material contribution to the special character or appearance of the Conservation Area; - The structure is wholly beyond repair or incapable of beneficial use; or - The removal of the structure and its subsequent replacement with a new building and / or open space would lead to the enhancement of the Conservation Area. New Shop Fronts and Advertisements in Conservation Areas The Council will not permit new shop fronts or advertisement displays in a Conservation Area unless it can be demonstrated that: - The proposed design is sympathetic to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area; - The proposed design respects the scale, proportions, character and materials of construction of the upper part of the relevant building and adjoining buildings within the street scene in general; or, - The proposed approach incorporates traditional materials where the age and character of the building makes this appropriate. Internally illuminated advertisement fascias or projecting signs will not be permitted, except in exceptional circumstances. The Council will not support applications for additional signs that would result in a proliferation of advertisement material on any individual building or group of buildings.

Housing Choices

All residential development must contribute towards delivering a mix of dwelling types, tenures and sizes that meet the identified needs (and / or demand) of the communities within the Borough. All new residential development proposals must demonstrate how they contribute to achieving the identified needs as set out within the Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment. In addition, on all new large scale residential developments (11 dwellings and more) the proposal shall contain an appropriate housing mix having regard to the nature of the development site, character of the surrounding area, the most up to date evidence of need, as well as the existing housing mix of the immediate area. Where a development is otherwise acceptable but an independent viability appraisal demonstrates that certain policy standards cannot be achieved, the Council will work with the applicant to ascertain whether there are alternative approaches that would deliver the desired policy outcomes. If the Council requires its own independent viability assessments to verify outcomes of the applicants assessment, it will be at the applicants cost. The Council will support the development of bungalows, student halls of residence, specialist care accommodation, elderly care accommodation and retirement accommodation that meets an identified need and is proposed in appropriate sustainable locations. All residential proposals will need to respect the character of the area in which they are located. Sub-division of plots and / or existing residential properties that are 'out of character' within the locale will be refused, unless the benefits of any proposed development outweigh the negative impact. All residential proposals for conversions, sub-division and / or changes of use will be determined on a case by case basis, and must take into account the Government's Technical Housing Standards.

Housing Density

The Council is committed to delivering new homes in an effective and efficient manner. The Council is also committed to locating people close to much needed services and facilities as well as jobs. To ensure that the Borough provides the required number of homes for its communities, the Council will adopt the following density targets on all new development sites that involve the provision of new homes. Proposed development sites that have a gross site size of 0.3 hectares and larger and are located within the town centre boundary of Wigston or the district centre boundaries of Oadby and South Wigston will be required to achieve an average density of at least 50 dwellings per hectare. Proposed development sites that have a gross site size of 0.3 hectares and larger and are located outside of the town centre boundary of Wigston or district centre boundaries of Oadby and South Wigston, but within the Leicester PUA will be required to achieve an average density of at least 40 dwellings per hectare. Proposed development sites that have a gross site size of 0.3 hectares and larger and are not situated within any of the above locations will be required to achieve an average density of at least 30 dwellings per hectare. Where a development is otherwise acceptable but an independent viability appraisal and / or a an independent character and design appraisal demonstrates that the required density cannot be achieved, the Council will work with the applicant to ascertain whether there are alternative approaches. If the Council requires its own independent viability assessments to verify outcomes of the applicants assessment, it will be at the applicants cost.

Affordable Housing

The Council is committed to the provision of appropriate housing for the whole community, therefore will require affordable housing on all new residential developments of 11 dwellings or more to meet identified local need. Development will be permitted provided that at least the following percentages for affordable housing are met: - Oadby – 30 per cent of the total number of units - Wigston (including Kilby Bridge) – 20 per cent of the total number of units - South Wigston – 10 per cent of the total number of units A cumulative approach to affordable housing on a residential site will apply regardless of the number of different associated planning applications. There is no maximum number of affordable housing units that can be provided on a site. Also the 11 dwelling threshold does not restrict proposals providing affordable housing on sites of fewer than 11 units. Proposals for residential development that meet the 11 dwelling threshold but do not provide any affordable housing will be refused unless an appropriate off-site contribution is provided in lieu of the required number. Where a development is otherwise acceptable but an independent viability appraisal demonstrates that certain policy standards cannot be achieved, the Council will work with the applicant to ascertain whether there are alternative approaches. If the Council requires its own independent viability assessments to verify outcomes of the applicants assessment, it will be at the applicants cost. With the provision of affordable housing remaining a priority for the Council, should a site be proposed for 100 per cent of the units classed as affordable homes, the Council may take a flexible approach to other developer contributions. Regarding the tenure split of affordable housing the Council will generally seek 80 per cent affordable rent and 20 per cent shared ownership, however will respond to local need at the time of determining a relevant planning proposal.

Self Build and Custom Build

To ensure that the housing mix within the Borough reflects the needs of its communities, the Council will support the provision of Self Build and Custom Build serviced plots on all sites, provided that proposals satisfy all other relevant policies within this Plan. In line with national legislation, the Council will keep a register of individuals and associations of individuals who wish to acquire serviced plots of land to bring forward Self Build and Custom Build housing projects.

Urban Infill Development

Within the urban areas of the Borough, proposals for infill development on previously developed land that are of high quality design, improve the character of the locale, do not have any adverse effect on / or loss of amenity to adjacent properties or nearby properties, and do not cause unacceptable noise, will in principle be supported. Any proposal for development on residential garden land or any other open amenity space around buildings will not be permitted unless it conforms to the guidance set out within the Council's Landscape Character Assessment. Proposals that split existing residential plots and propose development on the garden land of and / or open amenity space of existing plots will not be granted planning permission unless the proposal sits comfortably, is consistent with, in character with, and respects the direct existing street scene in which it is situated. The Council will not accept development proposals that 'over develop' a site from its original intended or existing use. Development proposals would also need to illustrate high quality design and use of materials that are consistent with the character of the area and the existing properties in the direct area.

Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

The Council will identify sufficient land to accommodate Gypsy and Traveller needs should evidence suggest a need to do so. Should a need be identified that requires the identification of land for Gypsy and Traveller pitches, the following criteria will apply: - Sites must be accessible, by a range of transport modes, to essential local services and facilities, including shops, schools and GP surgeries. - Sites must preferably be located within or adjacent to the Leicester PUA. - Sites must have formal safe access to the highway network, and must have sufficient parking provision on site. - Sites must be (or have the opportunity to be) served by adequate water and sewerage services / facilities. - Sites must not be located within Flood Zones 2 or 3. - Sites must not be situated on contaminated land or within areas with poor ambient air quality. - Sites must be incorporated and integrated into the surrounding area through high quality design. - Sites will not have an unacceptable impact on adjoining / neighbouring properties and / or land uses. - Sites will not have adverse impacts on environmentally sensitive areas, areas of historic or heritage interest, or areas of landscape character importance. Any proposal for Gypsy and Traveller site provision must also conform to current national policy and guidance.

Kilby Bridge Settlement Envelope

The Council will in principle support small scale development proposals within the defined Settlement Envelope of Kilby Bridge as shown on the Council's Adopted Policies Map. Any residential development proposed within the defined envelope must be small scale (up to 40 new additional homes across the whole settlement envelope) and delivered at a minimum of 30 dwellings per hectare. All development proposals will need to take account of the rural and historic landscape, as well as the distinctive character of the Grand Union Canal Conservation Area and views across open countryside. All proposals must give careful consideration to the proposed scale of the development and in particular, take account of the impact that any scheme may have upon this rural 'gateway' into the Borough. The key objectives of the Kilby Bridge Settlement Envelope are to: - Maintain the open, attractive, and rural setting; - Retain and enhance public access to the Grand Union Canal; River Sence; and the Kilby-Foxton Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); - Conserve and enhance the Grand Union Canal Conservation Area; - Deliver small scale sustainable residential development(s) that will provide a range of housing types, unit sizes and tenures whilst retaining the distinctive landscape and historic character through designing attractive schemes that will complement this gateway location; - Protect the existing local economy, as well as to enhance it through delivering small scale outdoor leisure, recreation and tourism development; - Give consideration to the incorporation of small scale 'starter' units for suitable rural businesses; and - Provide publicly accessible open space on land to the east of the settlement boundary, between the railway line to the north, Grand Union Canal to the south and the SSSI to the east. The Council will encourage early engagement with regards to any potential scheme, together with the submission of a detailed masterplan illustrating the proposed scale, design, layout, mix of dwellings, tenure and an appreciation for how the wider issues including transport, accessibility and mitigation of potential impacts will be taken into account. All development proposals within Kilby Bridge Settlement Envelope will need to conform to other relevant policies within this Plan.

Stoughton Grange Direction for Growth Allocation and Oadby Cemetery Allocation

Stoughton Grange Direction for Growth Allocation The Council will allocate land to the north of the Borough in Oadby, for the Stoughton Grange Direction for Growth Allocation. The Council will in principle support new development proposals that create a sustainable, well designed and high quality development that is sensitive to its surroundings and will not have a detrimental impact on the surrounding Green Wedge and Countryside and will conserve and better reveal the historic significance of the site including its listed buildings, and archaeological remains, in particular those relating to the former Stoughton Grange Hall and surviving elements of its designed landscape and planting. Any development proposed within this growth allocation would require the production of a detailed masterplan. The following elements will be required on-site or via an off-site contribution where stated: - safeguarding of the potential transport route (former Eastern District Distributor Road); - at least 300 new homes, of which at least 30 per cent must be affordable; - land area to the north of Gartree Road will be mixed use and will consist of new small scale residential, and a mix of small scale A1, A2, A3, A4 and any other appropriate small scale uses; - at least two vehicular access points, one off Gartree Road and one off Stoughton Road, for the land area to the south of Gartree Road; - at least one access point off Gartree Road for the land area to the north of Gartree Road; - off-site contribution towards an existing and / or new community facility building in Oadby; - off-site contribution towards new education facilities; - on-site open space (unless alternative off-site provision is justified in whole or in part), consisting of allotments, sports pitches, play areas and structural landscaping in accordance with the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities policy of this Plan; - provision of an appropriate number of bus stops and associated infrastructure, including bus shelters and information display boards onsite as well as off-site, to allow for this sustainable method of public transport; - provision of any other associated infrastructure required to bring the site forward sustainably, including cycle ways and footpaths on-site as well as off-site; and - off-site transport infrastructure or financial contributions towards off-site transport infrastructure will be required to make the development sustainable. Any proposal for development of this growth allocation will be required to conform to all other relevant policies set out within this Plan and must be accompanied by a Heritage Impact Assessment. Any proposal would also be required to submit a detailed Transport Assessment as part of any planning application to ensure that Leicestershire County Council Highways Department can fully assess any traffic / transport implications stemming from the development. The Stoughton Grange Direction for Growth Allocation is identified on the Council's Adopted Policies Map. Oadby Cemetery Allocation The Plan allocates land to the north of the Borough in Oadby for cemetery and burial uses. Any cemetery or burial proposal for the allocation site would need to be sufficiently evidenced and justified in terms of ground conditions and its size, scale, need, impact and use. The impact on the direct highway network would also need to be assessed against any proposal put forward. The Oadby Cemetery Allocation is identified on the Council's Adopted Policies Map.

Spatial Strategy for Development within the Borough

The Council will always seek the reuse of previously developed land and will concentrate development within the Borough's key centres and the Leicester Principal Urban Area. In addition, the Council has allocated land outside of these areas to ensure that the development needs of the Borough are met. In order to deliver the required levels of growth to meet the Borough's needs up to 2031, this Plan; - allocates sufficient land to provide at least 2,960 new additional homes; - allocates sufficient land to provide at least 8 hectares of employment use development; and, - identifies sufficient land to provide up to 2,974 sqm of new additional retail floor space. To achieve the above levels of development, the Council has identified and allocated land within Wigston town centre, Oadby district centre, South Wigston district centre, the Borough's designated local centres, areas within the Leicester PUA and the three Direction for Growth Allocations. The Borough's main town of Wigston and main district centre of Oadby will contribute the following levels of development. Wigston Town Centre - 9,000 sqm of new office floorspace - 1,169 sqm of additional retail floorspace - 129 new residential units - At least the same number of existing public car parking spaces Oadby District Centre - 800 sqm of new commercial floorspace - 1,351 sqm of additional retail floorspace - 76 new residential units - At least the same number of existing public car parking spaces The existing masterplans relevant to the centres of Wigston and Oadby demonstrate that the objectives and levels of growth can be delivered. Areas within the Leicester PUA The areas situated within the Leicester PUA, but outside of the town centre of Wigston and the district centre of Oadby will contribute the following levels of development. - 244 new additional homes, including; Meadow Hill, Welford Road Wigston (53) Land west of Welford Road, Wigston (50) Arriva Bus Depot, Station Street, South Wigston (43) Former Oadby Swimming Pool, Oadby (32) Nautical William, Aylestone Lane, Wigston (23) 39 Long Street, Wigston (18) 53-59 Queens Drive, Wigston (15) - 3.22 hectares of employment use land - 454 sqm of additional retail floorspace Direction for Growth Allocations The Direction for Growth Allocations will contribute the following levels of development. - at least 1,159 new additional homes, and - at least 5 hectares of employment use land In addition to providing new additional employment use land, the Council will seek the retention of existing Identified Employment Areas. To ensure that development and growth within the Borough is provided in a sustainable manner, the Council will work in partnership with local authorities, agencies and organisations to identify and coordinate the provision and funding of infrastructure and facilities (including green infrastructure) required to meet the needs of planned development and to conserve and enhance existing key biodiversity, environmental, social, cultural, historic and economic assets. All allocated land is identified on the Council's Adopted Policies Map.

Wigston Direction for Growth Allocation

The Council will expand the current Wigston Direction for Growth Area. The Council will allocate further land at the Wigston Direction for Growth Area for 'Phase 2' development. Through the Council's previous Plan and subsequent granted planning permission, 'Phase 1' of the Direction for Growth Area in Wigston consists of 450 new homes and 2.5 hectares of new employment land. In 'Phase 2', this Plan allocates land for at least 600 new homes and in the region of 2.5 hectares of employment land. Development proposed within 'Phase 2' of the Wigston Direction for Growth Area is in addition to 'Phase 1' and will require the production of a detailed masterplan. The following elements will be required on-site or via an off-site contribution where stated: - at least 600 new homes, which at least 20 per cent must be affordable; - in the region of 2.5 hectares of new employment land; - a new primary school; - a roundabout (vehicular) site access from Welford Road; - a link road through the site allowing all parts of the site (including Phase 1) to be accessed from Newton Lane and Welford Road; - formation of a new Local Centre – that contributes towards the provision of A1, A3 or A4 uses; - a community facility building (including changing facilities); - on-site open space (unless alternative off-site provision is justified in whole or in part), consisting of allotments, sports pitches, play areas and structural landscaping in accordance with the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities policy of this Plan; - provision of an appropriate number of bus stops and associated infrastructure, including shelters and information display boards on-site as well as off-site, to allow for this sustainable method of public transport; and - provision of any other associated infrastructure required to bring the site forward sustainably, including cycle ways and footpaths, on-site as well as off-site. Any proposal for development of 'Phase 2' will be required to conform to all other relevant policies set out within this Plan. Any proposal would also be required to submit a detailed Transport Assessment as part of any planning application to ensure that Leicestershire County Council Highways Department can fully assess any traffic / transport implications stemming from the development.

Cottage Farm Direction for Growth Allocation

This Plan will seek to expand the current Cottage Farm site ('Phase 1') and form the Cottage Farm Direction for Growth Allocation. The Council will allocate further land to the south east of Oadby, for 'Phase 2' development. In 'Phase 2', this Plan allocates land for at least 250 new additional homes. The Council will in principle support new development proposals that create a sustainable, well designed and high quality development that is sensitive to its surroundings and will not have a detrimental impact on the surrounding Green Wedge and Countryside. Development proposed within 'Phase 2' of the Cottage Farm Direction for Growth Area is in addition to 'Phase 1' and will require the production of a detailed masterplan. The following elements will be required on-site or via an off-site contribution where stated: - at least 250 new additional homes, of which at least 30 per cent must be affordable; - vehicular access to the growth area will be directly off the A6; - a link road through the site allowing all parts of the site (including 'Phase 1') to be accessible; - off-site contribution towards a community facility building in Oadby and / or the extension and refurbishment of Coombe Park pavilion, including further car parking; - improved pedestrian access into Coombe Park from the development; - on-site open space (unless alternative off-site provision is justified in whole or in part), consisting of allotments, sports pitches, play areas and structural landscaping in accordance with the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities policy of this Plan; - off-site contribution towards new education facilities. - provision of an appropriate number of bus stops and associated infrastructure, including bus shelters and information display boards on-site as well as off-site, to allow for this sustainable method of public transport; and - provision of any other associated infrastructure required to bring the site forward sustainably, including cycle ways and footpaths, on-site as well as off-site. Any proposal for development of 'Phase 2' will be required to conform to all other relevant policies set out within this Local Plan. Any proposal would also be required to submit a detailed Transport Assessment as part of any planning application to ensure that Leicestershire County Council Highways Department and Leicester City Council Highways department can fully assess any traffic / transport implications stemming from the development.

Infrastructure and Developer Contributions

Developer contributions will be used by the Council to deliver the infrastructure required to facilitate sustainable growth. This may include (but is not limited to) measures to mitigate the impacts of development and to meet the costs of providing required on and off-site infrastructure, as identified in the Council's Infrastructure Delivery Plan, and other measures to make new growth acceptable in planning terms. All contributions sought through Section 106 agreements will be in accordance with the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations and will therefore be: - necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms; - directly related to the development; and - fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development. For all new development proposals, it will be necessary to establish both the isolated and cumulative impact that they may have upon the surrounding infrastructure network and / or any cross boundary detrimental impact they have also. Any development that has an impact within the Borough (or neighbouring authority areas) will be required to contribute towards the provision of and / or financial contribution towards necessary mitigation infrastructure measures.

Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

All development proposals must take account of the broad aim of sustainable development; ensuring that development contributes positively towards ensuring a better quality of life for residents, now and for generations to come. The Council will be positive when determining development proposals that reflect the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Council will jointly work with applicants where possible to ensure that development proposals improve the social, economic and environmental conditions in the Borough; meeting the challenges of climate change and protecting and enhancing the Borough's ecosystems. For development to be deemed 'sustainable' within the context of this Plan, it must contribute towards delivering the Spatial Strategy, the Council's Vision and Objectives, and must be in conformity with the local planning policies contained within this Plan. Development that conflicts with policies of the Plan will be refused unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Should there ever be a time when the Plan is deemed absent or silent or out of date, the Council will not look upon development proposals positively, where the proposal is deemed unsustainable, and / or the adverse impacts associated with the proposal significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies set out within the National Planning Policy Framework, when taken as a whole. Development will also be restricted if specific policies within the National Planning Policy Framework indicate that it should be.

Regeneration Schemes and Large Scale Change

When regeneration schemes or large scale change is proposed, the Council will require the production of, either, Masterplans, Development Briefs and / or other appropriate plans or strategies. In conjunction with Leicestershire County Council Highways Department, the Council will also require the production of Transport Assessments. Submitted Masterplans, Development Briefs and / or appropriate plans or strategies, where relevant must: - Identify the land area suitable for new development or redevelopment and set out the appropriate uses. - Conserve and enhance heritage assets and their settings. - Conserve and enhance Green Infrastructure assets and Local Green Spaces. - Establish a spatial and sustainable pattern of growth. - Identify constraints to development and illustrate how these will be overcome. - Identify all sensitive features and measures for protection. - Illustrate all relevant access, transport and potential traffic issues, as well as mitigation measures. - Establish priorities for implementation along with timescales and sources of funding. - Take account of local landscape and / or townscape character in the design of the scheme. - Set out the necessary infrastructure needed to bring the site forward. - Take into account all other relevant policies within this Local Plan. Where regeneration schemes or large scale change is proposed, the earliest liaison between the applicant, the Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council Highways Department and Education Department (and Leicester City Council where relevant) is essential.

Review Triggers

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council is committed to meeting its own requirements for housing, employment, other development, and infrastructure. The Council will regularly monitor delivery of new development in the context of policies and targets within this Plan. The Council will commence a full or partial review no later than 5 years from adoption of the Plan, or where monitoring of targets set out in Chapter 12 of the Plan, identify significant and persistent shortfalls in the delivery of housing, employment, other development, and / or infrastructure that deviates significantly from the Plan strategy. The Council will commence a full or partial review if a local authority within the Leicester and Leicestershire Housing Market Area has an evidenced unmet need, which cannot be met by that local authority and which it is considered through the Duty to Cooperate by the Leicester and Leicestershire Members Advisory Group could be best met, in whole or in part, within the Borough of Oadby and Wigston. The Council will also commence a full or partial review should the post 2031 development strategy set out within the Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Growth Plan be capable of coming forward earlier than is currently anticipated, for example because the A46 Expressway is to be delivered. Should a full or partial review be triggered by any of the above, the Council will commence the review (defined as being publication of an invitation to make representations in accordance with Regulation 18 of The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012) within 6 months. Once the review has commenced the Council will submit the Plan Review to the Planning Inspectorate for Examination within a further 24 months of the date of commencement of the review. In the event that the Council does not submit the Plan Review to the Planning Inspectorate within 24 months of the date of commencement of the review, the parts of the Plan that are under review will be deemed out of date, if not already deemed out of date by virtue of national policy.

Delivering Retail

Retail development will be encouraged and permitted in the defined policy areas of the town centre and district centres, as well as the Borough's local centres. The town and district centres of the Borough will be the focus for new additional retail floorspace, maintaining the Borough's current hierarchy and market share between centres. The following identified additional overall retail capacities in net floorspace up to 2031 will be sought within each of the centres. - Wigston – 1,169 square metres - Oadby – 1,351 square metres - South Wigston – 373 square metres - Local Centres – 81 square metres Retail development must be of a scale appropriate to the needs of the local area served by these centres. Development will be subject to local planning, traffic and environmental considerations and proposals seeking higher retail provision than those set out above would need to demonstrate that there would not be a significant adverse impact on the centre in which the proposal is situated. In determining proposals for new retail development, the Borough Council will apply the sequential and impact test as specified in the National Planning Policy Framework and National Planning Practice Guidance. It will be essential that any new development does not have an adverse effect on existing centres within the Borough. New development must be integrated within existing infrastructure. Where a proposal fails to satisfy the 'town and district centre first' approach and / or the sequential test or is likely to have significant adverse impact on the centre, it will not be permitted. Proposals for retail development within the town and district centres would need to follow the principles as set out within the Town and District Centre Guidance document.

Retail Hierarchy

The role of Wigston as the Borough's main town centre and Oadby and South Wigston as district centres as well as specified local centres (identified below) will be preserved and enhanced. In order to enhance the existing blend of facilities and promote competitive town and district centres, proposals for appropriate town centre uses, including, retail, employment, residential, community, leisure, culture and tourism uses will be supported. Retail development must take place at a scale appropriate to the size and function of the centre within which it is to be located. To guide this approach, the following retail hierarchy is defined: Main Town Centre - Wigston District Centres - Oadby - South Wigston Local Centres - Old Oadby, London Road, Oadby - Glen Road / Highcroft Avenue, Oadby - Rosemead Drive, Oadby - Severn Road, Oadby - Brabazon Road, Oadby - Leicester Road, Wigston - Little Hill, Wigston - Kelmarsh Avenue, Wigston - Queens Drive, Wigston - Gloucester Crescent, South Wigston The Borough Council will promote a mix of appropriate uses within these defined centres with active street frontages at ground floor level. The Borough Council will also retain and identify new small scale local shopping opportunities to meet the everyday needs of the local people.

Local Impact Threshold

Applications for retail, leisure and office development outside of a defined centre, which is not in accordance with this Plan, will require an impact assessment if the development is over the following floorspace thresholds: - Wigston Town Centre – 1,500 square metre gross floorspace - Oadby District Centre – 1,500 square metre gross floorspace - South Wigston District Centre – 500 square metre gross floorspace Should the Council be satisfied that the submitted impact assessment accords with the nationally prescribed criteria set out in the National Planning Policy Framework; provided the application conforms to all other relevant policy, planning permission will be granted.

Primary Shopping Frontages

At ground floor level the primary shopping frontages in the Borough's town and district centres are identified on the Council's Adopted Policies Map. To ensure that retail (A1) remains the primary use within the primary shopping frontages, development will only be permitted for non-A1 uses in the following circumstances: - Where at least 70 per cent of all units within the primary frontages in Wigston town centre are in A1 use; - Where at least 90 per cent of all units within the primary frontage in Bell Street (Wigston) are in A1 use; - Where at least 65 per cent of all units within the primary frontages in Oadby district centre are in A1 use; and - Where no more than three consecutive units are in non A1 use within any primary frontage. For the district centre of South Wigston, development will only be permitted for non A1 uses where no more than three consecutive units are in non A1 use within the district centre boundary. For clarity, in defining three consecutive units, interruptions such as roads are not taken into account. All of the units situated within a primary frontage (or centre boundary in case of South Wigston) are seen as continuous. Proposals that do not conform to these requirements will not be permitted unless significant regeneration benefits can be robustly demonstrated and evidenced.

Secondary Shopping Frontages

At the ground floor level of secondary frontages, as identified on the Council's Adopted Policies Map, planning permission will be granted for class A1, A2, B1, D1 and D2 uses. Use classes A3, A4 and A5 will also be permitted provided that they do not adversely impact upon the vitality and viability of the town as a whole. Where proposals would result in an over-concentration of similar uses that would harm vitality, viability, local amenity, including residential amenity, or safety, planning permission will not be granted. The Council will not permit any of the uses mentioned above if a proposal meant that there were three or more of the same uses in a consecutive row. For clarity, in defining a consecutive row, interruptions such as roads are not taken into account. All of the units situated within a secondary frontage are seen as continuous.

Town and District Centre Boundaries

This Plan sets tight boundaries for the centres of Wigston, Oadby and South Wigston to ensure that 'town centre uses' are focussed and are within close proximity to one another. Retail, leisure, commercial and other town centre use proposals will be directed as appropriate towards primary and secondary frontages and allocated sites for development. The town and district centre boundaries are illustrated on the Council's Adopted Policies Map.

Other Areas within the Town and District Centre Boundary but beyond the Primary and Secondary Frontages

Within the town and district centre boundaries but beyond the primary and secondary frontages, proposals for change of use to residential will in principle be supported. Proposals for other appropriate town centre uses such as offices or community facilities will in principle be supported. Proposals for change of use of buildings to uses that would be better located within the core of the town centre (particularly A1 retail uses) must demonstrate why they cannot be located within a primary or secondary frontage, and will only be granted planning permission if it can be demonstrated to a standard which is acceptable to the Council that they will not result in any harm to the vitality and viability of the town, as well as local amenity considerations. Significant development proposals within these areas that could contribute to the delivery of the masterplans and Local Development Orders that are not situated on allocated land will have to justify to a standard which is acceptable to the Council why they are not located in allocated areas. Any development proposals that compromise the fulfilment of the masterplans and / or Local Development Orders will not be permitted.

Use of Upper Floors within the Centres of Wigston, Oadby and South Wigston

Proposals for the change of use of floorspace above ground floor level to residential, office and other appropriate services or community uses, which contribute to the centre's vitality and viability, will be considered favourably.

Hot Food Takeaways

To avoid the potential significant adverse impact of hot food takeaways, all such proposals will be assessed against the following criteria: - Any proposal for a hot food takeaway, particularly a change of use from an existing A1 use, will be assessed for its impact on the vitality and viability of the frontage or block of units of which it forms part of. Any proposal which is likely to damage the primary retail function of a block or frontage will not be permitted. - Where hot food takeaways are already present within the vicinity, the cumulative effect / impact of any proposal will be taken into account. Where a number of takeaways occur that are already causing problems in terms of unacceptable traffic generation and deterioration in the amenity of the area, planning permission will not be permitted if the proposal will increase the nuisance. - In all cases, account will be taken of the effects of the proposal on the amenity of the area, with particular regard to the proposed opening hours, the impact of noise, public health, disturbance, design (including ventilation), smell and litter, traffic generation, parking problems and highway safety. Where significant adverse effects are likely to occur, the proposal will not be permitted. In some cases there may be circumstances where any adverse impacts or effects of a proposal could be reduced by the introduction of conditions personal to that permission. Where this is not possible, permission will not be permitted. Any proposal for a hot food takeaway will be subject to other local planning policies within this Plan.

Sustainable Transport and Initiatives

All new development must be located and designed to; reduce the need to travel by the private motor vehicle; enhance the safety of pedestrians and other road users; encourage the use of cycling as a sustainable mode of transport; and, improve accessibility for residents, particularly in locations where there is poor transport choice and availability. In all new development, proposals must provide the highways and transport infrastructure requirements needed to support and service the proposed development. There will also be a need to demonstrate that adequate capacity currently exists or will be provided through appropriate mitigation that meets necessary infrastructure requirements. Where new development is of a significant scale or type, a transport assessment and / or a travel plan, will be required. The Potential Transport Route will be safeguarded by this Plan. The route is identified on the Council's Adopted Policies Map. Support will be given for the following sustainable transport initiatives. - High quality public transport links between the Wigston Direction for Growth Area, Wigston town centre and Leicester City Centre; - High quality public transport links between the two Oadby Direction for Growth Allocations, Oadby district centre and Leicester City Centre; - A new public transport interchange in Wigston town centre to facilitate changes between north-south and east-west journeys; - Appropriate works to the highway to improve safety and ease of movement and to recognise the contribution the highway can make to the overall appearance of the public realm; - Innovative schemes for public car parking in the centres of Wigston, Oadby and South Wigston which comply with Leicestershire County Council parking standards. Schemes must make efficient use of land as well as achieve high quality inclusive design; - Innovative and high quality public realm schemes that improve pedestrian access and movement throughout the Borough; - Protection of existing cycle routes and provision of new well designed cycle routes; - Electric car charging points in all new car parking facilities; - Cycle parking in all new development; - Improved bus facilities in the Borough; and - Appropriate levels of disabled car parking in all proposals involving car parking provision. The Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council Highways Department (as well as Leicester City Council's Highway Department where relevant) will use developer contributions as necessary to fund off-site works where new or improved infrastructure is required to address the impacts of development.

Car Parking

The Council will ensure that there is adequate provision of car parking spaces and facilities across the Borough. All new development proposals will be required to provide car parking and servicing space in accordance with the parking standards set out in the Leicestershire Highways Design Guide (or equivalent). The parking standards must be seen as a guide for developers and any variation from these standards must be supported by robust evidence in the form of a transport statement. Where there is an evidenced need to do so, flexibility could be factored into the standards in relation to the specific local circumstances.

Taxis

Proposals for the use of premises for the control and administration of hackney carriages or private hire vehicles will be determined against the following criteria: - The proximity of the site to the core of the town or district centre. - The impact on any premises within the vicinity of the site, in particular those in residential use. - The ability of the local highway network to accommodate the additional traffic generated. - The availability of off-street parking provision within close proximity to the site for all vehicles to be operated from the base.