Marvin OnumonuCouncillors have adopted the Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37, which sets out where new housing and employment land will go in the borough.
It also includes funding for roads, transport, schools, health services and community facilities.
The plan was adopted at a full council meeting at Loughborough town hall on 19th January 2026.
Councillor Birgitta Worrall, Lead Member for planning at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The local plan provides a clear framework for future development in Charnwood.
“It has been shaped by years of evidence gathering, consultation, and significant scrutiny from communities, developers, agencies, planning inspectors and my fellow councillors.
“The local plan not only identifies the locations for development in Charnwood, but also strengthens protection against unplanned development for areas with the greatest environmental importance.”
Worrall added: “The government is clear that homes need to be built and land provided for employment and jobs creation, which means it is important to have the local plan in place.”
The plan includes land allocations carried over from the previous core strategy.
This covers development in Thurmaston, Birstall and Loughborough.
Much of the land for housing and jobs is already planned.
Additionally, the plan will deliver 81 hectares of flexible employment land, 73 hectares for the expansion of Loughborough university science and enterprise park, locations for new homes to meet the annual government target of 1,111 plus 78 homes a year for Leicester’s unmet need, and £350m for roads, public transport, cycle routes, education, communities and police and health services from developer contributions.
Six new primary schools are planned for Anstey (two), Barrow, Loughborough, Shepshed and Syston, plus an extension of Cossington’s school for Sileby.
There will also be greater protection for important open spaces and features in towns and villages by focusing development elsewhere.
