LUC was commissioned by Harborough District Council to carry out a desk-based assessment of 140 proposed site allocations for the Draft Local Plan. This formed Phase 1 of a wider project, with Phase 2 to include ecological surveys and advice on how the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) should inform site selection and development proposals.

The assessment used spatial analysis to consider the ecological sensitivity of each site against key criteria, including priority habitats, protected species, local wildlife sites and alignment with wider strategies. Sites were categorised from high to low sensitivity to guide the Local Plan process and highlight where biodiversity net gain (BNG) will be most challenging to deliver, or where BNG-related enhancements could be most impactful and in line with the LNRS.

The study found 42 sites of high sensitivity, mainly due to the presence of locally designated sites and priority habitats, with a further eight sites categorised as moderate to high sensitivity. In total, 16 sites were recommended for further ecological survey. The assessment also identified where sites face climate risks such as flooding and heat stress, recommending early use of nature-based solutions to address these.

Alongside this, LUC carried out a critical friend review of selected environmental policies in Harborough’s new draft Local Plan, with an addendum assessing how the LNRS should be considered. This work helped the council strengthen its policy framework in line with the Environment Act 2021 and Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, ensuring future development supports both climate resilience and nature recovery.

By providing a clear evidence base, the study is helping Harborough District Council to plan for growth that balances housing delivery with protecting habitats, supporting nature recovery and improving climate resilience.