In an announcement yesterday from Secretary of State Heidi Alexander, she announced that the Government has formally lifted safeguarding directions on areas of land under planning constraints from the Eastern Leg of HS2. 

This decision means that properties effected in the area, including land in Measham and Kegworth will no longer be under development restrictions and planning constraints. 

This hopes to end years of uncertainty of residents, local businesses and planning authorities that have had to operate with their hands tied due to HS2 route planning. The announcement also means that local property schemes that were closed by the plans, including Rent Back, Rural Support Zone, Express Purchase and Need to Sell schemes. 

Local MP Amanda Hack shared that this news creates new opportunities in the area (Photo: Amanda Hack)

Following this announcement, MP for North West Leicestershire Amanda Hack said: "Many local organisations have contacted me about opportunities that the safeguarding of areas in North West Leicestershire has been holding back. I've discussed these issues with the Secretary of State on multiple occasions over the last 12 months, and I'm now please that this land has been released. 

"This opens the door for new opportunities in the constituency, including the potential extension of the Ashby Canal near Measham, and gives the district council the confidence to complete its local plan without the uncertainty of having to exclude specific sites from consideration. 

"Over 10% of the properties along the former Eastern Leg are in North West Leicestershire, these will now enter a disposal programme. Open market sales are expected to begin in 2026, but before then, former owners whose homes were bought under statutory blight will be given the first opportunity to repurchase their properties at the current market value. 

"The Government has pledged to manage the disposal of land and property with care, to protect local housing markets, ensure value for money for taxpayers, and minimise disruption to communities." 

Councillor Kenny Horn, District and Town Councillor for Ashby's Castle Ward, welcomes the news that the areas of town he serves are no longer under threat.

Packington Nook had been included as a reserve local plan location, with plans for 1100 hours to be built (Photo: Google Maps)

Cllr Horn said: "I was advised by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) Officers and the local plan committee that Packington Nook was only introduces as a reserve local plan location because the safeguarded HS2 land had not been formally released. 

"Following the government statement yesterday, NWLDC Officers have advised me that 'there is no longer a need for a reserve site to address uncertainty associated with HS2. 

"I therefore fully expect the removal of Packington Nook from the local plan to be confirmed in the coming days."