North West Leicestershire Labour Group is calling on the District Council's Local Plan Committee to remove Paddington Nook from the emerging Local Plan following the Government's decision to lift HS2 safeguarding. 

Last week, MP for North West Leicestershire Amanda Hack welcomed the news that land around Ashby will no longer be under planning constraints as part of HS2 safeguarding. This will include land in Measham and Kegworth. 

Since that announcement, the NWL Labour Group have called on the Local Plan committee to scrap Paddington Nook in Measham. 

This would mean that the land previously protected for HS2 infrastructure would be made available to be allocated as part of the plan.  

According to the Labour Group, 'the original rationale for allocating nearly 1,100 homes at Paddington Nook was based on a perceived shortfall of suitable land, largely due to the HS2 restrictions.' 

Councillor John Legrys has called on the Local Plan Committee to remove Packington Nook (Photo: NWL Labour Group)

Leader of the NWL Labour Group councillor John Legrys said: 'The lifting of HS2 safeguarding has fundamentally changed the planning landscape in North West Leicestershire.  

'Sites that were previously off-limits can now be reviewed, and the original justification for including Packington Nook as a reserve site has completely fallen away. We are calling on the Local Plan Committee to rethink its approach and remove Packington Nook from the plan.' 

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Councillor Sean Sheahan, ward member for Measham South, said: 'This has profound implications for Measham. Long-delayed projects, like the restoration of The Ashby Canal, can finally move forward, unlocking years of stalled progress.  

'This renewed momentum will drive much-needed investment into local regeneration. Ultimately, it will attract new people and opportunities to our area, delivering real, lasting benefits for the whole community.'