Police and Crime Commissioner in legal action over housing development

A Police and Crime Commmissioner has launched judicial review proceedings against a district council after it granted permission for a 4,250-home development.

In a statement on the legal action against Blaby District Council, Sir Clive Loader, PCC for Leicestershire, said the development at Lubbesthorpe would increase the demand on policing in that area.

“In order to maintain the level of policing presently offered to residents in the District, Leicestershire Police require a financial contribution from the developers of the Lubbesthorpe urban extension towards police equipment and buildings,” he said.

“Both the council and developer agree that a financial contribution should be made towards policing in Leicestershire, but have entered into an agreement that means no funding will be put in place for very many years, until thousands of new homes have been built.”

Sir Clive added that there was no firm commitment in the agreement to contribute towards the buildings that would need to be expanded to house the additional officers and staff required to police the development.

“As a consequence, acute pressure will be placed on the Force’s ability to police the development effectively which is likely to impact on policing elsewhere in the area reducing the level of service provided to existing residents,” he claimed.

The PCC insisted that the police were not opposed to the building of new homes in principle. However, he said that if funding was not put in place during the early stages of development, the impact on the service offered by police across the county would be “unacceptable”.

Sir Clive said: “The current situation is therefore untenable, not least because it is unfair on the local communities who depend on the police service and will see a reduction in the level of service if new development isn’t prepared to properly contribute towards the extra demand it places on police resources.

“Accordingly, there was no option but to seek judicial review of the council's decision to grant planning permission. It is not a decision that was taken lightly, and of course, it is hoped that this situation can be satisfactorily resolved without further recourse to the courts.”

The PCC also pointed out there were a number of similar-sized developments planned for the area covered by Leicestershire Police.

“The precedent set by not taking such legal action would allow future development to exacerbate this already unacceptable situation,” he said.

In response a spokeswoman for Blaby said the council was aware that the PCC had applied to the High Court to bring judicial review proceedings.

Cllr Ernie White, the council’s Leader, said: “We are naturally disappointed that our partners at Leicestershire Police have considered it appropriate to seek a judicial review of the planning permission, and will take all steps necessary to defend the decision and to achieve the best possible outcome for the people of Blaby and Leicestershire.

“We are confident in our planning decision making process and consider that the permitted development will provide the infrastructure and services required to deliver a sustainable community at Lubbesthorpe.”