Derby Local Plan 2026 Implication Summary

Your Guide to the Derby City Local Plan (2025–2042) Consultation:
Why Littleover and Blagreaves Residents Should Get Involved

Introduction: Shaping Our Community’s Future, Together

The Derby City Local Plan (2025–2042) is more than just a technical document—it is the blueprint for how our city will grow, change, and protect what matters most over the next two decades. For residents of Littleover and Blagreaves, this plan will directly affect our green spaces, parks, biodiversity, and the character of our neighbourhoods. As the consultation period opens, Greener Littleover invites you to learn what’s at stake, understand how the plan could impact our area, and discover how your voice can make a real difference.

What Is the Derby City Local Plan and Why Does It Matter?

The Local Plan is Derby City Council’s main planning policy document. It sets out where new homes, jobs, infrastructure, and community facilities will be located, and how the city’s environment will be protected and enhanced. The new plan, covering 2025–2042, replaces the current plan (which runs until 2028) and responds to updated housing targets, changing national policies, and local needs.

This plan is not just for planners or developers—it is for everyone who lives, works, or cares about Derby. It will guide decisions on:

Where new housing and employment sites are built
How parks, green spaces, and wildlife habitats are protected or changed
What infrastructure (like schools, roads, and drainage) is needed
How climate change, health, and community wellbeing are addressed

The Local Plan is the main way residents can influence the future of our neighbourhoods. Once adopted, it will shape all planning decisions for the next 17 years.

The Consultation Process: How and When to Have Your Say

The Draft Local Plan for Derby is open for public consultation from Monday 12 January 2026 to Monday 9 March 2026. This is the first of two major consultations before the plan is finalised and submitted for government approval12.

How to Participate:

Online: Visit the Let’s Talk Derby website and use the Local Plan Consultation Portal to read documents and submit your comments.
In Person: Attend drop-in events at the Market Hall, Ordish Room, on Saturday 31 January and Saturday 21 February 2026, 9:30am–3pm.
By Email: If you need accessible versions of documents or want to join the consultation mailing list, email planningpolicy@derby.gov.uk.

Why Now? After this consultation, there will be a second (final) consultation in summer 2026. Changes can only be made before the plan is submitted to the government. This is your best chance to shape the plan while it is still being developed.

How the Local Plan Affects Green Spaces, Parks, and Biodiversity

The Importance of Green Spaces in Derby

Green spaces—parks, playing fields, woodlands, and the network of green wedges—are vital for our health, wellbeing, and the environment. They:

Provide places for recreation, relaxation, and community events
Support wildlife and biodiversity, including rare and protected species
Help manage flood risk and improve air quality
Separate neighbourhoods, preventing urban sprawl and maintaining local identity

In Littleover and Blagreaves, green spaces like Millennium Woods, Heatherton Pond, and the green wedges are especially valued by residents.

What the Draft Local Plan Proposes

The new Local Plan proposes:

12,500 new homes across Derby by 2042, with significant development in Littleover and Blagreaves
A focus on higher-density housing in the city centre, but also new suburban developments in areas like Littleover
Refined ‘Green Gaps’—a new approach to green wedge boundaries, aiming to protect community identity and enhance biodiversity
Continued protection for parks and green spaces, but with some boundary changes and new designations

Key Point: The plan must balance the need for new homes with the protection of green spaces. This is a challenging task, and your feedback is crucial in getting it right.

Green Wedges, Green Gaps, and Green Belt: What’s Changing?

Understanding the Designations

Green Wedges: Locally designated areas of linked open space, first established in the 1980s, that separate neighbourhoods, provide countryside links, and support biodiversity.
Green Gaps: A new designation proposed for areas where green wedges can no longer fully perform their function, often due to development pressures. Green gaps are intended as a ‘last resort’ to safeguard land that still offers community and environmental benefits.
Green Belt: Nationally protected land around cities, designed to prevent urban sprawl and keep towns distinct. Derby’s Green Belt is mainly in the north and east of the city.

Proposed Changes in the Draft Local Plan

Green Wedges and Green Gaps

The 2025 Green Wedge Review found that most green wedges remain highly effective, but some are under pressure from development.
Littleover/Mickleover Green Wedge is identified as underperforming due to private land, pinch points, and restricted countryside links. It is at risk of being obstructed by development in neighbouring districts.
The plan proposes to re-designate the Littleover/Mickleover Green Wedge as a ‘Green Gap’, reflecting its reduced ability to function as a wedge but recognising its ongoing value.
Boundary changes are proposed for several wedges, with the most significant being:
- Removal of the Lees Brook Valley wedge (its eastern part incorporated into Spondon–Chaddesden)
- Extension of Spondon–Chaddesden wedge to the city boundary, overlapping with Green Belt land

Green Belt and Grey Belt

The 2025 Green Belt Assessment confirms that most Green Belt land in Derby makes a strong contribution to preventing sprawl and protecting countryside.
Two parcels west of Spondon are identified as ‘grey belt’—lower-performing Green Belt land that could be considered for development if needed.
The plan proposes to remove one parcel (Stoney Lane, Spondon) from the Green Belt, as it meets the grey belt definition and is suitable for development.
No Green Belt land in Littleover or Blagreaves is proposed for release at this stage, but cross-boundary pressures remain a concern.

Local Green Space and Other Protections

The plan encourages the use of Local Green Space designations (which can be made through neighbourhood plans) to protect valued community spaces.
Other designations, such as Public Open Space and Local Nature Reserves, may be used to safeguard undeveloped land if wedge or gap status is lost.

Spotlight on Littleover and Blagreaves: What’s at Stake?

Proposed Developments and Their Impacts

Moorway Lane Development

A major proposal for up to 350 new homes and a local centre at Moorway Lane, east of Heatherton Village, is currently under consideration.
The site lies within the Littleover/Mickleover Green Wedge (to become a Green Gap), and development would:
- Sever connections between adjacent green wedges
- Encircle Millennium Woods with new housing
- Threaten habitats and wildlife corridors, including those supporting newts and other protected species
- Increase traffic and pressure on local infrastructure (schools, roads, drainage)

Community Response: Greener Littleover and other local groups are campaigning to protect Millennium Woods and the surrounding green space, arguing that the development prioritises short-term gain over long-term wellbeing.

Other Sites and Cumulative Effects

Additional housing allocations are proposed in the wider Littleover and Blagreaves area, with further sites likely to come forward as the plan progresses.
The cumulative impact of multiple developments could:
- Reduce the effectiveness of green wedges/gaps in separating neighbourhoods
- Increase the risk of urban sprawl and loss of local identity
- Place further strain on parks, play areas, and community facilities

Risks to Green Space, Green Gap, and Biodiversity Protections

Loss of Green Wedge Function: If development proceeds as proposed, the Littleover/Mickleover wedge will be downgraded to a Green Gap, offering less robust protection.
Habitat Fragmentation: New roads and housing could isolate wildlife habitats, disrupt corridors, and reduce biodiversity.
Pressure on Parks and Open Spaces: Increased population may lead to overuse and underfunding of existing parks, unless new provision and investment are secured.
Weaker Policy Protections: The shift from wedge to gap, and the introduction of grey belt, may make it easier for future development to erode green space protections.

Derby City Council’s Parks and Green Spaces Budgets: Recent and Proposed Changes

The Financial Context

Like many councils, Derby City Council faces ongoing financial pressures, with rising demand for services and limited resources. Over the past decade, the council has delivered significant savings, but is now proposing new investment in key areas.

Recent Budget Developments

2025/26 Budget: The council received an increase in core spending power, with additional funding for social care, cultural recovery, and hardship support. Some money has been put back into services following government grants.
2026/27–2028/29 Medium-Term Financial Plan: Proposes almost £60 million of investment into Derby, with £26 million in 2026/27 and £33 million over the following two years. Priorities include safer communities, poverty reduction, and support for vulnerable residents.
No Staff Reductions: For the first time in years, there are no plans for staff redundancies or reductions in council staff. Some new roles will be created, especially in adult social care.

Parks and Green Spaces Funding

The council has stated that tidier streets and green spaces are a priority for residents, and investment will be directed accordingly.
However, the financial landscape remains challenging, and the council must balance competing demands.
No specific cuts to parks and green spaces budgets have been announced for 2026/27, but future funding will depend on government settlements and local priorities.

How Budget Changes Intersect with the Local Plan

Opportunities: New investment could support the creation and maintenance of parks, play areas, and green infrastructure in areas of growth.
Risks: If funding is insufficient, increased population from new developments could lead to overused or neglected green spaces.
Community Role: The Local Plan consultation is a key opportunity to highlight the importance of parks and green spaces, and to call for adequate funding and protection.

Nature Recovery and Biodiversity: Strategies for a Greener Derby

Derbyshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)

The Derbyshire LNRS is a county-wide plan to restore and enhance nature and biodiversity, developed with input from councils, environmental groups, landowners, and the public.
The strategy:
- Maps existing habitats and areas of high biodiversity value
- Sets priorities for reversing biodiversity decline
- Identifies opportunities for nature recovery and environmental improvement

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

From November 2023, all major developments in Derby must deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain—leaving the natural environment in a better state than before.
Developers must use DEFRA’s Biodiversity Metric to assess and demonstrate gains, either on-site or through off-site compensation.
The council encourages early engagement and robust ecological assessments for all planning applications.

Local Plan Policies

The plan includes policies to:
- Protect and enhance Derby’s natural environment and green infrastructure
- Require measurable net gains in biodiversity for most new developments
- Support the creation of ecological networks and resilient habitats

Community Action: Residents and groups like Greener Littleover can help by monitoring local wildlife, proposing Local Green Space designations, and advocating for strong biodiversity protections in the Local Plan.

National Planning Policy Context: NPPF Reforms and Implications

Recent Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

The government published significant NPPF reforms in December 2024 and December 2025, introducing new concepts and shifting the balance of planning policy.
Key Changes:
- Clearer distinction between plan-making and decision-making policies
- Stronger presumption in favour of development in suitable locations
- Introduction of ‘grey belt’—lower-performing Green Belt land that may be released for development
- Emphasis on evidence-led, rules-based decision-making

What This Means for Derby

The Local Plan must align with the new NPPF, prioritising brownfield and grey belt sites for development, but also ensuring robust evidence for any changes to green space or Green Belt boundaries.
The NPPF continues to support the protection of high-quality open spaces, but allows for flexibility where public benefits (like affordable housing and infrastructure) can be demonstrated.
The plan must be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changing national policies and local needs.

How Residents Can Respond: Practical Steps for Effective Consultation Submissions

Why Your Feedback Matters

The Local Plan consultation is the main way residents can influence the future of their neighbourhoods.
All comments received during the consultation will be considered by the council and can lead to changes in the plan before it is finalised.
After the final consultation, the plan is submitted to the government, and further changes become much harder.

What Makes an Effective Submission?

Be Specific: Reference particular sites, policies, or proposals that concern you (e.g., the Moorway Lane development, changes to green wedge boundaries, funding for parks).
Use Evidence: Draw on local knowledge, council documents, and evidence from the Green Wedge Review, Green Belt Assessment, and Nature Recovery Strategy.
Highlight Community Value: Explain how green spaces, parks, and biodiversity benefit health, wellbeing, and community identity.
Suggest Alternatives: If you oppose a proposal, suggest better locations for development, or ways to mitigate impacts (e.g., improved infrastructure, new green space provision).
Support Positive Policies: If you agree with protections for green spaces or biodiversity, say so—positive feedback is important too.

How to Submit Your Comments

Online: Use the Local Plan Consultation Portal on the Let’s Talk Derby website.
In Writing: Email planningpolicy@derby.gov.uk or use the paper comment form.
In Person: Attend a drop-in event and speak to council officers.

Key Evidence Documents and Maps to Review

For residents who want to dig deeper, the following documents provide essential background and evidence:

Draft Local Plan for Derby (2025–2042)
Green Wedge Review (2025)
Green Belt Assessment (2025)
Green Wedge Map Pack (October 2025)
Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
Derbyshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Council Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan documents

These are available on the Derby City Council website and the Let’s Talk Derby consultation portal.

Potential Risks to Biodiversity, Green Wedge, and Green Belt Protections

Summary Table: Key Risks and Their Implications

The downgrading of the Littleover/Mickleover Green Wedge to a Green Gap is a significant change. While Green Gaps still offer some protection, they are considered a ‘last resort’ and may be more vulnerable to future development, especially if external pressures (from neighbouring districts) continue4. Habitat fragmentation is a major concern, particularly for sites like Millennium Woods, which serve as vital wildlife corridors and community sanctuaries. Once these links are lost, they are difficult—if not impossible—to restore.

Cumulative development, where several sites are allocated in or near green spaces, can gradually erode the character and identity of neighbourhoods. This is especially true if infrastructure (schools, roads, drainage) does not keep pace with population growth. Funding shortfalls for parks and green spaces remain a risk, even as the council commits to new investment. Without adequate resources, existing parks may become overused or fall into disrepair, reducing their value for residents and wildlife.

Finally, the flexibility introduced by recent NPPF reforms means that protections for green spaces and Green Belt land are not absolute. Strong evidence, community support, and clear local policies are needed to defend valued areas from inappropriate development.

Local Infrastructure and Services: Impacts and Opportunities

Traffic, Schools, and Drainage

Traffic: New developments, such as the proposed Moorway Lane site, will increase traffic on local roads, especially during peak hours. Transport assessments suggest that, while impacts can be managed, some junctions may experience increased queuing and delays.
Schools: Additional housing will increase demand for school places. While some primary and secondary schools are within walking distance, capacity may need to be expanded.
Drainage: New development must address surface water management and flood risk, especially where green spaces currently help absorb rainfall.

Opportunities for Mitigation

Active Travel: Plans include new footways, cycle routes, and improved bus stops to encourage walking, cycling, and public transport use.
Green Infrastructure: Developers may be required to provide new parks, play areas, and green corridors as part of planning conditions.
Community-Led Protections: Residents can propose Local Green Space designations, monitor biodiversity, and work with the council to secure long-term management of green areas.

Opportunities for Community Action and Mitigation

What Residents and Community Groups Can Do

Engage with the Consultation: Submit comments, attend events, and encourage neighbours to get involved.
Support Local Campaigns: Join Greener Littleover and other groups working to protect green spaces and promote sustainable development.
Propose Local Green Space Designations: Work with the council to formally protect valued areas through neighbourhood planning.
Monitor and Record Wildlife: Help build the evidence base for biodiversity protection by recording species and habitats in your area.
Advocate for Investment: Call for adequate funding for parks, play areas, and green infrastructure in the Local Plan and council budgets.

Timeline and Next Steps for the Local Plan and Community Action

Key Dates

12 January – 9 March 2026: Draft Local Plan consultation period
31 January & 21 February 2026: Drop-in events at Market Hall, Ordish Room
Summer 2026: Second (final) consultation on the updated plan
December 2026: Plan submitted to government for examination
2027–2028: Plan adopted and implemented (subject to approval)

What Happens After the Consultation?

The council will review all comments and may make changes to the plan.
A second consultation will be held on the final draft in summer 2026.
After submission to the government, an independent inspector will examine the plan.
Once adopted, the plan will guide all planning decisions in Derby until 2042.

Why Your Feedback Is Essential

Your voice matters. The Local Plan will shape the future of Littleover, Blagreaves, and all of Derby for a generation. By participating in the consultation, you can:

Protect valued green spaces, parks, and wildlife habitats
Influence where and how new homes and infrastructure are built
Ensure that community needs—like schools, play areas, and safe streets—are met
Help Derby become a greener, healthier, and more resilient city

If residents do not speak up, decisions may be made without fully understanding local priorities and concerns.

Call to Action: Get Involved and Make a Difference

Greener Littleover encourages every resident to:

Read the Draft Local Plan and supporting documents
Attend a consultation event or drop-in session
Submit your comments and suggestions via the Let’s Talk Derby portal
Share this guide with friends, neighbours, and community groups
Join local campaigns to protect green spaces and promote sustainable development

Together, we can shape a future for Littleover and Blagreaves that balances growth with the protection of our precious green spaces, parks, and biodiversity.

For more information, support, or to get involved with Greener Littleover, visit www.greenerlittleover.org.uk or email hello@greenerlittleover.org.uk.

Let’s make our voices heard—our community, our future, our say.

Quick Reference—Key Points for Residents

The Derby City Local Plan (2025–2042) will guide all development and green space protection for the next 17 years.
Littleover and Blagreaves face significant changes, including new housing developments and changes to green wedge protections.
The Littleover/Mickleover Green Wedge is proposed to become a Green Gap, offering weaker protection.
Major developments, like Moorway Lane, threaten local green spaces and biodiversity.
Council budgets for parks and green spaces are under pressure, but new investment is planned.
Nature recovery and biodiversity net gain are key priorities, but require strong policies and community support.
Recent national policy changes (NPPF reforms) make it more important than ever for residents to engage and defend valued spaces.
The consultation runs until 9 March 2026—this is your chance to shape the plan before it is finalised.
Submit your feedback, support local campaigns, and help protect the future of our community.