Here are the biggest local planning stories from the past week.

New Neighbourhood Plan

Rutland County Council is inviting representations on the Draft Uppingham Neighbourhood Plan, which has been formally submitted by Uppingham Town Council.

The Neighbourhood Plan sets out how Uppingham should be developed over the period to 2041 and has been prepared the Uppingham Neighbourhood Plan Group following consultation with the local community.

It includes site allocations for up to 513 dwellings, employment allocations and policies covering business and employment, protecting the character and heritage of the town, transport and active travel, Community facilities and services, open Spaces and environment.

Read more here

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Banking Hub Hopes

Rutland and Melton's MP, Alicia Kearns, has said that she is striving to get more of an update on Oakham's proposed banking hub, but that she expects it to open in early 2024.

HSBC due to close their Oakham branch this year, with 114 branches closing in total, but this was delayed until a banking hub can be set up in Rutland's county town.

Oakham's Loads closed last year, while Barclays closed at the end of April, making this hub even more important for the locals.

Read the full story here.

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Bench Won't Budge

Oakham Town Council has voted to keep the concrete seat which is on High Street in Oakham, outside the now-closed Wilko.

The seat, which is covered in pigeon excrement and graffiti, is well-used, but one councillor had suggested it be removed altogether.

Read more here.