Social Value Ideas for Melton Borough Council

Strengthen planning service

The leader said the council will bring forward a proposal to strengthen the planning service, including a strategic adviser, process and structural changes, improved ICT and enforcement capacity. This…

“Speaker 3: Much good work has been progressed, but this is not progressed at the rate that is required. As we have mentioned, we stated we could revie…”

Solar farm application deferred

The committee deferred the Freeby solar farm application rather than determining it on the night. Members wanted further clarification on agricultural land grading, cumulative impacts, and related tec…

“Speaker 2: I would like the questions that are posed on page five of the consultant's report, which is p m g. I'm sorry. My p a g. My eyes aren't wha…”

Car wash refused in conservation area

The committee refused the application for a hand car wash at Midland House on the basis that the location, scale, design, appearance and materials would be out of keeping with the Melton Mowbray Conse…

“Right, so, we're now putting it to the vote, please. So, all those in favor or refusal of the application, please show. Uh let it be recorded. That's …”

HMO refused on amenity grounds

The committee refused the HMO application because members concluded that the intensity of occupation, limited communal living facilities, restricted external amenity space, and pressure on parking wou…

“Speaker 11: Thank you, chair. The proposed development by reason of the intensity of occupation proposed, the limited communal living facilities avail…”

Children's home approved

The committee approved a change of use from a C3 dwelling to a C2 children's home at 2 Wallace Close, subject to conditions including time limit, approved plans, limiting use to a small-scale children…

“Speaker 3: So to summarize the report, the proposed development represents an appropriate and sustainable form of development in Melton Mowbray, being…”

Agricultural land grading disputed

A key planning pressure was the extent of best and most versatile agricultural land within the solar site. Members challenged the adequacy of the grading evidence, and the committee ultimately treated…

“Speaker 2: Yes. Thank you, chair. Just, a question. I apologize for bringing it at the moment, but I I think I need a clarification before I I develop…”

Meeting adjourned before final item

The third application, involving redevelopment at North Lodge, Old Dalby, could not be determined because the committee ran out of time and adjourned the meeting. Any final decision and related condit…

“Speaker 0: Thank you very much, George. And, again, I won't give you the instructions. So when you're ready, please please begin. Speaker 20: Chair m…”

Reasons for refusal to be drafted

Following the unanimous refusal, members agreed that the chair and chief planning officer would finalise the detailed refusal reasons, with members to be consulted on the wording. The discussion ident…

“There are obviously major reasons why and then there are reasons which are important, but not the inspector will obviously need all of those reasons. …”

Stockyard delivery and contract

The Stockyard project has entered pre-contract services ahead of a construction contract, following a procurement process. Members were told an all-member briefing would follow, and risks remain aroun…

“Speaker 9: Stockyard delivery. We had a a first, board meeting of the new arrangements, which is a cross party politically balanced today, and, counci…”

Stockyard construction partner appointed

The leader reported that the council has procured a construction partner for the Stockyard and is moving from planning into delivery. This indicates a live capital/project delivery contract and sugges…

“Driving regeneration and growing the local economy, we procured a construction partner for the stockyard. I'm moving from the planning to delivery wit…”

Stockyard project progress

Scrutiny asked for a comprehensive update on the Stockyard project because it is a key council project. Cabinet treated it as a major delivery priority and indicated a cross-party role in keeping the …

“Now, again, it's part of the embedded process that the scrutiny committee receives an annual report from the landlord assurance board. And and we had …”

Defer Application 15/00127 and Reconvene

The committee unanimously voted to defer the application for 175 dwellings at Burton Lazars (15/00127) pending publication of the viability assessment to members and the public. The application will b…

“So, I would like to propose that we defer this application um and take a vote on it at some point... could I have a show of hands, please, to defer th…”

Viability Assessment Transparency and Accessibility

Significant governance issue raised regarding the non-publication of the viability assessment report to members and the public. Councillor Brown challenged the lack of transparency, citing national gu…

“so the report isn't online but the conclusions are online... just bring you back to the sort of national guidance basically says any viability assessm…”