Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Higgins. Councillor Browne was not present at the start of the meeting.

(a)  To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 21 November 2024

(b)  To confirm the minutes of the special meeting held on 10 December 2024

(c)  To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2024

(a)  The minutes of the meeting held on 21 November 2024 were confirmed as a true record.

 

(b)  The minutes of the special meeting held on 10 December 2024 were confirmed as a true record.

 

(c)  Minutes of 18 December 2024 - The following additional wording on page 4 of the minutes was agreed :

 

·         After the words ‘whilst it was geographically close’ add ‘to the town’

·         Referring to the sentence ‘residents wouldn’t be able to safely cross the road’, insert the name of the road being ‘the main Leicester Road’

 

Subject to the above amendments, the minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2024 were confirmed as a true record.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

Application 24/00551/FUL - 7 Garden Lane, Melton Mowbray

 

Councillor Siggy Atherton, advised that she had been involved in discussions on the application as a Ward Councillor which she felt put her in a position of perceived bias therefore she would leave the committee, not take part in the debate, nor vote on this item.

 

Application 24/01019/GDOPV – Waterfield Leisure Centre

Application 24/01028/GDOPV – Melton Sports Village

 

Councillor Allnatt, advised that as Leader he had been involved in the development of the above proposals and therefore considered that he should recuse himself at that meeting. Therefore he advised he would leave the meeting, not take part in the debate nor vote on these items.

 

Application 24/01019/GDOPV – Waterfield Leisure Centre

 

Councillor Gordon advised that she was a member and user of the Waterfield Leisure Centre. However she understood this did not mean she had an interest to declare and could take part and remain in the meeting.

 

(Councillor Siggy Atherton here left the committee and moved into the public gallery.)

7 Garden Lane, Melton Mowbray

Location : 7 Garden Lane, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0SJ

Proposal : Change of classification from a dwelling house (Class C3) to a residential institution (Class C2)

 

The Planning Officer (HW) addressed the committee and provided a summary of the application. She advised that the application was before the committee as more than 10 objections had been received. A letter of support had been received from a neighbour.

 

Pursuant to Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraphs 2.8-2.28 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to public speaking at Planning Committee, the Chair allowed the following to give a three minute presentation:

 

Craig Boot, Objector, made the following points:

 

·         Mainly elderly and vulnerable residents lived in the neighbouring area 

·         Local residents were concerned about crime and anti-social behaviour and a potential loss of quality of life and amenity

·         Reports from another area where there was a similar home had  documented concerns and a negative influence on residents had been reported as well as a fear of increased crime on the community

·         He considered that parking standards had not been met being 1 car parking space for each bedroom and 1 for each member of staff as well as provision for visitors

·         There would be a traffic and parking impact on Garden Lane as well as a potential for the obstruction of service vehicles 

·         Questioned whether there was a need for another home such as this in Melton

 

During the debate it was noted that:

 

·         A parking layout was to be submitted prior to the change of use being approved

·         There was no requirement for local need for such a home and it was more likely that children from other areas would be placed there due to previous trauma in originating home towns to meet safeguarding and risks associated with placements

·         This application was not in the same situation as the previous application at Redmile where there were multiple homes in a geographically small rural area and even then the Planning Inspector had determined that this was not a reason to refuse such applications

·         Fear of crime without sound evidence was not a reason to refuse the application

 

Councillor Pritchett proposed the recommendation in the report. Councillor Ronan Browne seconded the motion.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the application be APPROVED subject to conditions, as listed in detail at section 10 of the report.

 

(Unanimous)

 

REASONS

 

The reasons for approval were as outlined in the report.

 

(Councillor Browne entered the meeting at 18:09 following the officer presentation and advised that he had attended the briefing, felt able to take part in the debate and vote on the application.)

 

(Councillor Siggy Atherton here returned to the committee.)

(Councillor Allnatt here left the committee and exited the meeting room.)

Waterfield Leisure Centre, Dalby Road, Melton Mowbray

Location : Waterfield Leisure Centre, Dalby Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 OBG

Proposal : Installation of 125 solar PV panels on the flat roofs at Waterfield Leisure Centre

 

The Planning Officer (AC) addressed the committee and provided a summary of the application. He advised that prior approval notification was required to be considered by the Committee as the applicant was Melton Borough Council.

 

Members thanked the officers for the report and welcomed the proposal from a climate change perspective and considered the Council was leading by example.

 

Councillor Pritchett proposed the recommendation in the report. Councillor Glancy seconded the motion.

 

RESOLVED

 

That no prior approval of the matters listed in Part 14, Class J were required (section 8 of the report refers).

 

(Unanimous)

Melton Sports Village, Burton Road, Melton Mowbray

Location : Melton Sports Village, Burton Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1DR

Proposal : Installation of 110 solar PV panels on the roof of Melton Sports Village

 

The Planning Officer (AC) addressed the committee and provided a summary of the application. He advised that prior approval notification was required to be considered by the Committee as the applicant was Melton Borough Council.

 

Members thanked the officers for the report and welcomed the proposal from a climate change perspective and considered the Council was leading by example.

 

Councillor Siggy Atherton proposed the recommendation in the report. Councillor Ian Atherton seconded the motion.

 

RESOLVED

 

That no prior approval of the matters listed in Part 14, Class J were required (section 8 of the report refers).

 

(Unanimous)

To consider any other business that the Chair considers urgent

 

There was no urgent business.

 

Members thanked Planning Officer, Helen White, on her departure from the Council and for her contribution to the planning service over the past 3 years.