Agenda

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest, registerable interest or other interest

Members are reminded that under paragraph 11.1 of part 3 of the Constitution, questions can be asked of the Leader and Cabinet Members without notice about any matter contained in any address.  Questions shall be limited to five minutes in total for each announcement.

To receive questions from members of the public under procedure rule no.10.  The procedure rule provides that members of the public may ask members of the Cabinet any question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District, provided that three clear days’ notice in writing has been given to the Head of Legal and Support Services.

To receive members’ questions under procedure rule no.11.  The procedure rule provides that any member may ask the Chairman of a board or group any question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District, provided that three clear days’ notice in writing has been given to the Head of Legal and Support Services.

To consider the following motion received from Councillor M Wyatt:

Council notes the recent announcement by Keir Starmer’s Labour Government of plans to introduce a mandatory Digital ID scheme for all UK residents.

Council further notes that the Government’s plan:

• Could require every resident to obtain a Digital ID to access public services and entitlements;
• Could risk criminalising millions of people, particularly older people, those on lower incomes, or those without access to digital technology;
• Raises significant privacy and civil liberties concerns; 
• Could result in billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money being wasted on a massive IT project, with no clear benefit or safeguards.

Council believes that Labour’s scheme:

• Represents an expensive measure that will undermine public trust;
• Will do nothing to address the real priorities facing communities such as NHS backlogs, cost of living crisis, etc.];
• Fails to protect our core British values of liberty, privacy and fairness.

Council resolves:

• To formally oppose the Labour Government’s Digital ID plans;
• To request the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive write to: The Secretary of State for the Home Department; the local Members of Parliament representing North West Leicestershire and the Minister for Digital Infrastructure expressing this council’s firm opposition to Labour’s mandatory Digital ID system and calling for the plans to be scrapped.

To consider the following petition submitted by Bernadette Whelton

Background

We emphatically oppose the proposal to build 242 houses on the land off Torrington Avenue and Hall Lane – Site Reference C19a. Our reasons are:

Environmental Impact: It threatens our green spaces, natural habitats, and biodiversity. Destruction of trees and open land will negatively affect air quality and wildlife. A negative impact on our water drainage and sewage systems.

Overcrowding and Infrastructure Strain: Increased traffic causing congestion. Adding a link road to meet with the site C19a from the proposed site C19b (700 houses) off Stephenson Way site 19b would further exacerbate traffic congestion.  More pressure on already overburdened services, especially healthcare.

Loss of Community Character: Development would erode the separation between Whitwick and Coalville. Whitwick risks losing its identity as a distinct village. It diminishes the historical and cultural integrity of the area.

Noise and Construction Disruption: Long-term noise, dust, and disruption during construction. Ongoing noise pollution from increased traffic, affecting health and quality of life (stress, sleep issues).

Inappropriate Location: The area lacks the infrastructure to support such large-scale development. Housing would be better situated near industrial units and existing road networks that can accommodate an increase in traffic.

Action petitioned for

We the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge our leaders to act now to remove the land at Torrington Avenue, Whitwick - Site Reference – C19a – the build of 242 houses from the Draft Local Plan.

There are 1005 valid signatures on the petition.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 16 September 2025.

Report of the Director of Resources

Presented by the Corporate and Finance Portfolio Holder

Report of the Chief Executive

Presented by the Infrastructure Portfolio Holder

Report of the Head of Legal and Support Services

Presented by the Infrastructure Portfolio Holder