Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

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

Councillors A Barker, D Everitt, M French J Geary, R Johnson, J Legrys, N Rushton and A Wilson declared an other interest in item 18, Pension Discretion – Proposed Introduction of a Salary Sacrifice Additional Voluntary Contributions Scheme (AVC), as members of the Leicestershire County Council Pension Scheme.

Councillor S Sheahan declared a registerable interest in item 10, Motions, due to the reference to HS2 and a property owner affected by the proposed route.

Councillors C Sewell and R Sutton declared an interest in item 10, Motions, as members of Kegworth Parish Council.

Councillor P Moult declared an other interest in item 11, Petitions, as a signatory on the petition submitted.

To appoint the Chair of the Council for the ensuing municipal year.

Councillor K Horn said a few words regarding his year as Chair of the Council.  He thanked all officers and Members for their support, particularly with raising money for his charity.  He advised that the total raised was £17,000.

Nominations were sought for the Chair of the Council for the ensuing municipal year.

It was moved by Councillor R Bluntthat Councillor P Lees be appointed as Chair of the Council for 2025/26.  The motion was seconded by Councillor T Gillard.

It was also moved by Councillor A Morley that Councillor T Eynon be appointed as Chair of the Council for 2025/26.  It was seconded by Councillor C Sewel.

As two nominations had been received, a vote was taken for each nominee in turn.  It was

RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor P Lees be appointed Chair of the Council for 2025/26.

Councillor P Lees then took the Chair, received the Chair’s chains and signed the Acceptance of Office.  He then presented Councillor K Horn with his Past Chair of the Council badge.

To appoint the Deputy Chair of the Council for the ensuing municipal year.

Nominations were sought for the Deputy Chair of the Council for the ensuing year.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt that Councillor J Simmons be appointed as Deputy Chair of the Council for 2025/26. The motion was seconded by Councillor T Gillard.

It was also moved by Councillor D Bigby that Councillor A Wilson be appointed as Deputy Chair of the Council for 2025/26.  The motion was seconded by Councillor J Legrys.

As two nominations had been received, a vote was taken for each nominee in turn, the result of which was tied.  Therefore, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the Chair of the Council exercised his casting vote.  It was

RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor J Simmons be appointed as Deputy Chair of the Council for 2025/26.

The Chair of the Councill took the opportunity to thank Members for his appointment and announced his intentions for his year in office, particularly to represent the neuro-divergent community as an openly autistic Chair of the Council.  Some information was provided in relation to neurodiversity and then it was announced that the Chair of the Council’s chosen charity for the year as the National Autistic Society. 

To appoint the Leader of the Council for the ensuing municipal year.

Nominations were sought for the Leader of the Council for the ensuing year.

It was moved by Councillor T Gillard that Councillor R Blunt be appointed as Leader of the Council for 2025/26.  The motion was seconded by Councillor K Horn.

It was also moved by Councillor P Moult that Councillor J Legrys be appointed as Leader of the Council for 2025/26.  The motion was seconded by Councillor G Rogers.

Before a vote was taken, in agreement with the Chair of the Council, Councillor R Sutton addressed the meeting in relation to his priorities for his constituents and the decision on leadership for Members to consider.

As two nominations had been received, a vote was taken for each nominee.  It was

RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor R Blunt be appointed as the Leader of the Council for 2025/26.

Councillor R Blunt thanked Members for his appointment and said a few words regarding his plans for the forthcoming year.

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.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor R Blunt announced his appointments and delegations of executive functions for the forthcoming year as follows:

Leader – Councillor R Blunt

Deputy Leader and Community and Climate Change Portfolio – Councillor M Wyatt

Infrastructure Portfolio – Councillor N Rushton

Planning Portfolio – Councillor T Saffell

Finance and Corporate Portfolio – Councillor K Merrie

Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio – Councillor A Woodman

Business and Regeneration Portfolio – Councillor T Gillard

As in previous years, the executive responsibilities were to be delegated to the Cabinet to take decisions collectively.

Councillor J Legrys, Leader of the Labour Group, announced the Shadow Portfolio Holders as follows:

Leader, and Planning and Infrastructure Portfolio – Councillor J Legrys

Housing Portfolio – Councillor A Morley

Finance and Corporate Portfolio – Councillor S Lambeth

Freeport Portfolio – Councillor C Sewell

Community Services Portfolio – Councillor P Moult

Environment, Net Zero and Waste Management Portfolio – Councillor D Bigby

Customer Services Portfolio – Councillor C Beck

Business and Regeneration Portfolio – Councillor G Rogers

Policy and Research Lead – Councillor S Sheahan

Councillor J Legrys thanked Councillor S Sheahan for his invaluable work in the previous years as Leader of the Labour Group.  He also acknowledged Councillor N Rushton for his many years of hard work in leading Leicestershire County Council.

Councillor R Blunt then provided an update on the latest position with local government reorganisation and devolution.  It was announced that during the summer, the Council would be engaging extensively with residents, businesses and stakeholders in preparation for the submission of the full proposals in November.

Councillor A Woodman, as Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, provided an update on the progress made to date in the Housing Service.  He apologised to tenants who were still waiting for service but acknowledged improvements were being made.  He thanked all staff involved for the transformation in the last 18 months.

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.

There were no questions received.

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.

Four questions were asked which were circulated in the additional papers and are set out below with the responses.  Each Member who asked a question was invited by the Chair of the Council to ask one supplementary question which is also set out with the response.

Question from Councillor Legrys

‘Can the Portfolio Holder please update me as Ward Member on proposals to modify/upgrade Stenson Square Coalville please?’

Response from Councillor R Blunt

‘Specialist “Place Making” Consultants have been appointed to undertake the next phase of the Stenson Square project. As part of this commission the consultants will build upon the previous concept proposals to draw up a planning application submission for the area in front of Stenson House. The consultants will shortly be arranging an engagement meeting with local stakeholders (including councillors) which will offer an opportunity for all those interested in this project to help inform and refine the proposals.’

Supplementary question and response

Councillor J Legrys asked for a timeline for progressing the work.  Councillor R Blunt explained that officers were working towards obtaining a certificate of lawful use and then work could begin to demolish the old council offices, therefore, progress was imminent.  It was reported that meetings on the matter were being scheduled and Councillor J Legrys would be involved at every stage.

Question from Councillor P Moult

‘I would like to know with regard to timescales when, if at all The Oak public house at Whitwick is to be developed, given that it was purchased in 2021 and the costs of security, clearance and designs are increasing daily?’

Response from Councillor A Woodman

‘The site is within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) property portfolio and was purchased some time ago as a prospective development site. The Housing Service’s new build capacity has recently been increased through the use of external contractors to start to address outstanding sites. The development opportunities for each site are currently being assessed.

This particular site has an expired outline planning permission for a housing development and requires a detailed application to be developed in line with current social housing standards if it is to be taken forward for development. A feasibility study is currently being commissioned. This means that it is likely to be some months before a revised planning application could come forward. The earliest anticipated date for completion is therefore likely to be some years away.

In the meantime, the site is being managed, along with the other small number of sites the HRA controls, awaiting development.  The ongoing regular costs amount to c£1000 per annum, plus ad hoc litter and or vegetation clearance, the cost of which varies by visit. These costs are being met from the HRA and are not funded by the General Fund.  This is in addition to the combined purchase and costs for design work and site clearances, fencing etc to date of c£480,000.’

Supplementary question and response

Councillor P Moult referred to the issues on site including overhanging trees to neighbours,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To consider the following motion received from Councillor M Ball:

The Labour Government has committed to build 300,000 homes each year and stipulated that every planning authority must have an up-to-date Local Plan whilst simultaneously dictating that NWLDC’s housing target should increase by 70%. This Council stands ready to do its bit to comply, and to continue its excellent housebuilding record, but the Government’s refusal to give up the land safeguarded for the now defunct eastern leg of HS2 has become a major risk to our emerging Local Plan.  Some 700 homes with planning permission in Measham and Kegworth remain in limbo, forcing this Council to take the unwanted step of allocating a reserve site for yet more housebuilding in Ashby.  It has also resulted in the longed for restoration of the Ashby Canal through Measham remaining stalled.

The success of our emerging Local Plan rests heavily on the establishment of a new large settlement at Isley Woodhouse, which can only proceed with major upgrades to the highway network in the north of the district, but these potential upgrades require the use of land currently safeguarded by HS2. This Council urgently needs a straight answer to a straight question – “why is the eastern leg land still being safeguarded when the western leg land has been released and when, if ever, will it be released?”.

We, therefore, request that the Chief Executive writes to the Secretary of State on behalf of full Council to request that the land be released, and also writes to the MPs for North West Leicestershire and Bosworth requesting that they make representations to Government highlighting the blight HS2 continues to cause this district. '

The Chair of the Council referred Members to the motion as detailed within the agenda papers and amended in the additional papers, and invited Councillor M Ball, who made the submission, to speak.

Councillor M Ball spoke and then formally moved the motion. It was seconded by Councillor A Woodman.

A discussion ensued in which Members spoke in support of the motion.

The motion was put to the vote and was CARRIED.

RESOLVED THAT:

a)       The Chief Executive write to the Secretary of State on behalf of the Council to request an explanation as to why the land in the district safeguarded by HS2 has not yet been released.

b)       The Chief Executive write to the Members of Parliament for North West Leicestershire and Bosworth requesting that they make representations to Government highlighting the blight HS2 continues to cause the district.

To consider the following petition submitted by Ms G Baker:

Action petitioned for

We, the undersigned, are concerned residents who urge NWLDC to act now to build only our fair share of housing and commercial sites and ensure that proposals to build are designed to minimise the impact on the character of the villages and the facilities nearby.  We would also urge that the Council take seriously their responsibilities to reduce building impact on climate change and build affordable housing close to areas of employment and current networks as a priority.

There are 225 valid signatures on the petition.

The Chair of the Council referred Members to the petition as detailed within the agenda papers and additional papers and invited the Petition Organiser to come forward and speak to the petition.

Councillor T Gillard spoke in support of the petition and moved that the matter be referred to the next convenient meeting of the Local Plan Committee. The motion was seconded by Councillor A Barker.

Councillor N Rushton, the Planning and Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, addressed the meeting and raised the difficulties facing the Local Plan Committee in allocating sites and the Importance of agreeing the Local Plan in accordance with the proposed timeframe.

The motion was put to the vote and was CARRIED.

RESOLVED THAT:

The subject matter of the petition be placed on the next convenient meeting of the Local Plan Committee.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 20 February 2025

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2025.

It was moved by Councillor P Lees, seconded by Councillor J Simmons and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2025 be approved and signed by the Chair of the Council as a correct record.

Report of the Head of Legal and Support Services

Councillor T Gillard, the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, presented the report and directed Members to the nominations as circulated in the additional papers. The recommendations were moved by Councillor T Gillard and seconded by Councillor N Rushton.

As there was more than one nomination for the Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, a separate vote on this appointment was required.

The appointment of the Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee as circulated in the additional papers was put to the vote.

RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor R Sutton be appointed as Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.

At this point, the Labour Group announced a change to their nominations. It was noted that the nomination for Deputy Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee be changed from Councillor D Everitt to Councillor P Moult.  There was no opposition.

The appointments for the remaining Committees and Groups, including the change as detailed above, was put to the vote.

RESOLVED THAT:

1)        The terms of reference of the committees and groups as detailed in appendix A be endorsed.

2)        The appointments to the committees and groups as circulated in the additional papers be agreed.

3)        The Chairs and Deputy Chairs for the committees and groups as detailed in the additional papers be agreed subject to the amendment to Deputy Chair of the Audit and governance Committee as detailed above.

Report of the Head of Legal and Support Services

Councillor R Blunt, Leader of the Council, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor K Merrie.

RESOLVED THAT:

The Scheme of Delegation in Part 2, Section G of the Council’s Constitution be agreed.

Report of the Head of Legal and Support Services

Councillor T Gillard, the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, presented the report and directed Members to the nominations as circulated in the additional papers.  The recommendations were moved by Councillor T Gillard and seconded by Councillor N Rushton.

During discussions comments were made regarding the lack of feedback, minutes or written reports from the Members who were appointed to the outside bodies, it was requested that this be done in the future.  It was also reported that the MSV Donington Park Consultative Forum  did not meet even though appointments were made to it each year. The Chief Executive reiterated advice previously provided relating to outside bodies and that there was no requirement for the Council to provide updates on their behalf.  It was agreed for officers to contact the MSV Donington Park Consultative Forum to request that a meeting be convened..  

As there was more than one nomination for the Charnwood Forest Geopark Charitable Incorporated Organisation, a separate vote was required.

The appointment of the representative for the Charnwood Forest Geopark Charitable Incorporated Organisation was put to the vote, the result of which was tied.  Therefore, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the Chair of the Council exercised his second and casting vote.

RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor M Wyatt be appointed as the Council’s representative on the Charnwood Forest Geopark Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

The appointments for the remaining Outside Bodies as circulated in the additional papers were then put to the vote.

RESOLVED THAT:

The representatives be appointed to serve on the Outside Bodies as circulated in the additional papers.

Report of the Head of Legal and Support Services

Councillor K Merrie, the Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor R Blunt.

A request was made for an appropriate notice period for any cancellation of meetings to allow Councillors to better manage their time.

RESOLVED THAT:

The Schedule of Meetings for 2025 - 26 be agreed.

Report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Councillor K Merrie, the Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor M Wyatt.

During discussion the proposals were welcomed.  Some concerns were shared in relation to the new vehicles as they were diesel rather than a greener option as originally proposed, officers were asked to put plans in place to consider green options when replacing these vehicles.

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The supplementary estimates detailed in paragraph 2.2 of the report which were above £250,000 and externally funded be approved.

2)    The revised capital programmes as detailed in appendices A and B be agreed.

Report of the Chief Executive

Councillor K Merrie, the Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor A Saffell.

During discussion, a concern was raised regarding the cost of administering the additional voluntary contributions and whether it could be reinvestigated at this stage.   It was agreed to provide an answer outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED THAT:

The proposed revisions to the pensions discretions as detailed in appendix 1 of the report be agreed with effect from May 2025.

Report of the Head of Legal and Support Services

Councillor K Merrie, the Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor N Rushton.

RESOLVED THAT:

The Independent Persons listed in paragraph of 2.2 of the report be appointed for a term of office of four years until Annual Council in May 2029.

Report of the Chief Executive

Councillor M Wyatt, the Community and Climate Change Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor R Canny.

During discussion it was acknowledged that historical events were important, but it was also necessary to respect events that were currently happening and therefore should be monitored.

RESOLVED THAT:

The events list as detailed at appendix A of the report be adopted on an ongoing basis.

Report of the Head of Legal and Support Services

Councillor N Rushton, the Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report to Members and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor M Ball.

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The change in name of Oakthorpe and Donisthorpe Parish Council to Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe and Acresford Parish Council be reaffirmed.

2)    Authority to make any necessary legal orders and notifications to enact the above changes be delegated to the Head of Legal and Support Services.