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.

To receive questions from members of the public under rule no.10 of the Council Procedure Rules.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 29 January 2025

MOTION

I hereby move that C76 Meadow Lane be reinstated into the local plan. This motion is based upon the recommendation that was given by the planning officers and the thorough site assessment methodology that was provided by independent consultants.

CASE OF SITE ASSESSMENT C76 MEADOW LANE

In the case of site C76 - Meadow Lane, the assessment by officers noted that the site records one of the best scores in the Coalville Urban Area with, good access to services and facilities, and, after careful consideration, they reached a conclusion, that the site was placed first in the hierarchy for housing development in the area.

GUIDELINES AND OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS

The Guide to Probity in Planning for Councillors and Officers, suggest that where advice and recommendation for acceptance are given by officers - then generally these recommendations should be followed. Where councillors decide to overturn the advice, then the decision and reasons need to be explained and documented.

APPEAL RISKS AND COSTS

It is important to recognize that non-inclusion in the local plan may result in an appeal to the planning inspectorate with the appeal being based on national and local planning policy guidance and in this instance, it is particularly relevant given that the officers have already concluded that the site meets the criteria. 

A rejection increases the likelihood of the council losing the appeal, potentially, this could leave the Council in the position that the new local plan submission could be rejected, potentially leaving North West Leicestershire open to widespread development.

CONCLUSION 

Given that a strong recommendation was given by the planning officers, I strongly urge that we consider the matter of C76 Meadow Lane and that it be included in our Regulation 19 submission. This is particularly important especially given the risks associated with a rejection. It is important that proper consideration has been given and that we are certain that we have attained the best outcome for the entire community within the District.

The report of the Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager