The Planning and Development Control Committee of Leicester Council met on Wednesday 1 July 2026 to discuss two planning applications. The committee approved the construction of five houses on Abbots Road South after extensive debate regarding highway access and residential amenity. They also approved a change of use application for a property on Raywell Road to become a children's care home, despite significant local objections.

24 Abbots Road South

The committee considered an application for the construction of five two-storey houses on a plot of land to the rear of Abbots Road South. The proposal, which includes two three-bedroom and three four-bedroom homes, was brought to the committee due to objections from 17 households and a request from Councillor Bonham, who raised concerns about highway impact and residential amenity.

During the discussion, objectors highlighted concerns about the narrowness of the access road, potential traffic intensification, and the impact on the amenity of existing residents, particularly regarding loss of outlook and privacy. Councillor Bonham echoed these concerns about the access width, referencing the Leicester Street Design Guide.

The applicant's representative argued that the development would provide much-needed family housing, contribute to the city's housing land supply, and had been designed to minimise adverse impacts on neighbours. The Highway Authority confirmed they had no objection, noting that while the access width was at the lower end of guidance, the overall context and proposed mitigation measures were acceptable.

After considerable debate, including discussions on the Leicester Street Design Guide and potential highway safety implications, Councillor Lynn Moore proposed refusing the application on the grounds of amenity and access. This motion was seconded, and upon being put to a vote, it was carried. Therefore, the application for 24 Abbots Road South was refused.

41 Raywell Road

The committee then considered an application for a change of use at 41 Raywell Road from a dwelling house (Class C3) to a children's care home (Class C2) for two children aged 7 to 18, with staff present at all times. The application had generated 60 objections from local residents, primarily concerning parking, highway safety, and the impact on residential amenity.

The applicant's representative, Yasin Mfunda of Blue U Consulting Limited, emphasised the statutory duty of Leicester City Council to provide accommodation for children in care and highlighted the need for specialist homes for children with complex needs. He stated that the proposed provider, Nozinhle Dube Limited, comprised experienced social care professionals and that the home would accommodate a maximum of two children, ensuring individualised therapeutic care. The Children's Social Care Team supported the application, noting a need for experienced providers and confirming that the location was suitable and essential services were available.

Objectors, represented by Mr. Varder, argued that the change of use was inappropriate for the residential area, citing previous refusals for similar applications and concerns about increased noise, traffic, and loss of privacy. They also raised concerns about parking, particularly during shift changes.

Councillor Patrick Kitterick voiced strong concerns about the perceived oversupply of care beds in the city and the financial incentives driving the proliferation of private care homes, referencing an article by George Monbiot. While acknowledging these were not strictly planning considerations, he expressed his reservations.

The committee engaged in a lengthy discussion about the material planning considerations, including the impact on residential amenity, highway safety, and the principle of changing a family home to a care facility. The Head of Planning, Grant Butterworth, clarified that the focus should be on the appropriateness of the use in the area and the planning impacts, rather than the operational details which are subject to Ofsted regulation.

Ultimately, Councillor Raffiq Moosa Mohammed moved to support the officer's recommendation to approve the application, citing the need for such facilities for children and the conditions attached to the permission, including a personal consent condition limiting the use to Nozinhle Dube Ltd. This was seconded by Councillor Dr Lynn Moore. The motion was put to a vote and carried, with the application being approved.