The Planning Committee of Melton Borough Council met on Thursday, 9 April 2026, to consider planning applications and receive an update on the Planning Productivity Plan. The committee refused one planning application and approved another.

Refusal of Garage Erection at Tofts Hill, Stathern

The committee refused an application for the erection of a three-bay detached garage with a store at Agricultural Buildings, Tofts Hill, Stathern, Leicestershire. The decision was made contrary to officer recommendations, with 7 votes in favour of refusal, 1 against, and 3 abstentions.

The reasons for refusal centred on the proposed building's scale, elevated siting, and domestic appearance, which were deemed to form a visually intrusive and incongruous addition within the open countryside. Councillors felt it would extend built form beyond the established edge of the village and harm important views, including elevated and expansive views across Stathern and the surrounding rural landscape. This was considered to be contrary to Melton Local Plan Policies D1, EN6, and EN7, and Stathern Neighbourhood Plan Policy H1.

During the debate, Councillor Cherry Wells, representing Stathern Parish Council, argued that the application sought permission for a significantly larger development in open countryside, taking the scheme beyond permitted development and removing Class Q fallback options. She highlighted that case law dictates fallback must be realistic and capable of implementation, and that a modest increase on this sensitive and elevated landscape would be an intrusion. Adrian Bell, the applicant, stated he was not a property developer and wished to build a home for his family, working with officers to achieve a good planning balance. He noted the house had Class Q approval and was a lawful residence, and that the garage was an appropriate size to support a large family home. Councillor Chris Evans, the Ward Councillor, emphasised the long history of applications for the site did not necessitate development and that the Stathern Neighbourhood Plan had not been given sufficient weight.

Approval of Electric Vehicle Charging Hub at Chapel Street Car Park

The committee unanimously approved an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the erection of an electric vehicle charging hub and solar canopy within 10 spaces of the existing car park off Chapel Street, Melton Mowbray. The Planning Officer presented the application, and after members had the opportunity to ask questions, Councillor R. Browne proposed the motion for approval, seconded by Councillor M. Glancy. The committee was satisfied that the submitted evidence demonstrated the works constituted development under Section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, thus warranting a lawful development certificate.

Update on the Planning Productivity Plan

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Planning Productivity Plan. This plan aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the council's planning services. The document detailing this update is available as Item 4 - Planning Productivity Plan 09th-Apr-2026 18.00 Planning Committee.

Confirmation of Previous Minutes and Declarations of Interest

The committee also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 March 2026, which are available as Minutes 12032026 Planning Committee. Members also made declarations of interest as appropriate for the items being considered. Advice on member interests is provided in the document Interests Advice for Members - Aug 2025.

The meeting closed at 7:04 pm.