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Leicestershire Approves Care Homes & Homeless Accommodation Plans

This week in Leicestershire:

Care Home Plans Stir Debate: Committee Approves Controversial Applications 🏘️

The Planning and Development Control Committee faced heated discussions over applications to convert residential properties into children's care homes, sparking concerns about community impact and residential amenity. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74791

  • Ashton Green Road: Despite 23 objections, the committee approved the change of use for 118 Ashton Green Road from a dwellinghouse to a residential care home for up to two children. Objectors argued the home would be a commercial use out of keeping with the residential character of the area, raising concerns about noise, antisocial behaviour, and increased traffic.
  • Helena Crescent: A similar application for 53 Helena Crescent was also approved, changing the property from a dwellinghouse to a residential children's home for two children under 18, despite 29 objections. Concerns mirrored those raised for Ashton Green Road.
  • Council's Stance: Planning officers stated that both proposals aligned with Core Strategy policy CS06, which supports the provision of supported housing to meet special needs. They argued that the care homes would not materially affect the amenities of neighbouring properties.
  • Conditions Imposed: The committee placed conditions on both approvals, including limiting the number of residents in care and requiring sound insulation for the Helena Crescent property.

These decisions highlight the tension between the need for specialized care facilities and the desire to preserve the character and amenity of residential neighbourhoods.

York Street Transformation: Student Flats to Homeless Accommodation Approved Amidst Opposition 🏢

The Planning and Development Control Committee approved a controversial application to convert a seven-storey building on York Street from 132 student flats to 118 managed short-term residential accommodation units for homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74791

  • Vacant Building: The building, previously purposed for student accommodation, had been vacant and subject to anti-social behaviour.
  • Objections: The decision came despite 21 objections from local residents, who raised concerns about the level of accommodation, its impact on local services, potential anti-social behaviour, and community cohesion.
  • Councillor Kitterick's Concerns: Councillor Patrick Kitterick requested the decision be made at committee due to the council's direct interest, concerns about Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS), and the development's high profile in the city centre.
  • Council's Rationale: The planning officer's report stated that the proposal aligns with Core Strategy policy CS01, which prioritizes residential development in the Strategic Regeneration Area, and policy CS06, which supports housing for specific groups.
  • Space Standards: While the unit sizes are below the Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS), the report noted that these standards do not currently apply to sui generis1 accommodation like this, and that the accommodation would be a significant improvement on the unsuitable current living conditions experienced by many of the proposed occupiers.
  • Conditions: The committee placed conditions on the approval, including limiting occupancy to a maximum of 18 months, restricting the number of units available to childless couples, and requiring the operator to proactively engage with stakeholders.

This decision underscores the council's commitment to addressing homelessness, but also raises questions about the suitability of student accommodation for this purpose and the potential impact on the surrounding community.

Community Meetings Address Local Concerns 🗣️

Community meetings in Evington and Belgrave wards provided opportunities for residents to engage with councillors and discuss local concerns.

  • Evington: The Evington Community Meeting agenda included discussions on the ward budget, traffic and highways, local policing priorities, city warden updates, community action, and feedback from ward councillors. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74785
  • Belgrave: The Belgrave Community Meeting agenda included discussions on the ward community budget, updates from ward councillors, the police, and council representatives on highways, cleansing, and housing. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74789

These meetings are vital for fostering communication between residents and local government, allowing for the discussion of important issues and the allocation of resources to address community needs.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Sui generis is a Latin term meaning of its own kind and is used in planning to refer to uses that do not fall within any specific use class. ↩

Leicestershire: Financial Oversight & Fraud Prevention Delayed

This week in Leicestershire:

The Governance and Audit Committee meeting scheduled for Monday was postponed, leaving several key issues unresolved. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72475 The agenda included critical financial and regulatory matters, impacting the council's transparency and accountability.

Financial Oversight Delayed: Draft Accounts and Governance Statement Await Review 📝

The committee was set to review the draft annual Statement of Accounts and Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25. This review is crucial for ensuring the council's financial health and compliance with regulatory standards.

  • Key Components: The draft accounts include the Movement in Reserves Statement, Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (CIES), Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement.
  • Financial Strategy: The report highlights the council's vision, values, and priorities, including supporting people and communities, providing good homes and jobs, and addressing climate change.
  • Capital Programme: The council's ambitious capital programme, aimed at regenerating the city, includes projects such as children's home refurbishments, levelling up schemes, council house improvements, additional school places, and affordable housing.
  • LLEP Integration: The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) funds are now directly held by the council, adding another layer of financial oversight.

The delay in reviewing these documents could postpone important decisions about the council's financial strategy and resource allocation.

Fraud Prevention on Hold: National Fraud Initiative Update Delayed 🛡️

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) exercises currently underway. This initiative is vital for detecting and preventing fraud within the council.

  • Data Matching: The NFI involves electronically matching data from various sources to identify potential fraud or irregularities.
  • Key Matches: Examples of matches include housing benefit claimants who are tenants at a different address, deceased individuals still receiving benefits, and duplicate payments to creditors.
  • Progress: Nearly 5,000 matches have been checked to date, with no frauds identified so far.

The postponement means a delay in identifying and addressing potential fraud risks, which could have financial implications for the council and its residents.

Internal Audit and Risk Management Oversight Postponed ⚠️

The committee was set to discuss the Head of Internal Audit Annual Report 2024/25, summarizing internal audit work and providing an opinion on the council's governance, risk management, and internal control framework.

  • Reasonable Assurance: The report indicated that Reasonable Assurance could be provided on the adequacy and effectiveness of the council's framework.
  • Quality Assurance: The committee was to note the outcome of Veritau's quality assurance and development arrangements, confirming that the internal audit service conforms to public sector internal auditing standards.
  • Audit Findings: The report included summaries of critical and significant findings from audits, including highways maintenance scheme development, homelessness (high-cost accommodation), school traded services (educational psychology), and high needs funding.

The delay in reviewing this report means a delay in addressing critical findings and ensuring the council's internal controls are effective.

Other Matters

  • The committee was also scheduled to discuss the Counter Fraud Annual Report 2024/25, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 Bi-Annual Performance Report January 2025 – June 2025, and the Annual Insurance Report 2024/25.
  • The committee was scheduled to note progress on actions agreed at the previous meeting, including Councillor management of direct contact from Suppliers, risk management in the Operational Risk Register, and engagement with local suppliers.
  • A discussion on the Future Provision of the Corporate Investigations Service was scheduled to be held in a private session.

Upcoming Meetings

Leicestershire: Renters' Rights, NHS Savings & Community

This week in Leicestershire:

Renters' Rights and Housing Standards in Focus at Housing Scrutiny Commission 🏘️

The Housing Scrutiny Commission met to discuss a range of critical housing issues, including the upcoming Renters' Rights Bill, property conditions, and fire safety. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74486 The discussions highlighted the council's efforts to improve housing standards and support vulnerable tenants.

  • Renters' Rights Bill: The commission discussed the implementation of the Renters' Rights Bill 2025, which aims to abolish Section 21 evictions1, limit rent increases, and apply the Decent Homes Standard2 to all rental properties.
  • Private Rented Sector Strategy: A Private Rented Sector (PRS) Strategy is being developed to support tenants and landlords, tackle poor landlords, and raise housing standards. Priorities include improving housing standards, support, enforcement, and access to housing solutions.
  • Stock Condition and Fire Safety: Councillors received reports on the condition of council-owned homes and fire safety measures, with a focus on compliance with the Social Housing Regulation Act 20243 and the Building Safety Act 2022.
  • Rent Arrears: The commission received an update on rent arrears, noting a decrease compared to the previous year. The council supported tenants with Discretionary Housing Payments4 and the Household Support Fund5, providing crucial assistance during the cost-of-living crisis.
  • Universal Credit Impact: The report highlighted that 49% of council tenants are claiming Universal Credit6, with 52% of those tenants in rent arrears, underscoring the challenges faced by low-income households.

This meeting underscores the council's commitment to addressing housing challenges and protecting the rights of tenants, particularly those most vulnerable.

NHS Savings Target Sparks Concern Over Access and Safeguarding 💰

The Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission discussed the NHS's £190 million savings target and its potential impact on services. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72479

  • Financial Pressure: The NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) must make significant savings, leading to workforce reductions and service redesigns.
  • Prescribing Savings: The ICB7 is responsible for £74 million of the savings, with £17.9 million expected from prescribing efficiencies.
  • Continuing Healthcare: £16.1 million in savings will come from reviewing continuing healthcare, focusing on care and criteria rather than stopping services.
  • Safeguarding Concerns: Councillor Liz Sahu raised concerns about safeguarding responsibilities moving to provider level, questioning the effectiveness of safeguarding measures.
  • Access to Services: Cash, from Healthwatch, questioned whether patients' access to the NHS would be affected. Alice, from the NHS, responded that there is more work to do on the full equality and quality impact assessment of the national changes.
  • Oral Health Crisis: The commission heard that oral health remains poor in Leicester, with high rates of dental decay in children and oral cancer mortality. Access to NHS dental treatment was identified as a major issue.
  • Same-Day Access Changes: Plans to close three hubs and move to primary care networks for same-day access were discussed, raising concerns about clarity and communication.

The meeting highlighted the difficult choices facing the NHS and the need to ensure that savings do not disproportionately impact vulnerable populations or compromise essential services.

Community Meetings Focus on Local Issues 🗣️

Community meetings in Rushey Mead, Knighton and Fosse wards provided opportunities for residents to engage with councillors and discuss local concerns.

  • Rushey Mead: The Rushey Mead Community Meeting agenda included discussions on the ward community budget, police and community safety, the Rushey Fields development, city warden services, highways, and housing. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72507
  • Knighton: The Knighton Community Meeting agenda included discussions on the ward community budget, updates from ward councillors, the police, and the city warden, as well as a discussion of domestic abuse services and highways. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72502
  • Fosse: The Fosse Community Meeting agenda included updates from ward councillors, highways, the city warden, and the police, as well as a discussion of the ward community budget. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72485

These meetings are vital for fostering communication between residents and local government, allowing for the discussion of important issues and the allocation of resources to address community needs.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Section 21 evictions allow landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason. ↩

  2. The Decent Homes Standard is a technical standard for public housing in England, introduced in 2000, and updated several times since then. ↩

  3. The Social Housing Regulation Act 2024 aims to protect tenants and improve the service they receive from landlords. ↩

  4. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are payments made by local authorities to people who are entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, but still need extra help to pay their housing costs. ↩

  5. The Household Support Fund was introduced by the government in 2021 to provide direct financial support to low-income households most affected by the cost-of-living crisis. ↩

  6. Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It's paid monthly - or twice a month for some people in Scotland. ↩

  7. Integrated Care Board - statutory bodies bringing together NHS organisations and local authorities to plan and deliver joined up health and care services to improve the health of people in their area. ↩

Leicestershire: Care Home Plan Rejected Amid Community Concerns

This week in Leicestershire:

Care Home Plan Sparks Debate Over Community Impact 🏘️

The Planning and Development Control Committee grappled with an application to convert a residential dwelling into a care home for four children at 6 Green View. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/71555 The proposal drew significant opposition from residents, highlighting the challenges of balancing the need for care facilities with community concerns.

  • The Proposal: Mr A Hamirani sought permission to change the use of the two-storey detached house from a Class C3 dwelling1 to a Class C2 residential care home2.
  • Resident Concerns: Objectors voiced worries about increased noise, traffic, and parking issues, as well as the impact on the character of the residential area. They also questioned the applicant's experience and the suitability of the dwelling for a care home.
  • Applicant's Statement: Mr Hamirani's statement emphasized his local credentials, medical qualifications, and experience in managing children's care homes. He also addressed concerns about noise and parking.
  • Councilor Sood's Concerns: Councillor Manjula Sood highlighted that the area already has a number of children's homes, and that the proposed change of use would impact the community.
  • The Decision: Despite a recommendation for conditional approval from the Director of Planning and Transportation, the committee voted to refuse the application, citing concerns about the impact on residential amenity and the loss of a family dwelling.

Shop Expansion Denied Amid Flood Risk and Housing Concerns 🚧

The Planning and Development Control Committee also rejected an application concerning 4-10 Macdonald Road, where Mr Kamlesh Pabari sought permission to expand a ground floor grocery store and create a one-bedroom flat above. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/71555

  • The Proposal: The plan involved demolishing a rear extension, changing the use of a dwellinghouse to a shop and flat, installing an extended shop front, and constructing a single-storey extension.
  • Support and Opposition: While Councillor Shital Adatia supported the application, citing the business's long-standing presence and potential job creation, the Director of Planning and Transportation recommended refusal.
  • Key Issues: Concerns centered on the loss of a family dwelling, the principle of expanding the shop in a residential area, flood risk, and highway safety.
  • Flood Zone: The site is located within Flood Zones 2 and 33, raising concerns about potential flood risks.
  • The Decision: The committee sided with the Director of Planning and Transportation and rejected the application, citing the loss of a family dwelling, unacceptability in principle, and lack of consideration of flood risk.

Council Approves Contract Procedure Rule Changes 📜

Leicester City Council approved revised Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs) following the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/71560 These rules govern how the council procures goods and services.

  • The Act: The Procurement Act 2023, which came into effect on February 24, 2025, replaces and combines several previous regulations related to public contracts.
  • Key Changes: The revised CPRs address greater transparency, conflict of interest reviews, new procurement processes, more focus on contract management, a Central Digital Platform4, a Supplier Exclusion and Debarment List, and greater oversight.
  • Health Services: The revised rules also address the introduction of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, which apply to procurements of relevant health care services.
  • Why it Matters: These changes aim to improve transparency and accountability in council spending, potentially impacting how services are procured and delivered to residents.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Class C3 is defined as dwellinghouses. ↩

  2. Class C2 is defined as residential institutions. ↩

  3. Flood Zones are defined by the Environment Agency according to the likelihood of flooding. Zone 2 has a medium probability of flooding, while Zone 3 has a high probability. ↩

  4. The Central Digital Platform is the online system referred to in the Procurement Act 2023, also known as Find a Tender Service (FTS). ↩

Chaat Van Rejected, Dementia Support Reviewed: Leics Council News

This week in Leicestershire:

Street Food Dreams Dashed? Council Rejects Chaat Van Application 🚚

The Leicester City Council Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee rejected an application from Raykdi LTD to sell Indian chaat from a stationary van on Canon Street. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70555

  • The Plan: Raykdi LTD sought permission to operate from Wednesday to Monday, 2 PM to 10 PM.
  • The Policy: The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services recommended refusal, citing the council's Street Trading Policy, which generally favors mobile operators, not stationary vendors.
  • Police Concerns: Leicestershire Police objected, arguing the van would damage green space, block pavements, and exacerbate existing alcohol-related issues. They also noted the presence of a nearby takeaway, Jamavat.
  • Resident Opposition: A petition and multiple representations cited traffic, parking, safety, pest control, and loss of green space as reasons to deny the application.
  • Why it Matters: This decision highlights the council's balancing act between supporting local businesses and addressing community concerns about safety, traffic, and environmental impact.

Council Updates Contract Rules to Reflect New Procurement Act 📜

The Governance and Audit Committee discussed revisions to the council's Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs) to align with the Procurement Act 2023. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70552

  • The Act: The Procurement Act 2023, effective February 24, 2025, overhauls procurement regulations, emphasizing transparency, conflict of interest reviews, and contract management.
  • Key Changes: The updated CPRs address transparency, conflict of interest reviews, new procurement processes, contract management, a central digital platform1, and supplier debarment.
  • Health Services: The revised CPRs also incorporate the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.
  • Audit Risks: The External Audit Plan Report 2024-25 identifies risks including management override of controls, valuation of land and buildings, and pension fund valuation.
  • Why it Matters: These changes aim to improve transparency and accountability in council spending, potentially impacting how services are procured and delivered to residents.

Dementia Support Review Aims for Tailored Care 🧠

The Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission reviewed the commissioned Dementia Support service, currently provided by Age UK. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70567

  • The Goal: The review seeks to understand the specific needs of Leicester's population to redesign the service for better support.
  • The Survey: A survey is being distributed to people with dementia, their carers, and professionals to gather feedback on experiences and identify key support needs.
  • Unique Challenge: Leicester and Leicestershire have a single Dementia Support Service for both urban and rural areas, prompting the need to tailor the service to each area's unique needs.
  • The Timeline: The review is scheduled to run through October 2026, with a new service model expected to be in place by then.
  • Why it Matters: This review could lead to more effective and personalized dementia support services, improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by dementia.

Transport Funding Boost Prioritizes Build-Ready Projects 🚧

The Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission discussed £21.9 million in new government grants for transport improvements. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70561

  • The Funds: The funding comes from various grants, including the Active Travel Fund 5, Local Transport Grant, Bus Service Improvement Plan, and Consolidated Active Travel Fund.
  • Spending Priorities: The council plans to prioritize build-ready projects, existing programs, maintenance, and design work for future schemes.
  • Bus Service Improvement: £9.453 million is allocated to the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), with a focus on projects benefiting passenger transport and aligning with the council's published BSIP.
  • Public Questions: Questions were raised about parking signs and the absence of automatic bollards on the Granby Street Pedestrian and Cycle Zone.
  • Why it Matters: This funding could lead to improved transport infrastructure and services, but the prioritization of build-ready projects may limit the scope of new initiatives.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The Central Digital Platform is the online system referred to in the Procurement Act 2023, also known as Find a Tender Service (FTS). ↩

Recent meetings
Development Control and Regulatory Board

Development Control and Regulatory Board - Thursday, 7 August 2025 2.00 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

August 07, 2025
Abbey Community Meeting

Abbey Community Meeting - Wednesday, 30 July 2025 6:00 pm

The Abbey Community Meeting was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, at The Tudor Centre, Bewcastle Grove, Mowmacre Hill, Leicester LE4 2JU. The meeting was scheduled to include updates from ward councillors, local policing, highways, housing, and the city warden, as well as a discussion of the ward community budget. Randeep Singh Mattu, Community Engagement Officer, was available for further information.

July 30, 2025
County Council

(Extraordinary Meeting), County Council - Wednesday, 30 July 2025 2.00 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

July 30, 2025
Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee

Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee - Tuesday, 29 July 2025 10:00 am

The Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee of Leicester City Council met on 29 July 2025, at Leicester City Hall. Councillor Shital Adatia, Councillor Dr Susan Barton and Councillor Diane Cank were summoned to attend the meeting. The committee was scheduled to discuss a personal license review, and to confirm the minutes of their previous meeting.

July 29, 2025
Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting

Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting - Tuesday, 29 July 2025 6:00 pm

The Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 29 July 2025 at the Netherhall Neighbourhood Centre[^2]. The meeting was scheduled to include updates from ward councillors, local policing, highways, housing, and the city warden, as well as a discussion of the ward community budget. Randeep Singh Mattu, Community Engagement Officer, was available for further information.

July 29, 2025
Constitution Committee

Constitution Committee - Tuesday, 29 July 2025 12.00 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

July 29, 2025
Planning and Development Control Committee

Planning and Development Control Committee - Wednesday, 23 July 2025 5:30 pm

The Planning and Development Control Committee met to discuss four planning applications, including proposals for residential care homes and a change of use for student accommodation. Councillors approved plans for an extension to a house on Mendip Avenue, but refused permission for a change of use to a children's care home on Ashton Green Road. Two applications for children's care homes on Helena Crescent and York Street were approved, subject to conditions.

July 23, 2025
Belgrave Community Meeting

Belgrave Community Meeting - Tuesday, 22 July 2025 6:00 pm

The Belgrave Community Meeting was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre[^1]. The agenda for the meeting included updates from ward councillors, the police, and council representatives on highways, cleansing, and housing, as well as a discussion of the ward community budget. The meeting was also open to any other business raised by attendees.

July 22, 2025
Evington Community Meeting

Evington Community Meeting - Monday, 21 July 2025 6:00 pm

The Evington Community Meeting was scheduled to take place on Monday 21 July 2025 at the Evington library, and was set to include updates from ward councillors, local police, and city wardens. Members of the public were invited to attend, and were asked to respect the views of others, keep to the agenda, and minimise disruption. Angela Martin, Community Engagement Officer, was available to contact for further information.

July 21, 2025
Governance and Audit Committee POSTPONED

Governance and Audit Committee - Monday, 14 July 2025 5:30 pm,

This meeting has been postponed.

July 14, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields Community Meeting

Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields Community Meeting - Monday, 11 August 2025 6:00 pm

August 11, 2025
Eyres Monsell Community Meeting

Eyres Monsell Community Meeting - Wednesday, 13 August 2025 10:30 am

August 13, 2025
Stoneygate Community Meeting

Stoneygate Community Meeting - Wednesday, 13 August 2025 6:00 pm

August 13, 2025