Open Council Network - Leicestershire

Key Decisions on Waterside Development and Health Services

This week, the Leicestershire Council held three key meetings. The first was the Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission on Wednesday, 26 June 2024. The second was the Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday, 27 June 2024, and the third was the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission, also on Thursday, 27 June 2024.

Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission

The Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission discussed several critical issues, including updates on 20mph zones, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, the Waterside development, worker exploitation in the labour market, and the future of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

Waterside Development

The Waterside development, a major regeneration project for Waterside, was a focal point. Key updates included:

Restoration of Friars Mill.
A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for 17 acres to develop housing and office space.
A £30m grant for affordable housing.
Attraction of around £300m in private sector investment since 2015.

The Commission emphasized the importance of public spaces, collaboration with private sector partners, and ongoing development challenges.

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The Commission reviewed the progress on EV charging points. Discussions included:

Current EV charging situation and funding streams.
Future stakeholder meetings.
Suggestions for additional stakeholders.

Worker Exploitation

A report on worker exploitation in non-textile sectors was presented. Key points included:

Limited council powers in enforcement.
Establishment of a Community Safety Coordinator post.
Expansion of research on labour exploitation.

Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP)

The future of the LLEP was discussed, focusing on:

Phasing out of the LLEP Board.
Retention of the careers hub.
Use of LLEP reserves until March 2026.

20mph Zones

The Commission received an update on 20mph zones, with recommendations expected to be implemented by the Executive.

Health and Wellbeing Board

The Health and Wellbeing Board covered various topics, including mental health for children and young people, race-related disparities in maternity care, sexual health services, and tuberculosis (TB) rates in Leicester.

Sexual Health Services

A Health Needs Assessment revealed high STI rates among young people and a high prevalence of HIV. Recommendations included:

Simplifying service access.
Increasing online appointments.
Enhancing community engagement.

Tuberculosis Rates

Leicester has the second highest TB rate in England. Contributing factors include:

Migration patterns.
Variations in latent TB screening.
Stigma surrounding TB.

Actions discussed included:

Developing a city-wide TB strategy.
Increasing awareness among healthcare professionals.
Addressing stigma through community engagement.

Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternity Services

The Board reviewed efforts to address race-related disparities in maternity care, focusing on:

Listening to women.
Data and insight.
Workforce diversity.
Culturally competent services.

Report on Black Mental Health

The Black Mental Health and Me report highlighted persistent inequalities faced by Black British communities. Recommendations included:

Investing in culturally competent mental health provision.
Education and training for practitioners.
Raising awareness within Black communities.

Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission

The Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission discussed key issues including the Charging Policy, Reablement Service, autism needs, external workforce strategy, and updates on Carer Support Service and Hastings Road Day Centre.

Charging Policy

The proposal to include the enhanced part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in charging calculations was discussed, with concerns about financial burdens on vulnerable individuals. The Commission recommended further engagement with affected groups.

Reablement Service

An overview of the Reablement Service highlighted its effectiveness but noted an increase in hospital readmissions. Ongoing review was recommended.

Growing Needs of Autism

The need for better data collection and a strength-based approach to support individuals with autism was emphasized. The Autism Placed Based Delivery Plan was recommended for further discussion.

Draft External Workforce Strategy

The strategy focused on improving workforce conditions, with recommendations for ongoing consultation.

Carer Support Service Update

The importance of the Carer Support Service in managing care provision and costs was noted.

Hastings Road Day Centre Update

The transition of individuals from the Hastings Road Day Centre to alternative services was discussed, with a final update requested once transitions are complete.

For more details, you can refer to the public minutes of the meeting.

Mayflower Pub to Become Community Hub: Key Decision by Planning Committee

This week, the Leicestershire Council held two significant meetings. The first was the Planning and Development Control Committee on Wednesday, 12 June 2024. The second meeting, also on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, did not have a video broadcast available, so we do not have details on its proceedings.

Planning and Development Control Committee

The Planning and Development Control Committee is responsible for overseeing planning applications and ensuring that development within the council area complies with local and national planning policies. This week, the committee made a key decision regarding the Mayflower pub on Jervis Road.

Mayflower Pub Decision

The Mayflower pub, a vacant public house located at the corner of Jervis Road and Ocean Road, has been approved for a change of use to a place of worship with ancillary community and education space. This decision follows a detailed presentation by planning officers and a discussion of the community's mixed reactions to the proposal.

The application (2024-0076) includes:

Conversion of the ground floor to worship and multi-purpose halls.
Creation of classroom spaces and a conference room on the first floor.
Provision of 23 parking spaces and ancillary cycle stands.
Implementation of a one-way traffic system to manage vehicle flow.

The committee noted that the site had been derelict and subject to vandalism, making the development a welcome change for many local residents. However, concerns were raised about potential traffic congestion and the impact on local parking. To address these, the council has imposed a condition requiring a detailed travel plan to manage parking and promote sustainable transport options.

Understanding the Role of the Planning and Development Control Committee

The Planning and Development Control Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the physical environment of the council area. It evaluates planning applications against the council's development plan and national planning policies, considering factors such as:

Land Use: Ensuring that land is used efficiently and sustainably.
Design and Appearance: Promoting high-quality design that enhances the local area.
Impact on Neighbours: Minimizing negative impacts on existing residents and businesses.
Transport and Accessibility: Ensuring developments are accessible and do not cause undue traffic congestion.

The Importance of Public Participation

Public participation is a key element of the planning process. Residents can submit comments on planning applications, attend committee meetings, and even speak at meetings if they have registered in advance. This ensures that the community's views are considered in decision-making.

Looking Ahead

The approval of the Mayflower pub's conversion is a significant step towards revitalizing a derelict site and providing much-needed community facilities. It also highlights the council's commitment to balancing development needs with community concerns.

For more information on how to get involved in local planning decisions, visit the council's planning portal.

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