This week in North West Leicestershire:

Housing Development Sparks Debate: Semi-Detached Homes and HMO Conversions on the Agenda

The Planning Committee was scheduled to consider two significant planning applications that could impact local neighbourhoods. One proposal involves the erection of a semi-detached dwelling in Kegworth, while the other concerns the conversion of a former hair salon into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Coalville. These decisions highlight the council's role in shaping our communities and balancing development with resident concerns.

Kegworth: New Home or Overdevelopment?

An application for a new semi-detached dwelling at 22 Whatton Road, Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2EZ was scheduled for discussion. While the planning report recommended permission, subject to conditions, the application was called to the committee due to objections from Kegworth Parish Council and numerous neighbours. Concerns raised include the impact on the street scene, potential overdevelopment, parking issues, increased traffic, and pedestrian safety. This situation underscores how planning decisions can directly affect the character of our villages and the daily lives of residents. The outcome will determine whether this new home integrates harmoniously or adds to existing pressures.

Coalville: Converting Commercial Space to Housing

In Coalville, the committee was set to review an application to convert a former hair salon at 2A Waterworks Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 4JJ into a four-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), including a rear extension. This proposal also attracted significant third-party representations, with fifteen objections citing concerns about the cumulative impact of existing HMOs, the loss of commercial property, strain on local services, changes to the neighbourhood's character, and parking. The potential for HMOs to provide much-needed housing is balanced against the impact on existing residents and the local amenity. This decision will influence the housing mix and community feel of the area.

You can find more details about these planned discussions in the Planning Committee meeting documents.

Coalville's Green Spaces and Community Facilities: A Financial Update

The Coalville Special Expenses Working Party was scheduled to receive an update on capital projects for the 2026/27 financial year, focusing on improvements to parks, recreation grounds, and cemeteries within the Coalville Special Expenses Area. A key point of discussion was the potential provision of litter bins at Western Avenue Recreation Ground, highlighting the ongoing effort to maintain and enhance our local green spaces.

Investment in Local Amenities

The update detailed planned works across several sites:

• Coalville Park Public Toilets: £3,000 allocated for external painting.
• Greenhill Recreation Ground Pavilion: £1,816 budgeted for graffiti removal.
• Cemetery Tree Works: Allocations for London Road and Broom Leys Cemeteries totalling £3,070.
• Broom Leys Cemetery Path Sealing: A significant £17,705 earmarked for specialist path sealing.
• Play Area Improvements: £5,400 for painting and a substantial £73,710 for general play area enhancements.

These investments are crucial for ensuring that our parks and cemeteries remain safe, attractive, and well-maintained for the benefit of all residents.

Western Avenue Recreation Ground: The Cost of Cleanliness

A particular focus was the request for litter bins at Western Avenue Recreation Ground. While Section 106 funding could cover the initial purchase, the ongoing cost of emptying them would fall to the Coalville Special Expenses budget. The estimated annual cost of £416 to £1,477 per bin raises important questions about resource allocation and the long-term financial commitment required to maintain public spaces. This decision will impact the cleanliness and usability of the recreation ground for local families and sports teams.

Coalville in Bloom and Future Plans

The report also touched upon the success of Coalville in Bloom 2026 and the development of plans for Coalville in Bloom 2027. Furthermore, investigations are ongoing into options for the Scotlands Recreation Ground changing pavilion, with the potential for refurbishment or replacement using Section 106 funding. The council's commitment to improving play areas across the district, with a £1 million allocation, also means potential benefits for areas within the Coalville Special Expenses Area.

You can find more details about these planned discussions in the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party meeting documents.

Other Matters

This week in North West Leicestershire:

Council Cabinet Tackles Finances and Regeneration Projects

The Cabinet met on Tuesday 22 September 2026, addressing crucial financial updates and key regeneration initiatives that will shape the district's future. Decisions made will impact the council's financial health and the development of key areas.

Financial Health: General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Updates

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented the General Fund Finance Update for the first quarter of 2026/27. The report indicated a forecast balanced General Fund outturn for the year, with a notable investment income surplus of £0.638m due to favourable interest rates. However, savings proposals for the medium-term financial plan showed £0.320m at risk of non-delivery, a point that warrants close monitoring to ensure financial stability. The capital programme saw a significant reprofiling of £16.412m to 2027/28 due to procurement and approval delays, highlighting the challenges in delivering large-scale projects on time.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, provided the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Finance Update. This revealed a forecast net operating expenditure pressure of £0.293m, primarily driven by increased costs in repairs and maintenance. While higher interest income and renewable heating credits offered some offset, the pressure on the HRA budget underscores the ongoing challenges in managing social housing stock effectively. Measures to mitigate these pressures are being implemented, including close monitoring of expenditure and reviewing the HRA Business Plan. The HRA is projected to hold substantial usable reserves, but the increased expenditure highlights the need for careful financial planning to protect these reserves.

You can find more details about these financial discussions in the Cabinet meeting documents.

Driving Regeneration: Ashby Business Improvement District and Marlborough Centre

The Cabinet also focused on regeneration efforts. Councillor Tony Gillard, Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, presented the proposal for the Ashby Business Improvement District (BID) to enter a second five-year term. This initiative aims to enhance Ashby town centre through services like street rangers, improved cleaning, and Christmas lights. The council's support, through a levy contribution and administrative costs, is crucial for the BID's continued success in boosting the local economy and town centre experience.

Furthermore, Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of the Council, presented the Marlborough Centre Regeneration project. This ambitious plan to convert upper floors to residential units and improve retail spaces is a significant investment in the heart of the district. The report sought delegation to award contracts for enabling and fit-out works, a critical step in bringing this regeneration project to fruition. The project's budget of over £6.4 million demonstrates the council's commitment to revitalising key areas and creating new opportunities.

You can find more details about these regeneration discussions in the Cabinet meeting documents.

Local Plan Development: Securing Consultancy Support

In a move to ensure the timely delivery of the Local Plan, Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Acting Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, sought an exemption from standard procurement rules to award a contract to Hyas for consultancy support. The cost of £156,000 is to be met by salary savings and a government grant. The urgency stems from the critical December 2026 submission deadline for the Local Plan. Failure to meet this deadline would leave the council vulnerable to unsolicited development proposals, underscoring the importance of this consultancy support for maintaining local control over development.

You can find more details about this decision in the Cabinet meeting documents.

Corporate Landlord Function: Strengthening Property Management

Councillor Andrew Woodman also sought approval for additional staffing resources for the Property Services Team to support the Corporate Landlord model. The creation of a Facilities Officer and a Premises Officer aims to enhance governance and standardise processes across the council's property portfolio. This investment in staffing is crucial for effective management of council assets, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

You can find more details about this proposal in the Cabinet meeting documents.

Other Matters

Exclusion of Press and Public

The meeting agenda indicated that there would be an item concerning the exclusion of the press and public, citing the likely disclosure of exempt or confidential information in accordance with Section 100(a) of the Local Government Act 1972. This item related to Acquisitions and Disposal - Offer for the Purchase of 17 Ashby Road Moira, and Housing Contracts - HIP Support Contractor.

This week in North West Leicestershire:

Council Grapples with Local Government Reorganisation and Community Asset Protection

The Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, facing decisions that could significantly alter the landscape of local governance and the stewardship of community spaces. A central focus was the proposed local government reorganisation for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, alongside a critical discussion on how to safeguard community assets in the face of these changes.

Future of Local Government: Concerns Over Representation and Coherence

A motion put forward by Councillor M B Wyatt highlighted significant concerns regarding the proposed reorganisation into two new unitary councils. The motion argued that this would lead to a severe reduction in democratic representation for our residents and a lack of geographical and community coherence, potentially making councils too large and more remote from local communities. The debate underscored the importance of ensuring that any new governance structure truly serves the needs of residents and maintains a strong connection to local areas. The motion proposed that the Chief Executive write to ministers to advocate for a devolution settlement that would benefit Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire, focusing on strategic planning, transport, and growth.

Protecting Community Assets for Local Benefit

In parallel, a motion from Councillor T Eynon addressed the implications of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on community assets. With both Leicestershire County Council and North West Leicestershire District Council set to cease to exist in April 2028, there's a pressing need to ensure that local facilities – including open spaces, community buildings, recreation areas, and car parks – remain under local control. The motion called for a strategic review of all council-owned community assets and the development of a Strategic Community Asset Management Plan. This plan aims to explore options for asset transfer and disposal, with the ultimate goal of retaining responsibility, power, and funding of community assets within local communities. This is a vital step to ensure that the places residents cherish and rely on continue to serve their needs.

Planning Decisions: Adapting to New Regulations

The council also considered amendments to its constitution to comply with the new Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. These regulations, effective from 31 October 2026, introduce a National Scheme of Delegation, presuming that most planning applications will be determined by officers rather than the Planning Committee. While this aims to streamline the planning process, it means fewer applications will be brought before elected members. The proposed constitutional changes will impact how planning decisions are made, potentially leading to quicker outcomes but also requiring careful consideration to ensure community input remains valued.

Financial Stewardship and Councillor Support

The Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, presented the Treasury Management Stewardship Report for the 2025/26 financial year. This report detailed the council's approach to managing its investments, with a focus on security and liquidity. Additionally, the council was set to review recommendations from the Debate Not Hate Working Group. This group was established to address the increasing abuse and intimidation faced by councillors, and their recommendations aim to provide better support for elected officials, ensuring a safer and more respectful environment for local democracy to function.

Scrutiny's Role in Accountability

The Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26 was also presented, outlining the work of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and the Community Scrutiny Committee. This report highlighted the committees' examination of key areas such as the draft budget, customer experience, and zero carbon initiatives, demonstrating the crucial role of scrutiny in holding the council accountable and driving improvements in services.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Council meeting documents.

Other Matters

This week in North West Leicestershire:

Council Gears Up for Major Decisions on Local Government Reorganisation and Community Assets

The Council is set to convene on Tuesday 15 September 2026, with a packed agenda that includes critical discussions on the future of local government in Leicestershire and the management of vital community assets. These decisions carry significant weight, potentially reshaping how services are delivered and how local areas are governed for years to come.

Future of Local Government: A Call for Coherence and Representation

A key motion, proposed by Councillor M B Wyatt, addresses the proposed local government reorganisation for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The motion expresses deep concern that the creation of two new unitary councils, coupled with an expanded city boundary, will lead to a severe reduction in democratic representation for our residents and a lack of geographical and community coherence. The argument is that the proposed authorities will be too large and more remote from local communities. While acknowledging the potential benefits of devolution, the motion advocates for a devolution settlement that would focus on strategic planning, transport, infrastructure, skills, and growth for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire, including the region's only inland Freeport. This debate is crucial for ensuring that residents' voices are heard and that local needs are met effectively by a government structure that truly understands and represents them.

Safeguarding Community Assets for Local Benefit

Another significant motion, put forward by Councillor T Eynon, focuses on developing a LGR Community Asset Strategy in anticipation of the cessation of both Leicestershire County Council and North West Leicestershire District Council in April 2028. With the ongoing Community Governance Review aiming to create parishes in unparished areas, including Coalville, the motion highlights the potential for community assets like open spaces and buildings to pass to a new, larger unitary authority. To prevent this, the council is being asked to conduct a strategic review of all council-owned community assets within North West Leicestershire. This includes open spaces, community buildings, recreation areas, and car parks. The goal is to create a Strategic Community Asset Management Plan that explores options for transfer and disposal, ensuring that responsibility, power, and funding of community assets remain with the communities that use them. This is vital for maintaining local control over cherished spaces and facilities that contribute to the well-being and identity of our neighbourhoods.

Streamlining Planning Decisions: A Shift Towards Officer Delegation

The council will also consider amendments to its constitution to align with the new Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. These regulations, effective from 31 October 2026, mandate an increase in the number of planning applications determined by council officers. This shift aims to expedite the planning process, but it also means fewer applications will be presented to the Planning Committee. The proposed changes will affect current procedures, including the call-in process and the criteria for referring applications to the committee. While this could lead to quicker decisions, it's important to ensure that community concerns are still adequately addressed and that significant developments are not overlooked.

Financial Oversight and Support for Councillors

The Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, will present the Treasury Management Stewardship Report for the 2025/26 financial year. This report will detail the council's prudent approach to managing its investments, prioritising security and liquidity. Additionally, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Blunt, and Councillor Keith Merrie MBE will present recommendations from the Debate Not Hate Working Group. This group was formed to address the abuse and intimidation faced by councillors, and their recommendations aim to bolster support for elected officials and mitigate risks. This focus on councillor well-being is essential for maintaining a healthy and functioning local democracy.

Reviewing Scrutiny's Impact

Finally, the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26 will be presented, summarising the work of both the Community Scrutiny Committee and the Corporate Scrutiny Committee. This report will highlight key areas scrutinised, including budget setting, customer experience, and zero carbon initiatives, demonstrating the vital role of scrutiny in holding the council accountable and driving service improvements.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Council meeting documents.

Other Matters