The Planning Committee of North West Leicestershire Council was scheduled to discuss two planning applications, one concerning a change of use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and the other involving extensions and alterations to a dwelling. The committee was also set to receive an update on planning enforcement monitoring.

Planning Enforcement Monitoring Update

The committee was scheduled to receive a report from Jenny Davies, the Planning and Development Team Manager, providing an overview of the work undertaken by the Planning Enforcement Team during the third and fourth quarters of the 2025/2026 financial year. The report was expected to detail the number of new cases opened and closed, provide examples of resolved enforcement cases, and break down the types of breaches received. It was also intended to highlight the team's performance against priority response targets, as outlined in the Local Enforcement Plan. The report recommended that the Planning Committee note the information contained within it.

Planning Applications and Other Matters

2 Roberts Close, Kegworth

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a change of use from a residential dwelling (Class C3) to a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Class C4) at 2 Roberts Close, Kegworth. The proposal also included ground floor and first floor extensions to the property. The application was called to committee at the request of Councillor Ray Sutton due to concerns about the impact on highways from on-street parking, the practicality and accessibility of the on-site parking layout, and the concentration of HMOs in the area. The recommendation was to permit the application, subject to conditions including a time limit, approved plans, materials, a maximum of six residents, three parking spaces, cycle parking, and surface water drainage.

Concerns were raised by Kegworth Parish Council and local residents regarding the high density of HMOs in the area, which they argued was creating an imbalance in housing mix, detrimental to the community character, and placing a strain on parking resources. The Parish Council also referenced Policy H8 of the draft local plan, which addresses HMOs in Kegworth. Neighbours also cited potential noise and overlooking from extensions, overbearing impacts, increased light pollution, and unrealistic parking arrangements.

The report indicated that the adopted Local Plan was silent on the matter of HMOs, and in such circumstances, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) promotes a presumption in favour of sustainable development. While acknowledging the concerns about the concentration of HMOs, the report stated that there were no adopted policies to limit their quantity or grouping, and no objections from statutory consultees on highway or amenity grounds. The report concluded that the proposal was considered to represent sustainable development and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions.

38A Main Street, Swannington

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the erection of a first floor front extension, single storey side and rear extensions, a single storey link extension, a new front porch, the conversion of an existing garage to ancillary accommodation, a new detached garage, a new detached outbuilding, and replacement gates and piers at 38A Main Street, Swannington. This application was brought to the committee because one of the applicants is a Council employee and the other is related to that employee, and contrary representations to the recommendation to permit the application had been received. The recommendation was to permit the application, subject to conditions including a time limit, approved plans, materials, incidental use only for the outbuilding and new garage, ancillary use only for the converted garage, and a minimum of three car parking spaces on site.

Swannington Parish Council objected to the application on the grounds of over-intensive extension of the property and stated that the new garage and outbuilding would be detrimental to surrounding areas and views, particularly as the property is opposite a Grade II Listed Building, The Stone House. A neighbour also objected, citing over-development, the visual impact of the new garage on views from The Stone House, and concerns about potential future proposals.

The report noted that elements of the proposed development had previously been granted planning permission under a separate application (25/00446/FUL) and that this development had commenced. The Conservation Officer raised no objections, and the report concluded that while there would be some impact on the uninterrupted vista from The Stone House, the distance and traditional design of the proposed garage meant it would not significantly harm the setting of the listed building. The report also addressed concerns regarding residential amenity and highway considerations, concluding that the proposal complied with relevant local and national planning policies and was recommended for approval.