The Council approved a £2.5 million programme to acquire one-bedroom properties for temporary accommodation and agreed to proceed with public consultation on the Local Plan Regulation 19 document. The meeting also saw the unanimous approval of the General Fund Temporary Accommodation Property Acquisition Programme, Phase 3, which will see the council purchase up to 15 one-bedroom properties.

General Fund Temporary Accommodation Property Acquisition Programme – Phase 3

The council unanimously approved the use of up to £2.5 million from its capital programme to acquire between 10 to 15 one-bedroom properties. These properties will be used as self-contained temporary accommodation, aiming to reduce the council's reliance on costly nightly paid placements and improve the standard of accommodation for residents experiencing homelessness. A revenue budget of up to £384,250 was also approved for the operation of the scheme, with projected annual savings estimated between £219,000 and £273,750.

Councillor MT Mullaney, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, presented the report, highlighting the increasing pressure on temporary accommodation nationally and locally, particularly for single households. She emphasised that owning these properties would give the council greater control over standards and offer more stable placements.

During the debate, councillors raised questions about the occupancy rules, the need for robust housing management services, and the potential for acquiring properties at a lower cost due to current market conditions. Councillor Mullaney confirmed that occupancy rules would be similar to existing council stock, and that a dedicated staffing resource already recruited for the acquisition project would manage the new units. Councillors also welcomed the initiative as a more asset-based approach than paying for bed and breakfast accommodation.

Concerns were raised about the potential for properties to be located in a single block, but officers confirmed that the aim would be to disperse the accommodation across the borough to consider people's needs and links with the community. Councillor James Moore described the initiative as old-fashioned municipal enterprise with benefits for both residents and the council. Councillor SL Bray, Leader of the Council, reiterated that these properties were for residents on the housing waiting list and not part of the government's asylum dispersal programme.

Local Plan Regulation 19 Consultation

The council agreed to publish the Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan (proposed submission version) for public consultation under Regulation 19. This plan sets out a strategy to deliver 15,687 dwellings and 65 hectares of employment land by 2045.

Councillor WJ Crooks, Executive Member for Planning, presented the report, explaining that progressing the new local plan is crucial for planned development until 2045 and to prevent government intervention. He noted the tight timescale for submission to the Secretary of State by December 2026, with an examination expected in spring 2027.

An amendment proposed by Councillor C Lambert sought to remove policy PS17, relating to land at Cliff Hill Farm, Junction 22, Markfield, from the draft plan pending further evidence gathering. Councillor Lambert argued that the allocation had not been supported by sufficient evidence and that other land might be more appropriate. Councillor C Harris, the ward councillor for Markfield, seconded the amendment, stating that the strategic allocation of such significance warranted debate. The amendment was put to a vote and lost, with four councillors voting in favour.

During the debate on the main motion, Councillor MJ Crooks raised concerns about the naming of a site allocation north of Barton Road, Barlestone, suggesting it should be named Osberston. Officers agreed to review this matter. Councillor CM Allen suggested that Royal Mail might be able to assist with changing the postal address for the existing development.

Councillor Dr R Webber-Jones expressed support for the plan but noted it was with a heavy heart due to the circumstances forcing development. Councillor Dr JR Moore also found the process difficult, criticising the plan as being primarily for site allocations without sufficient consideration for infrastructure improvements like road networks and public transport. He described the situation as a shit sandwich but acknowledged the lack of alternatives given central government mandates. Councillor C Lambert also voiced disappointment at the disproportionate number of dwellings proposed for Markfield and Field Head.

Councillor SL Bray, Leader of the Council, addressed the concerns about housing targets, explaining that they were government-imposed and that without a local plan, the council would be vulnerable to speculative development. He defended the process, highlighting the extensive work undertaken by officers and the challenges of adapting to changing government targets. He also criticised the Conservative Party for their criticism of the council's progress on the local plan, noting the low attendance of Conservative councillors at the meeting.

The motion to approve the report for public consultation was carried.