The Planning Committee of Hinckley and Bosworth Council met on Tuesday 25 August 2026, approving a significant mixed-use development in Ratby, deferring a decision on a housing application in Markfield due to archaeological concerns, and granting permission for a self-build dwelling in Witherley. The committee also approved an extension to the MIRA Technology Park and a variation of conditions for a property in Groby.

Burroughs Road Recreation Ground, Ratby

Outline planning permission was granted for a phased mixed-use development comprising approximately 470 dwellings and a one-form entry primary school at Burroughs Road Recreation Ground, Ratby. The decision was made despite significant local objections concerning landscape impact, loss of wildlife, traffic concerns, and strain on local infrastructure. Councillors acknowledged these concerns but ultimately voted in favour of approval, citing the council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply and the government's directive to boost housing numbers. The planning balance, in the officers' view, favoured the benefits of the development, including housing provision and the delivery of a primary school, over the identified harms. A Section 106 legal agreement will be finalised to secure planning obligations.

Land opposite Industrial Estate, Hill Lane, Markfield

A decision on the outline planning application for up to 67 dwellings on land opposite the industrial estate on Hill Lane, Markfield, was deferred. This deferral was primarily due to concerns regarding archaeological potential. Despite the officer's recommendation for approval, some members felt that pre-determination trial trenching was necessary to fully assess the site's archaeological significance before a decision could be made. The application was previously refused on archaeological grounds, and while the current proposal included a condition for archaeological work prior to the submission of reserved matters, councillors felt this was insufficient.

Land off Church Road, Witherley

Permission was granted for the erection of a single self-build dwelling and detached garage on land off Church Road, Witherley. The decision was made despite concerns about the scale and design of the dwelling, which was considered to cause less than substantial harm to the Witherley Conservation Area. Councillors supported the application, noting the council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply and the positive contribution the self-build dwelling would make to meeting identified housing needs. Additional conditions were agreed upon regarding construction hours, ecological protection for the River Anker, and ensuring the garage was included within permitted development restrictions. A legal agreement will secure the dwelling as a Custom and Self Build dwelling.

50 Woodlands Drive, Groby

A variation of conditions for a property at 50 Woodlands Drive, Groby, was approved, allowing for the alteration of a garage roof to create habitable loft space. The decision was made despite officer concerns about potential overlooking and loss of light to a neighbouring property. Councillors gave weight to letters of support from neighbouring properties and agreed to approve the application with appropriate conditions, including obscure glazing for the relevant window and restrictions on construction hours.

Land adjacent MIRA Technology Park

Outline planning permission was granted for the extension of MIRA Technology Park, comprising employment use, associated office and service uses, storage, a new spine road, car parking, landscaping, and enabling works. This decision followed a previous approval that was quashed due to a judicial review. The primary focus of discussion revolved around highway works, particularly the proposed left-in, left-out arrangement for the Drayton Lane junction with the A5. While an alternative of signalisation was deemed technically feasible, it was not supported by National Highways or the local highway authorities due to concerns about deliverability, cost, and potential traffic reassignment through Fenny Drayton. The committee accepted the officer's recommendation for approval, concluding that the proposed mitigation measures were acceptable and that the impacts on existing businesses did not constitute unreasonable restrictions.

Appeals Progress

Members were updated on planning appeals. Three appeals received since the last meeting were dismissed: Paddock House, Ashbury Road, Stapleton; Land Northwest Leicester Road, Earl Shilton; and Land off Barwell Lane, Kirkby Mallory. Reference dates were noted for upcoming hearings and inquiries concerning developments in Newbold Verdon and Burbage.