The Planning and Development Control Committee of Leicester Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday 2 September 2026 to consider several planning applications and a report on proposed changes to the council's scheme of delegation for planning decisions. The meeting was scheduled to discuss proposals for a bowls and social club, student accommodation, and new padel courts, as well as a significant report on the implementation of a new national scheme of delegation for planning applications.

Planning Applications and Contraventions

The committee was scheduled to consider three planning applications:

8A Crofters Drive, Goodwood Bowls and Social Club

This application concerned the variation of conditions attached to a previous planning permission for the Goodwood Bowls and Social Club. The proposal sought to allow permanent opening hours for the clubhouse from 08:00 to 23:00 on Mondays to Saturdays, and 08:00 to 22:30 on Sundays. Additionally, it aimed to vary a condition to permit the use of the clubhouse for purposes not directly connected to the Bowls Club, between the hours of 08:00 and 20:30 on Sundays, and 08:00 to 22:30 on Mondays to Saturdays. The report indicated that the main issues for consideration were the potential impact on residential amenity and the highway. The application was to be recommended for refusal.

3-5 Salisbury Road

This application proposed a change of use for the properties at 3-5 Salisbury Road from a university teaching and administration building to fifteen student studio flats. The proposal also included the provision of bin and cycle stores. The existing five parking spaces would be retained. The application was brought to the committee at the request of Councillor Patrick Kitterick, who had concerns regarding the internal sizes of the proposed flats. The main considerations for this application were amenity, highways, and sustainable design. The application was to be recommended for conditional approval, subject to conditions and a legal agreement to cover contributions towards NHS and open space improvements.

4 Westernhay Road, Lawn Tennis Club

The committee was scheduled to consider the construction of two covered padel courts at the Leicestershire Lawn Tennis Club. Each court would measure 20m x 10m, with the covering structure having a footprint of 20m x 24.6m and heights ranging from 7m to 9m. A 4m tall noise wall was proposed around the south and east sides, with an angled top section to enhance acoustic performance. The application was brought to the committee due to the number of objections received, with the primary concerns relating to the impact of the padel courts' use on the amenity of neighbouring residents. The application was to be recommended for conditional approval.

Final Report for Committee

The committee was also scheduled to consider a Final Report for Committee dated 24th August, the details of which were not fully elaborated in the provided agenda.

Implementation of New National Scheme of Delegation

A significant item on the agenda was a report detailing the proposed response to a new National Scheme of Delegation for planning decisions, which was due to come into effect from 31 October 2026. The report outlined proposed amendments to the council's Constitution to align with these new legislative requirements. Key changes included the introduction of Schedule 1 (applications to be delegated to officers) and Schedule 2 (applications presumed to be delegated unless specific criteria are met) applications, as well as provisions for Own Interest applications. The report recommended that the Planning and Development Control Committee consider these proposals and make comments for the Council's consideration, with the Council itself being asked to approve the amendments to the Constitution. The report also noted a change to the maximum size of Planning Committees to thirteen members.