The Planning Committee of Hinckley and Bosworth Council met on Tuesday 20 October 2026. The committee considered several planning applications, including the conversion of an agricultural building to a dwelling, outline permission for new housing, the erection of an industrial unit, and the refurbishment of a theatre. The committee also discussed a variation of conditions for a hospital site demolition and reviewed appeal progress.

Clare's Barn Farm, 26 Sheepy Road, Twycross

The committee refused planning permission for the conversion of a redundant agricultural building at Clare's Barn Farm into a single dwelling. The primary reasons for refusal were that the existing building was not lawful due to significant unauthorised rebuilding works, and the isolated location outside of any settlement boundary was considered unsustainable, leading to likely dependence on private motorised transport and significant environmental harm. Despite the applicant's personal circumstances and efforts to use sympathetic materials, the principle of development was deemed unacceptable.

Land East of the Industrial Estate, Hill Lane, Markfield

Outline planning permission was granted for up to 67 dwellings on land east of the industrial estate in Markfield. This decision was made despite objections regarding the principle of development, landscape impact, and infrastructure concerns. The committee noted the council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, triggering the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The benefits of providing housing, including affordable homes, were considered to outweigh the identified harms to the landscape and green infrastructure. Conditions and a Section 106 agreement were stipulated to address highway safety, infrastructure contributions, and ecological enhancements.

EMEB Sports and Social Club, Nutts Lane, Hinckley

The committee approved the erection of an industrial/logistics unit at the EMEB Sports and Social Club site on Nutts Lane, Hinckley. This decision followed a previous deferral to address concerns about residential amenity. The applicant had made amendments, including reducing the building's height and altering the roof form, which improved the daylight and sunlight assessments for neighbouring properties. While some harm to residential amenity was acknowledged, it was considered not to substantially outweigh the significant economic benefits of job creation and site regeneration. The loss of the sports facility was given neutral weight due to its long period of disuse and an extant permission for solar arrays.

Land off Church Road, Witherley

The committee resolved to defer the application for the erection of a single self-build dwelling and detached garage on land off Church Road, Witherley. This deferral was due to concerns raised about inconsistencies in the report regarding planning policy references and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Officers identified a risk of legal challenge if the report's inaccuracies were not rectified. The deferral will allow for the archaeological consultation process to conclude and for officers to correct the report, with the application ultimately to be determined by officers under delegated powers after 31 October due to its schedule 1 status.

Concordia Theatre, Stockwell Head, Hinckley

Full planning permission was unanimously approved for the refurbishment and remodelling of the Concordia Theatre. The proposal includes extensions to the auditorium, replacement of the roof with solar panels, alterations to the façade, and public realm enhancements. Councillors spoke highly of the theatre's importance to the community and supported the ambitious project to modernise its facilities, improve accessibility, and enhance its architectural appearance. The design was described as bold and striking, set to become a landmark for the town.

Hinckley and District General Hospital, Mount Road, Hinckley

The committee resolved to grant planning permission for the variation of conditions attached to a previous permission for the demolition of the former Cottage Hospital. The variation sought to facilitate the demolition of the building in advance of finalising the long-term strategy for the site. While acknowledging the heritage harm caused by the demolition of the non-designated heritage asset, the committee was awaiting further information on the future healthcare provision benefits to ensure they outweighed this harm. The proposed interim scheme of mitigation for the demolition was deemed acceptable. However, amendments to conditions regarding Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) were not supported as they were considered contrary to statutory requirements.

Appeals Progress Report

The committee received an update on various planning appeals. Notably, an inquiry for a Redrow Homes development of 422 dwellings in Burbage was scheduled to begin on 10 November. A hearing for a David Wilson Homes development of 240 dwellings in Newbold Verdon was scheduled for 21 October. An appeal for a self-build dwelling off Sibson Road, Sheepy Parva, had been dismissed. Several other appeals were awaiting decisions or at various stages of the process.

The meeting concluded at 8:30 pm.