The Melton Council Planning Committee is scheduled to consider three applications for development at its meeting on Thursday 29 October 2026. The committee will review proposals for a solar farm near Freeby, a change of use for a property in Melton Mowbray to a larger House in Multiple Occupation, and the installation of brewery tanks at Round Corner Brewing.

Solar Farm Development at Land east of Waltham Road, Freeby

The committee is scheduled to consider an application for a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm, with associated infrastructure including battery storage and an onsite grid connection substation, on land east of Waltham Road in Freeby. This application was previously deferred by the committee to allow for further information to be provided regarding agricultural land classification and an overplanting statement. The report pack indicates that the applicant has provided updated information in response to these queries, and also in light of the newly published National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2026. The proposal, if approved, would involve the installation of solar panels capable of generating up to 42MW of renewable electricity. The report pack suggests that the development would lead to significant positive weight in the planning balance due to its contribution to climate change mitigation and national energy security, as well as substantial biodiversity enhancements. However, concerns are noted regarding the use of best and most versatile agricultural land, which the report suggests carries substantial negative weight. The report also details potential impacts on landscape, visual amenity, and heritage assets, alongside proposed mitigation measures and conditions.

Change of Use at 115 Thorpe Road, Melton Mowbray

An application to change the use of 115 Thorpe Road from a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4) to a seven-bedroom HMO (Sui Generis use) is also scheduled for discussion. This proposal has generated significant local interest, with numerous objections received from residents and ward members. Concerns raised include the planning history of the property, the lawful status of the existing use, recent building works, parking pressures, residential amenity impacts, and the effect on the character of the area. The report pack indicates that officers have undertaken extensive enquiries and are satisfied that the property is currently operating as a small HMO within Use Class C4. The key planning considerations for this application are the principle of development, living conditions for future occupiers, impact on neighbouring amenity, parking, and waste management. The report suggests that the proposal would provide acceptable living conditions and would not result in unacceptable harm to neighbouring amenity, highway safety, or the character of the area, and therefore recommends conditional approval.

Brewery Expansion at Round Corner Brewing, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray

The committee will also consider a proposal for the installation of four externally located stainless steel brewery fermentation and storage tanks at Round Corner Brewing, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray. The application includes plans for an access gantry, spiral staircase, a reinforced concrete base slab with integrated bunding and drainage, and a 2.1-metre high palisade boundary fence. The concrete base is designed to accommodate two additional tanks for future expansion. The report pack highlights that Round Corner Brewing is an award-winning independent beer producer and that these proposals would support its growth, contributing to local economic prosperity and the Rural Capital of Food brand. The development is considered to be in a suitable and sustainable location, enhancing the existing use of the Stockyard site. The report indicates no objections from technical consultees, including the Conservation Officer and the Economic Development Officer, and no representations were received from neighbours. The proposal is recommended for approval, subject to planning conditions relating to noise, odour, and the colour finish of the fencing.