The Rutland County Council Planning Committee convened to discuss a range of planning and licensing matters, including a proposed diversion of a public footpath, several planning applications, and an appeals report.

Proposed Diversion of Footpath D85

The committee was asked to consider a request to reroute public footpath D85 in Uppingham, submitted by Michael Gilbert of YMD Boon on behalf of Uppingham Community College (UCC), represented by Kirstie Croote. The application stated that the diversion was needed to protect pupils and staff from violence, harassment, alarm, distress, or other risks to their health and safety.

The proposed diversion would move a section of footpath E306 that crosses the college sports field to a new alignment around the perimeter, adding approximately 200 metres to the footpath's length.

The report noted that in 2024, Uppingham Community College secured a Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) grant from the Department for Education (DfE) to erect new perimeter fencing. The fencing is a 2m high green weld mesh, which, according to the applicant, is recommended by the DfE and will be located around the perimeter of the site, including the sports field.

Views on the proposed diversion were sought from local users, represented by Uppingham Town Council and Lyddington Parish Council, and relevant interest groups, namely the Ramblers Association and the Open Spaces Society.

The committee was asked to consider measures to protect the council against additional maintenance costs that may arise as a consequence of the diversion.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to review several planning applications:

• Land off Hardwick Farm Lane, Empingham (2025/0130/OUT): An outline planning application for an employment site across Use Classes B2¹, B8² and E³, including internal access, hardstanding, landscaping, open space, drainage, ground remodelling and ancillary infrastructure. The applicant is Mr PJSR Hill & Pikerace Limited, and the agent is Mr Mark Rose of Define Planning & Design Ltd.

  The application site is larger than the proposed allocation in Policy E1.5 of the emerging local plan. The report stated that the proposed development site exceeds the allocation outlined in Policy E1.5 of the emerging local plan, yet the principle of development is supported. This increase in size of the site is justified by strong evidence of demand, economic benefits, and policy alignment. The scheme offers strategic advantages for local employment and market flexibility, contributing positively to Rutland's economy.

  The application included a placemaking plan, appropriate to its current outline status. While the supporting documentation contains more detailed layout vignettes, these are illustrative only and not subject to formal approval at this stage, but serve to demonstrate how the placemaking principles may be implemented in a future reserved matters submission.

  The proposal includes replacing the current junction access arrangements with a new roundabout to the south-east of the existing access point. A spine road will then travel from the new roundabout around the perimeter of the employment units and direct access into the car parking areas. A direct and separate access is proposed for the Zeeco premises for operational reasons, having a separate arm of the roundabout. Once the roundabout is in place, the existing accesses would be extinguished.

  The committee was asked to consider a recommendation for approval, subject to planning conditions and a Section 106 agreement to secure Biodiversity Net Gain.

• 199 Brooke Road, Oakham (2025/0818/RG3): A request from Rutland County Council for a change of use from Use Class 3(a) Dwellinghouse to Class 2 Residential Institution, with internal modifications.

  The report stated that the proposal supports the Council's strategic aim to provide high-quality, locally based care for vulnerable children and that the site is well-suited in terms of size, location, and accessibility, and the proposed use is compatible with the surrounding residential character.

  The committee was asked to consider a recommendation for approval, subject to conditions.

• Land Northeast of Rosedene, Main Street, Thistleton (2025/0178/OUT): An outline application from Giles Property Group (agent Mr Iain Downer of Class Q Ltd) for up to two dwellings with associated access and landscaping.

  The report noted that the site lies outside the Planned Limits of Development and would ordinarily be contrary to adopted policy, the current absence of a five-year housing land supply triggers the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development under paragraph 11(d) of the National Planning Policy Framework⁴.

  The committee was asked to consider a recommendation for approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement to secure Biodiversity Net Gain.

Appeals Report

The committee was scheduled to receive the Appeals Report 16 September 2025, which listed appeals received and decisions made since the last meeting. These included:

• 11 Foxfield Way, Oakham (2023/0238/PTA): An appeal by Mr Simon Coles against a delegated decision relating to work on a sycamore tree. The appeal was allowed on 11 August 2025.
• Field to the North of Brooke Road, Braunston in Rutland (2022/1286/MAO): An appeal by Mr and Mrs Brand against a non-determination for an outline planning application for up to 30 dwellings. The appeal was allowed on 13 August 2024, and an application for costs against the Parish Council was refused.
• 8 Reeves Lane, Wing (2024/0738/FUL): An appeal by Mr D and Mrs M Smeeton against a delegated decision for the demolition of an existing dwelling, detached garage and shed, and the construction of a replacement dwelling with integral garage and detached outbuilding. The appeal was dismissed on 22 August 2025.
• Land to the East of Normanton Road, Edith Weston (2025/0492/MAO): An appeal by Mr Philip Davies against a non-determination for an outline application for up to 62 dwellings, with associated access, landscaping and open space with all matters reserved except access.