The Planning Committee of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to discuss several planning applications. The committee refused an application for the erection of 35 B8 units at Land North of Hilltop Farm, Castle Donington, citing no immediate need, negative impacts on residential amenity, and conflict with local plan policies. They approved the change of use and conversion of Lyndhurst Lodge, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, into three Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with additional conditions, and also approved reserved matters for a large B8 distribution unit at the Former Lounge Disposal Point, Coleorton.

Refusal of B8 Units at Land North of Hilltop Farm, Castle Donington

The committee refused the application for the erection of 35 B8 units at Land North of Hilltop Farm, Hill Top, Castle Donington. Councillor Ray Morris, seconded by Councillor Dave Bigby, moved the refusal on the grounds that there was no immediate need or demand for the development, that it would have a negative impact on residential amenity (such as noise and disturbance), and that it conflicted with policies S3, Ec2 and D2 of the Local Plan. The motion was carried by all members present.

During the discussion, Councillor Rachel Canny, speaking as the ward member, expressed concerns about the development being outside the limits of development and detracting from the character of nearby green fields. She also doubted the claimed immediate demand and stated the development would exacerbate congestion and anti-social behaviour. Members questioned the need for the development, noting existing empty warehouses in Castle Donington and that the proposal was outside the defined limits of development. The potential for car storage in the proposed small units was also questioned.

Approval of HMO Conversion at Lyndhurst Lodge, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

The committee approved the change of use and conversion of Lyndhurst Lodge, 87 Burton Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, into three HMOs, with the addition of a condition to secure a management plan for the operation of the dwelling units and site. Councillor Rachel Canny, seconded by Councillor John Legrys, moved the approval.

The application proposed two HMOs (Use Class C4) and one large HMO (Use Class Sui Generis), providing a total of 17 bedrooms. Objections were raised regarding insufficient parking, increased congestion, and potential negative impacts on residential amenity and the character of the area. The ward member, Councillor E Parle, also highlighted concerns about insufficient parking and bin storage.

During the discussion, members expressed support for the application but noted room for improvement in parking arrangements and bin storage. The Legal Advisor clarified that a 24-hour site management plan could be a condition, and the Principal Planning Officer suggested this plan could cover shared communal areas, vegetation maintenance, and general upkeep.

Approval of Reserved Matters for Distribution Unit at Former Lounge Disposal Point, Coleorton

The committee approved the reserved matters application for the erection of a 70,000 square metre B8 distribution unit with ancillary offices, service yards, HGV parking, and associated infrastructure at the Former Lounge Disposal Point, Ashby Road, Coleorton. Councillor Rachel Canny, seconded by Councillor Jenny Simmons, moved the approval.

The application sought approval for the internal access, appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale of the development, following a hybrid planning permission granted in 2021. The applicant, Gwyn Stubbings, highlighted improvements made to the site, including diverting a brook and planting over 3,000 trees.

Members noted a lack of progress on the site since its last consideration. While acknowledging compliance with previously agreed provisions, concerns were raised about the need for access improvements. A request was made for a condition to ensure funds were allocated to improving the cycling route from Ashby, with members being advised that this was the responsibility of Leicestershire County Council. The Head of Planning and Infrastructure assured that Leicestershire County Council would be made aware of the need for cycling improvements.