The Cabinet of Melton Council met on Wednesday 15 April 2026 to consider a range of strategic planning matters, including joint statements on housing and warehousing needs across Leicester and Leicestershire, and the delegation of the Building Control Service. The meeting also included feedback from the Scrutiny Committee on the Cyber Security Strategy and the Inward Investment Strategy, and a discussion regarding the disposal of an asset.

Matters Referred from Scrutiny Committee

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive feedback from the Scrutiny Committee regarding the draft Cyber Security Strategy. The Scrutiny Committee recommended that the document be finalised and approved by the Cabinet, noting that members' input had been incorporated. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on cyber security, with assurances that officers were aware of the risks. The committee also welcomed the inclusion of performance indicators and noted that the Council's cyber security measures were benchmarked against national guidance.

The Scrutiny Committee also provided feedback on the Inward Investment Strategy. Discussions highlighted the importance of giving due prominence to economic activity in rural areas and Bottesford, beyond a Melton Centric focus. The competitiveness of the Saturday market was discussed, as was the Council's proactive approach to planning through its Planning Productivity Plan. The need for support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the food, drink, and agricultural sectors, was emphasised. The committee noted that business rates are set nationally and are not a competitive lever for the Council. Improvements to the town centre since 2023 were acknowledged, but the need for better communication about these developments was highlighted. The identity of the Borough as the Rural Capital of Food was reinforced, with a call for improvements to the retail offer. Discussions also covered the need to replace car parking machines, the accessibility of the parking app, and investment in public toilet facilities, including Changing Places provision. The committee stressed the need for clear metrics to demonstrate ambition and return on investment, particularly in light of LGR. The underutilisation of the Country Park was noted, with a suggestion for better connectivity to the town centre. Concerns were raised about heritage requirements potentially deterring businesses from taking on historic buildings, with a mention of available funding and grant pots to support sustainable use of heritage assets. Finally, the committee observed that local earnings remain below national averages, though some uplift has been seen, and highlighted Melton's strong transport connectivity as a selling point for inward investment.

Leicester and Leicestershire Statements of Common Ground

The Cabinet was presented with two Statements of Common Ground (SoCGs) produced by the authorities in Leicester and Leicestershire. The first, the Leicester & Leicestershire Statement of Common Ground relating to Housing Distribution under the new Standard Method (December 2025) , sets out agreed positions on housing needs up to 2046, the apportionment of unmet need following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and Standard Method, and confirms joint working arrangements across the Housing Market Area. This statement supports the progression of local plans in Blaby District Council, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, and Oadby & Wigston Borough Council. The second, the Leicester & Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground relating to Strategic Warehousing Need (December 2025) , addresses the warehousing need and its apportionment to 2046. This apportionment affects Blaby District Council, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, Harborough District Council, and Charnwood Borough Council. The report recommended that the Cabinet approve both statements and authorise the Director for Place and Prosperity to sign them on behalf of the Council.

Building Control Delegation Agreement

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the continuation of the delegation of Melton Borough Council's statutory Building Control Service to the Leicestershire Building Control Partnership (LBCP). The report outlined the background of the LBCP, the statutory duties of Building Control, and the impact of new regulations, including the Building Safety Regulator and the upcoming Building Safety Levy. It noted significant recruitment challenges within the sector due to new competence requirements. The report also detailed audits undertaken by the LBCP and the ongoing work to address points raised. The introduction of the Building Safety Levy, expected in October 2026, was highlighted as placing substantial additional burdens on the LBCP, requiring updated systems and training. The report recommended that the Cabinet delegate the Council's statutory Building Control Service to the LBCP and authorise the Director of Place and Prosperity to sign a draft Letter of Comfort, effectively continuing the existing Delegation Agreement.

Asset Disposal

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the disposal of an asset. The report indicated that the viability of converting The Cove for residential purposes was no longer recommended due to parking and value for money constraints. The report proposed approving the disposal of The Cove and its preparation for sale via auction, while concurrently exploring community use options. For any community use option to be considered, it would need to demonstrate both deliverability and a no less favourable financial outcome than disposal. The Director for Place and Prosperity was to be delegated authority to conclude consideration of community use and, if the required tests were met, pursue this as an alternative to sale, otherwise proceed with the disposal.