The Melton Borough Council Planning Committee met on Thursday 14 May 2026 to discuss several planning applications. The committee resolved to defer a decision on a proposed solar farm near Freeby due to concerns about agricultural land classification and to approve the conversion of redundant dairy buildings in Saxelby into five dwellings. The committee also adjourned a discussion on a proposal for two new dwellings in Old Dalby due to time constraints.

Solar Farm Proposed for Freeby

The committee debated a proposal for a 42-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) farm on 81 hectares of land east of Waltham Road, Freeby. The application, which had received significant public and parish council objection, was ultimately deferred for further information.

A key concern raised by councillors was the use of best and most versatile agricultural land, with 22-23% of the site being Grade 3a land. While national policy does not prohibit the use of such land for solar farms, it advises that lower quality land should be preferred. Councillors noted that the applicant's site selection report was unconvincing in justifying the choice of this particular location.

Further points of contention included potential landscape and visual impacts, particularly in the early years of the development before new planting matures. Concerns were also raised about the cumulative impact of multiple solar farms in the vicinity, although the council's landscape consultant concluded that significant cumulative effects were not predicted.

The committee also discussed the provision of a permissive footpath through the site as a public benefit, and the ecological enhancements proposed, which were considered to be substantial. However, the use of prime agricultural land and the lack of definitive information regarding land classification led to the decision to defer.

Redundant Dairy Buildings in Saxelby to be Converted to Five Dwellings

The committee approved the conversion of redundant dairy buildings at Webster's Dairy, 5 Main Street, Saxelby, into five dwellings. The proposal includes three two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units, with associated parking and garden space.

Concerns were raised by the parish council and local residents regarding highway safety, particularly the width of the access, parking provision, and turning space. However, amended plans were submitted which addressed these issues to the satisfaction of Leicestershire County Council Highways. The Highways Officer confirmed that the proposed access width of 5.248 metres, while slightly below the design guide, was considered acceptable given the site's constraints. The provision of ten parking spaces, two per dwelling, was also deemed acceptable.

Concerns about the overdevelopment of the site were addressed by noting that the conversion would result in only two additional dwellings compared to the historical use of the buildings, and that the proposed units would provide much-needed smaller homes. The design was considered sympathetic to the character of the Conservation Area, retaining much of the original building's fabric.

Ecological concerns regarding bats were noted, and conditions were recommended to ensure the protection of protected species, including the requirement for a European Protected Species Mitigation Licence from Natural England.

New Dwellings Proposed for Old Dalby Adjourned

The committee began discussing an application for the demolition of the existing farmhouse at North Lodge, Longcliffe Hill, Old Dalby, and the erection of two replacement dwellings. The farmhouse, dating from the 1830s, is in poor structural condition, with previous permission granted for its demolition and replacement in 2013, though this permission is no longer extant.

However, due to time constraints, the committee adjourned the discussion on this application. The meeting had already exceeded its scheduled time, and a motion to extend the meeting was passed, but the remaining business could not be concluded. The committee was advised that they would receive written advice on how the adjourned item would be handled, particularly concerning potential changes to committee membership before the matter is revisited.

The committee also noted that a statement regarding the planning productivity project would be issued to all members the following day, rather than being read out at the meeting.