The Planning Committee of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss and determine three planning applications. The committee granted permission in principle for five self-build dwellings on land at the rear of The Brambles, Lower Moor Road, Coleorton, and for a single self-build dwelling on land to the east of 56 Loughborough Road, Coleorton. Permission was also granted, subject to conditions, for the erection of a single storey detached dwelling on land to the rear of 46 Garfield Road, Hugglescote, and for the change of use of a dwellinghouse at 81 Main Street, Thringstone, to a children's care home for up to three young people.

Permission in Principle for Five Self-Build Dwellings at Land at the Rear of The Brambles, Lower Moor Road, Coleorton

The committee granted permission in principle for the erection of five self-build dwellings on land at the rear of The Brambles, Lower Moor Road, Coleorton. This application was called to committee as it was contrary to approved Development Plan policy and recommended for permission.

Concerns were raised by Coleorton Parish Council, Historic England, and the Gardens Trust regarding the site's location in the countryside, outside of settlement limits, and its potential impact on the setting of the Grade II* Registered Park and Garden of Coleorton Hall. Leicestershire County Council's Ecology department also raised concerns about the lack of a protected species survey.

However, the report highlighted that the application was for permission in principle, meaning detailed matters would be assessed at the technical details consent stage. The report also noted that the proposal would contribute to addressing a significant unmet need for self-build plots in the district, a factor given significant weight. While acknowledging some harm to the heritage asset, the report concluded that the public benefits of the proposal, including the contribution to self-build housing supply, outweighed this harm.

Erection of a Single Storey Detached Dwelling at Land to the Rear of 46 Garfield Road, Hugglescote

Permission was granted, subject to conditions, for the erection of a single storey detached dwelling on land to the rear of 46 Garfield Road, Hugglescote. The application was brought to the committee at the request of Councillor Everitt due to concerns about highways, parking, access for service vehicles, and surface water management.

Neighbours raised objections concerning the design, waste collection, access, traffic, parking, flood risk, drainage, and biodiversity. They specifically highlighted issues with congestion, unsafe parking, and the potential for increased flooding due to the removal of trees.

The report noted that the site was within the Limits to Development and that the proposed dwelling was smaller and on a different site than a previous refused application for three bungalows. The County Highways Authority raised no objection, stating that parking was adequate and the access width acceptable. Conditions were recommended to secure the approved plans, materials, construction hours, landscaping, bin collection points, and a sustainable drainage system.

Change of Use of a Dwellinghouse to a Children's Care Home at 81 Main Street, Thringstone

The committee granted permission, subject to conditions, for the change of use of a dwellinghouse at 81 Main Street, Thringstone, to a children's care home for up to three young people. This application was called to committee at the request of Councillor Everitt due to concerns about the isolation of the property between business properties and potential overdevelopment.

One objection was received, raising concerns about the principle of development given other approved facilities nearby, highway impacts, residential amenity, and the accuracy of information provided in the application. The objector also highlighted existing parking issues and the potential for increased congestion and noise disturbance from staff changeovers.

The report stated that the site was within the Limits to Development and that the proposal would help meet the needs of children requiring care, which was given positive weight. The report also noted that the proposed alterations to convert the garage to a lounge could be carried out under permitted development rights. Conditions were recommended to restrict the use to the proposed care home, limit the number of children and staff on site, and increase the on-site parking area before the care home is brought into use. The report concluded that the proposal would not result in unacceptable impacts on highway safety or residential amenities.

Permission in Principle for Two Self-Build Dwellings at Land Adjacent to 49 Church Lane, Ravenstone

The committee approved the application for permission in principle for the erection of two self-build dwellings on land adjacent to 49 Church Lane, Ravenstone. Councillor N Smith, speaking as the ward member, raised concerns about congestion on the A447 and the junction at Wash Lane. The Principal Planning Officer noted that these issues would be considered at the technical details consent stage. Members expressed support for the application, with the number of dwellings being limited to two as applied for. A note was to be included for the applicant to consider improvements to the junction at Wash Lane and Church Lane.

Permission in Principle for a Single Self-Build Dwelling at Land to the East of 56 Loughborough Road, Coleorton

The committee approved the application for permission in principle for the erection of a single self-build dwelling on land to the east of 56 Loughborough Road, Coleorton. During the discussion, members considered how the application would have been assessed if it were not a self-build or Permission in Principle application, with officers explaining that such applications were weighted differently due to an unmet need and that the National Planning Policy Framework promoted sustainable development. Members noted the importance of maintaining the rural character of Coleorton but also commented on existing ribbon development along the road, concluding that the proposed development was not out of context. The motion to approve the application was carried with seven votes in favour and three against.