46 homes at Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray

What was proposed

The application proposed 38 retirement apartments and eight dwellings in a three-storey building with landscaping, drainage, access and parking.

“Executive Summary 1.1 Planning permission is sought for the development of the site for residential purposes comprising of a three-storey building of 38 apartment units for retirement living, communal facilities, parking and landscaping, and 8 independent dwellings with parking and shared access.”

“Proposal 4.1 The proposed development is for the erection of 46 residential units comprising of 38 retirement apartments and 8 dwellings with associated drainage, landscaping, access, and car parking. The housing and retirement apartments would be independent of each other but would utilise a shared single-entry point from the existing car park entry road.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The brownfield site is a disused car park about 500 metres north of the town centre, beside homes, commercial properties, the cattle market and car parks.

“The application is now supported subject to conditions and completion of a section 106 agreement. The proposal is considered to align with the principles of the development plan, would respect the character and amenity of the surrounding area and deliver housing of an appropriate mix in a sustainable location. The proposals would accord with the National Planning Policy Framework 2024 and the Policies of the Melton Local Plan.”

“Planning application (ref: 24/00667/FUL) for an events centre south of the cattle market as part of the Stockyard re-development proposals was considered by the planning committee on 22 nd January 2025 with a resolution to permit the application subject to the satisfactory completion of a section 106 agreement. There is an existing vehicle access into the site positioned almost opposite the site at the junction of Northfield Close.”

Officer report

Technical consultees

Highways, ecology, drainage and other consultees raised no objection or supported approval subject to conditions and obligations.

“We therefore recommend that any planning permission be granted subject to the following planning conditions (informed by paragraph 37 of Historic England’s Managing Significance in Decision-Taking in the Historic Environment GPA 2), to safeguard any important archaeological remains potentially present: LCC Ecology a) 15 August 2025 – No Objection, Conditions recommended There has been a review of applicant submitted information and Leicestershire County Council Ecology…”

“As such, we have no objection to the proposals and recommend the below conditions. c) 05 March 2025 – Holding Objection We have reviewed the submitted ecology report and the conclusions and recommendations within the report are appropriate. As such, with appropriate mitigation, the proposed development is unlikely to impact protected/notable species or habitat. The BNG assessment provided appears reasonable and feasible.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent was allowed to give a three-minute presentation to the committee.

What members discussed

Members discussed fire risk and whether residents should be at least 60, leading to a revised age-related condition.

“Debate • Concern was expressed over the fire risk the development would pose. • There was a discussion about the minimum age limit of residents and that this should be no younger than 60 years of age. However it was recognised that the site would not be a retirement home. The Planning Development Manager then read out a reworded condition, which was added to the recommendation.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillors Mason and Holmes proposed and seconded approval, which was agreed unanimously.

“Councillor Mason proposed that the Committee approves the recommendations and Councillor Holmes seconded the motion.”

“The Planning Committee APPROVED the application subject to…”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions, the revised age requirement and a Section 106 agreement securing contributions and affordable housing.

“2) Completion of the Section 106 agreement under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) securing planning obligations for: • Waste Management Facilities - Melton Mowbray HWRC £3,802.36 • Libraries - Melton Mowbray Library £951.23 • GP facilities to meet the population increase £33,856.00, and • The provision of 5% on-site of affordable housing for social rent.”

Minutes

What approval required

The Section 106 agreement must secure waste, library and GP contributions plus 5% on-site affordable housing for social rent.

“RECOMMENDATION(S) It is recommended that the application is APPROVED subject to: Conditions detailed in section 10 of this report. Completion of the Section 106 agreement under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) securing planning obligations for: • Waste Management Facilities - Melton Mowbray HWRC £3,802.36 • Libraries - Melton Mowbray Library £951.23 • GP facilities to meet the population increase £33,856.00, and • The provision of 5% on-site of…”

Officer report