To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2025 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 July, as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

Considered – Report of the Development Services Team Leaders

24/0574/OUT

Outline planning application for the redevelopment of the site  for up to 200 residential dwellings including re-siting of existing  retail/leisure/sui generis uses, demolition of existing buildings and creation of public open space, highways and drainage  infrastructure (all matters reserved except for access).

Blaby Golf Range, Lutterworth Road, Blaby

Public Speaking

Pursuant to Part 4, Section 7 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to public rights of participation in planning applications, the Chairman allowed the following to give a 5 minute presentation:

·         Cllr. Paul Hartshorn – Ward Member

·         Graham Harding – Parish Member

·         Marie Stacey – Applicant/Agent

DECISION

THAT APPLICATION 24/0834/OUT BE REFUSED FOR THE FOLLOWING REASON:

Reason for Refusal 1: Green Wedge Encroachment. The proposed development would inappropriately encroach upon the designated Green Wedge, leading to the further undesirable coalescence of Blaby with Whetstone and Countesthorpe. This would fundamentally undermine the Green Wedge's strategic objectives by failing to preserve its open and undeveloped character, disrupting vital green networks, and diminishing existing public access for recreation, thereby conflicting with Policy DM2 of the Blaby District Council Local Plan Delivery DPD and CS16 of the.

Reason for Refusal 2: Loss of Recreational Facility. The proposed development would result in the regrettable loss of Blaby Golf Centre, creating a significant deficit in the District's recreational provision. This loss is particularly impactful as the facility prioritises resilient, adaptable amenities that support foundational participation and beginner pathways, which are crucial for futureproofing golf provision in the area. This is contrary to Policy CS15 of the Blaby District Council Core Strategy and paragraph 103 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Reason for Refusal 3: Insufficient Commercial Mitigation. The proposed development fails to adequately demonstrate that sufficient new commercial floorspace will be created to effectively mitigate the loss of existing businesses on the site. This deficiency contravenes Policy CS6 of the Core Strategy and Policy SA3 of the Blaby District Council Local Plan Delivery DPD.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Considered – Report of the Senior Planning Officer

25/0267/OUT

Demolition of an existing industrial building (Class B2) and ancillary office (Class E(g)(i)) and erection of buildings providing up to 3,546sq.m. of Research and Development / light industrial (Class E(g)(ii)(iii)) floor space, the closure and relocation of a vehicular access (all matters reserved except for access and scale).

Thurlaston Sawmills Ltd, Enderby Road, Thurlaston

Public Speaking

Pursuant to Part 4, Section 7 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to public rights of participation in planning applications, the Chairman allowed the following to give a 5 minute presentation:

·         Cllr. Maggie Wright – Ward Member

·         Paul Smith – Applicant/Agent

DECISION

THAT APPLICATION 25/0267/OUT BE APPROVED SUBJECT TO THE APPLICANT ENTERING INTO A SECTION 106 AGREEMENT TO SECURE THE FOLLOWING:

·         S106 monitoring contributions – District and County Councils, including Biodiversity Net Gain.

·         LCC Highways monitoring fee.

AND SUBJECT TO THE STATUTORY BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN CONDITION AND IMPOSITION OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

1.    Statutory outline condition.

2.    Submission of reserved matters  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.