The Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer invited nominations for the election of Chairman of the Aston Flamville Parish Meeting.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 28 September 2022 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 September 2022, as circulated, were approved as a correct record.

There were no matters to discuss.

The Chairman took the opportunity to congratulate the District Councillors on their re-election to Blaby District Council and following the boundary review to the new Ward of Fosse Highcross. The Chairman welcomed new Ward Member Cllr. Ben Taylor as well as Cllr. Mike Shirley. The Chairman also welcomed County Councillor Cllr. Maggie Wright to the meeting.

The Chairman thanked previous District Councillor Iain Hewson who had decided to stand down at the recent District election for his work in supporting the Parish. The Chairman congratulated Iain on his appointment as Honorary Alderman in recognition of his service to Blaby District Council.

The Chairman raised the issue of finding a suitable location for the village nameplate, and updated residents of the viable locations that had been sought.

It was agreed that County Councillor Cllr. Maggie Wright would continue working with Leicestershire County Council to ensure that the name plate would be fitted as soon as possible.  

The Chairman informed residents that he had received a letter inviting him to comment on the initial plans which propose a rail freight hub on 662 acres of land south-west of Elmesthorpe Village. Up until the 23 June, the public have an opportunity to register their interest so they can make their views known officially in this phase (Relevant Representation Stage).  People who submit a Relevant Representation then automatically become an Interested Party which entitles them to submit more detailed comments and be invited to hearings later in the process.

Residents discussed the consultation response and the Chairman invited those interested to contact him.

Cllr. Ben Taylor provided an update on the rail freight to residents and Cllr. Mike Shirley provided an update on how local Parish Councils were going to object to the plans.

The Chairman provided an update to residents on the Elgin Energy planning application for a solar power farm on land north and south of Lychgate Lane. Planning application reference no: 22/0048/FUL.

The planning application has been submitted to both Blaby District Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council as the land borders both Councils. The Diocese of Leicester who own the land have supported the application and as a result, the local Church in Aston Flamville has benefited financially. The Chairman declared that he is also the Church Warden for St. Peters Church.

Residents discussed the merits of the application and the traffic implications should the application be approved.

Cllr. Ben Taylor informed residents that he has contacted the Planning Case Officer and 7 objections to the application had been received so far. The Chairman would be informed by the Council when the application was being considered by its Planning Committee.

The Chairman provided an update to residents on application 20/0621/FUL – change of use of land to one residential Gypsy/Traveller caravan pitch comprising two caravans and three associated utility buildings.

The applicant/agent has applied for retrospective planning approval for the above application which has yet to be decided by the Council. The applicant has continued to develop the site and operate a driveway business.

Cllr. Mike Shirley provided an update to residents on the progress of the application and that he was liaising with officers at the Council.

The Chairman updated residents on Community Liaison Group that had been created to discuss matters on current and future needs, the development of future engagement strategies for the site, the emerging masterplan and vision for the site, and an identity for the new settlement.

A consortium of developers are promoting the land as a potential new settlement and are urging Blaby District Council to include it in its new Local Plan.

Cllr. Ben Taylor provided an update to residents on the Local Plan and when the latest report would be considered by full Council.

Cllr. Maggie Wright updated residents on:

·         Speeding traffic on Aston Lane and progress on getting traffic surveys completed.

·         Fosse Villages Development Forum and the UKSPF.

·         New works being carried out at Croft Quarry including a restoration project.

·         Lots of new development including: rail freight, solar farm, midland connect, DPD.

Cllr. Mike Shirley and Cllr. Ben Taylor updated residents on:

·         Role of District Councillors and the meetings both he and Cllr Taylor had attended

·         Review of Licensing Act

·         Timeline of rail freight

·         Quick overview of the Council’s financial situation

Aston Firs

The Chairman invited Mick from Aston Firs to speak to residents and the Councillors about the Aston Firs Site.

Residents discussed previous planning applications to redevelop the site and the continuous delays facing them.  Cllr. Mike Shirley and Cllr. Ben Taylor offered to visit the residents of Aston Firs to seek a resolution to the various issues raised.  

The date of the next meeting to be arranged in consultation with the Chairman.

The date of the next meeting to be arranged in consultation with the Chairman for a date in early October 2023.