To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 2024 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 2024 were approved subject to an amendment to the Any Other Business item. It was agreed that the sentence incorrectly stating that the Fox Connect transport service is out of service in ‘Aston Flamville’, should be corrected to ‘Aston Firs.’

There were no matters to discuss.

The Chairman invited Cllr. Mike Shirley and Cllr. Ben Taylor to provide an update to residents on the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI).

Cllr. Shirley explained that himself and Cllr. Taylor had attended the HNRFI hearing at Westminster on 10 September 2024, along with Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire and Dr Luke Evans, MP for Hinckley and Bosworth.

Cllr. Shirley explained that the Secretary of State is ‘minded to refuse’ plans for the rail hub, but has extended the decision deadline until March as further information is gathered. This will allow the Developer, Tritax Symmetry, to provide further information or evidence to address areas of concern. Cllr. Shirley added that the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation to the Secretary of State was that consent should not be provided for the application, highlighting concerns over highway safety risks, traffic mitigation and the impact on Narborough Level Crossing.

Cllr. Taylor provided an update on the timeline for residents, explaining that the developer would now be given time to answer the Secretary of State’s questions, followed by a consultation allowing Interested Parties to respond. Cllr. Taylor added that Blaby District Council was successful in extending the consultation period from December to the end of January. Cllr. Taylor advised that the final decision by the Secretary of State will be made by the end of March 2025.

Cllr. Ben Taylor advised residents that the Blaby District Local Plan consultation, due to be completed in September 2024, is delayed to enable Blaby District Council to update the Local Plan. Cllr. Ben Taylor explained that the delay was due to the change in national government and that updates are being made to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Cllr. Ben Taylor explained that a timetable including details on the consultation will be in the public domain within the coming weeks.

The Chairman provided residents with an update from the last Fosse Villages: Shaping Our Future Meeting. This included an update on the drone surveys of traffic at major junctions being carried out locally. The Chairman advised that this data will be available by the time of the next meeting.

Cllr. Mike Shirley advised residents that outline planning permission for 134 houses in the field situated next to Coopers Close, Sharnford, has recently been approved.

Cllr. Mike Shirley updated residents that up to 3 primary schools, as well as doctors surgeries and shops will be included as part of the proposals for the Land West of Stoney Stanton application.

The Chairman advised residents that the application for the change of use of land at Aston Firs to become a traveller site was refused by Blaby District Council.

The Chairman gave an update on the 2 new houses that are being built within the conservation area of Aston Flamville.

Residents sought an update on the Lychgate Lane, M69 settlement. The Chairman responded that planning permission has not yet been granted and that Blaby District Council are awaiting environmental noise reports.

The Aston Flamville Parish Meeting sends their condolences to Honorary Alderman Iain Hewson and his family at this sad time.

Cllr. Ben Taylor reassured residents that Blaby District Council are aware that some residents may be impacted by the government’s decision to remove the Winter Fuel Allowance. Blaby District Council are exploring ways of supporting residents by joining with a fuel bank association and by making UK Shared Prosperity Fund enquiries to provide additional support.

Cllr. Mike Shirley informed residents of the South Leicestershire Pensions Fair, which is being held on Friday 1 November from 12-2.30pm at Narborough Parish Hall. This is to raise awareness of the support available to pensioners in their local communities.

The Chairman announced that there would be no Christmas Fair this year, however a raffle will be organised.

The Chairman welcomed any Church donations following the recent inspection which took place in September 2024. The inspection highlighted that works are required on the Church roof with an estimated cost of £20,000. 

Residents discussed the recent power outages in the village and discussed the ongoing works needed.

The date of the next meeting to be arranged in consultation with the Chairman for a date in June 2025.