The Planning Committee of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026 to discuss and determine two planning applications. The committee granted permission for a change of use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Kegworth and for extensions and alterations to a property in Swannington.

Change of Use to House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 2 Roberts Close, Kegworth

The committee granted permission, subject to conditions, for the change of use of a residential property at 2 Roberts Close, Kegworth to a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Class C4). The application also included ground and first-floor extensions to the property.

Concerns were raised by Kegworth Parish Council and local residents regarding the concentration of HMOs in the area, which they argued was creating an imbalance in housing, straining local infrastructure, and negatively impacting the character of the community. Objections also cited unrealistic parking arrangements and the potential for increased on-street parking. The County Highway Authority and Environmental Protection raised no objections. The County Ecology Team requested a preliminary roost assessment, but it was deemed inappropriate given the nature of the property.

Officers noted that while the draft Local Plan includes a policy (H8) relating to HMOs in Kegworth, it had not yet been formally adopted, and therefore limited weight could be given to it. In the absence of adopted policies specifically limiting the number or location of HMOs, and with no objections from statutory consultees on highway or amenity grounds, the principle of development was considered acceptable. The proposed extensions were deemed to be of an appropriate scale and design, sympathetic to the host dwelling and the wider street scene, with minimal visibility from the public realm. Regarding residential amenity, it was considered that the change of use to a small HMO would not result in significantly greater noise, disturbance, or comings and goings than occupation by a large family. The Highway Authority confirmed that while only three parking spaces would fully comply with standards, sufficient parking could be provided, and they raised no objections subject to a condition securing these spaces.

Extensions and Alterations at 38A Main Street, Swannington

Permission was granted, subject to conditions, for the erection of a first-floor front extension, single-storey side and rear extensions, a single-storey link extension, a new front porch, the conversion of an existing garage to ancillary accommodation, a new detached garage, a new detached outbuilding, and replacement gates and piers at 38A Main Street, Swannington.

This application was brought to the committee because one of the applicants is a Council employee and the other is related to them, and contrary representations had been received. The committee was assured that the employee had not been involved in the consideration of the application.

Swannington Parish Council objected to the application, citing over-intensive extension of the property and concerns that the new garage and outbuilding would be detrimental to the surrounding areas and views, particularly in relation to the Grade II Listed Building, The Stone House, opposite. One neighbour also objected on similar grounds, expressing concern about the impact on views from The Stone House and the potential for future proposals. The Conservation Officer raised no objections.

Officers noted that previous planning permission had been granted for some of the extensions and alterations under delegated powers. The proposed outbuilding and garage were considered to be of a traditional design, subservient to the host dwelling, and would not be significantly visible from public viewpoints. While acknowledging that the new garage would impact the uninterrupted vista from The Stone House, the distance from the listed building and the traditional design were deemed to mitigate significant harm. The proposals were also considered not to adversely impact the setting of Manor Farm, a non-designated heritage asset. Regarding residential amenity, the proposed extensions and outbuildings were considered not to result in significant overshadowing, oppressive, or overbearing impacts on neighbouring properties. The Highway Authority raised no objections, noting that existing parking provision was sufficient. The development was also considered to be exempt from the mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain requirement as it constituted householder development.

Planning Enforcement Monitoring Update

The committee noted the information contained within the report from Jenny Davies, Planning and Development Team Manager, providing an overview of the work completed by the Planning Enforcement Team for Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 of the 2025/2026 financial year. The report detailed case statistics, examples of resolved cases, and a breakdown of case types. It also outlined the team's performance against priority response targets, highlighting areas for improvement, particularly in responding to top priority cases within one working day. The report also referenced the adopted Local Enforcement Plan¹, which sets out the team's priorities and how cases are managed.