The Planning Committee of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to consider two significant planning applications. The committee granted permission for a new commercial building at the former RBS Data Centre in Kegworth, subject to a Section 106 agreement, and also approved the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a new self-build dwelling off Back Lane in Castle Donington.

Commercial Development at Former RBS Data Centre, Kegworth

Permission was granted for the demolition of the existing gatehouse and the construction of a new commercial building (use Class E(g)(ii)/(iii)/B2/B8) with ancillary offices, parking, landscaping, drainage, and boundary treatments at the former RBS Data Centre, Packington Hill, Kegworth. This decision was made subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure financial contributions of £55,785 for transportation and off-site biodiversity net gain.

The application had been called in by Councillor Sutton due to unanimous local objection, concerns about a B8 warehouse development within Kegworth's development boundary, and its determination in isolation from other housing and employment sites. Further concerns were raised regarding HS2 safeguarding, strategic transport planning, the re-modelling of Junction 24 of the M1, the lack of separation and mitigation between the proposed development and proposed residential receptors, the massing and height of the structure, and road safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Despite numerous objections from Kegworth Parish Council and local residents, the committee ultimately voted to permit the development. Objections centred on the principle of development, residential amenity, highway impacts, pollution, ecology, landscaping, flood risk, and drainage. However, officers assessed that the proposed development, with amendments and subject to conditions, would not result in significant harm to residential amenities, air quality, landscape, or visual impact. The Highways Authority, after initial objections, was satisfied with revised proposals regarding access and traffic management. Ecology and landscaping plans were also deemed acceptable, with conditions to secure biodiversity net gain and management plans.

New Self-Build Dwelling, Land off Back Lane, Castle Donington

Permission was granted for the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a new self-build dwelling, along with associated landscaping and a package treatment plant, on land off Back Lane, Castle Donington. This decision was made subject to a range of conditions covering time limits, approved plans, materials, landscaping, boundary treatments, parking, self-build status, sustainable drainage, non-mains drainage, and ecological management.

The application was brought to the committee at the request of Councillor Canny due to previous refusals on the site, ongoing concerns regarding access and waste collection, the isolated location, and flood risk. Castle Donington Parish Council objected on grounds of highway access, potential for fly-tipping and misuse of the secluded lane, and flood risk. However, the County Highways Authority raised no objections, and the County Ecology Team, County Tree Officer, and Environmental Protection team also raised no objections subject to conditions.

The committee noted that the site is located outside the defined Limits to Development but is considered previously developed land and well-related to Castle Donington, a Key Service Centre. The proposal was deemed to accord with the settlement hierarchy and strategic housing aims. A significant factor in the decision was the contribution the dwelling would make towards addressing a shortfall in self-build plots in the district, a duty the council has under the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015. Concerns regarding the previous refusal on access and waste collection were addressed by the applicant confirming they are an authorised key holder for the locked gate on Back Lane, and a condition was recommended to secure bin storage and collection arrangements. The proposal was also considered to meet sustainability objectives, with a package treatment plant proposed for foul drainage and a soakaway for surface water.

Other Matters

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 July 2026 were approved. An additional planning application, 16/00378/FULM for the erection of 150 residential dwellings and associated infrastructure on land adjoining Ashby Road, Kegworth, was also considered. Following discussion, the committee resolved to approve this application in accordance with the officer's recommendations, subject to a Section 106 agreement. Mr A Priestley, speaking for Kegworth Parish Council, had raised concerns about density, lack of detail in conditions, and unresolved issues, requesting a deferral. Mr R West, the agent, highlighted the benefits of the current proposals and urged approval. Members commented on pedestrian access, proximity to the M1, and potential for graffiti on acoustic fencing.