The Council approved a £2.5 million programme to acquire one-bedroom properties for temporary accommodation and agreed to proceed with public consultation on the Local Plan Regulation 19 document. The meeting also saw an amendment to the Local Plan consultation, which was ultimately lost.

General Fund Temporary Accommodation Property Acquisition Programme

The Council unanimously approved Phase 3 of the General Fund Temporary Accommodation Property Acquisition Programme, authorising the use of up to £2.5 million from the approved capital programme to purchase between 10 to 15 one-bedroom properties. These properties will be used as self-contained temporary accommodation, aiming to reduce the Council's reliance on costly nightly paid placements and improve the standard of accommodation for residents experiencing homelessness. A revenue budget of up to £384,250 was also approved for the operation of the scheme, with modelling suggesting potential annual savings of between £219,000 and £273,750.

Councillor MT Mullaney, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, presented the report, highlighting the increasing pressure on temporary accommodation nationally and locally, particularly for single-person households. She emphasised that this initiative is a practical step to address a clear gap in one-bedroom provision and improve the offer for residents in need.

During the debate, councillors expressed strong support for the initiative. Councillor MA Cook sought clarification on whether occupants would face the same restrictions as those in existing council stock, to which Councillor Mullaney confirmed the rules would be similar, operating under a licence. Councillor C Lambert welcomed the acquisition of assets over paying for bed and breakfast accommodation and inquired about the proposals for robust housing management services, with Councillor Mullaney confirming a dedicated staffing resource already in place. Councillor MB Cartwright highlighted the benefit of owning assets and ensuring consistent standards, while Councillor MJ Crooks asked about the type of properties and their location, with Councillor Mullaney explaining they would primarily be flats and located near amenities and transport links. Councillor Dr R Webber-Jones and Councillor Richard Allen also congratulated the team on the initiative, noting the significant improvement this would offer to residents compared to hotels or hostels. Councillor James Moore described the scheme as old-fashioned municipal enterprise offering public benefit to both residents and the council, and questioned the potential for further extension of the programme. Councillor SL Bray reiterated the sad state of homelessness and the rising costs, expressing pride in the Council's efforts to provide better accommodation and clarifying that these properties are for those on the housing waiting list, not part of the government's asylum dispersal programme.

Local Plan Regulation 19 Consultation

The Council agreed to proceed with the public consultation for the Hinckley & Bosworth Local Plan (proposed submission version) under Regulation 19. This plan sets out a strategy to deliver 15,687 dwellings and 65 hectares of employment land by 2045. The plan is crucial for ensuring development is planned effectively and to prevent government intervention.

Councillor WJ Crooks, Executive Member for Planning, presented the report, outlining the tight timescale for progressing the plan to meet government guidelines for submission by December 2026. He thanked the planning policy team for their extensive work on the 78 policies within the plan.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor C Lambert and seconded by Councillor C Harris, seeking to remove policy PS17, site MARK004, land at Cliff Hill Farm, Junction 22, Markfield, from the draft Local Plan pending further evidence gathering. Councillor Lambert argued that the inclusion of the site was premature without a full evidence base and that it had not been supported by sufficient justification, especially considering the Markfield neighbourhood plan did not reference it. Councillor Harris, as the ward councillor for Markfield, stated that the site had been a contentious issue and deserved debate. The amendment was put to a vote and lost, with four councillors voting in favour.

During the subsequent debate on the substantive motion, Councillor MJ Crooks raised concerns about the naming of a site allocation north of Barton Road, Barlestone, requesting it be renamed Osberston due to geographic clarity issues. Councillor CM Allen suggested that Royal Mail might be able to assist with changing the designation. Councillor CM Allen also raised points regarding the Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), questioning its integration with the existing town and suggesting it be considered a separate community. They also advocated for a link road between the A47 and M69 to alleviate pressure on Hinckley and Barwell. Councillor Dr R Webber-Jones expressed support for the plan but with a heavy heart due to the circumstances forcing development upon the borough, commending officers for their work. Councillor Dr JR Moore also voiced his reservations, describing the plan as a shit sandwich imposed by central government, but acknowledged the lack of alternatives. He highlighted concerns about overdevelopment in certain areas and the separation of site allocation from infrastructure improvements. Councillor C Lambert reiterated concerns about the disproportionate number of dwellings proposed for Markfield and Field Head.

Councillor SL Bray, Leader of the Council, addressed the concerns, explaining that the mandatory housing targets imposed by central government dictated the need for development. He defended the process, noting that the Markfield site had been included in previous stages of the plan without objection and that bringing the amendment so late was problematic. He also criticised the local Conservative Party for their criticism of the Council's progress on the Local Plan, stating that many councils faced similar challenges due to evolving government targets. He thanked the planning policy team for their significant efforts. The report was ultimately approved by the Council.