The Planning Committee of Hinckley and Bosworth Council met on Tuesday 28 July 2026 to determine several planning applications. The committee resolved to refuse an outline application for up to 75 dwellings on land north of Hunts Lane, Desford, due to concerns about encroachment into the countryside. However, they granted outline planning permission for up to 67 dwellings on land opposite the industrial estate on Hill Lane, Markfield, and approved the erection of an industrial/logistics unit at the EMEB Sports and Social Club on Nutts Lane, Hinckley.

Land North of Hunts Lane, Desford

The committee refused an outline planning application for up to 75 dwellings on land north of Hunts Lane, Desford. The primary reason for refusal was the significant and permanent harm the development would cause to the rural character of the site and surrounding area, representing an unrestricted encroachment of urbanising built form into designated open countryside. This was considered contrary to policies DM4 and DM10 of the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document (SADMP) and key policies within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Despite the officer's recommendation to grant permission based on the council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, councillors felt the adverse impacts significantly outweighed the benefits. Concerns were also raised about the impact on locally valued views and the potential for increased traffic congestion and flooding.

Land Opposite Industrial Estate, Hill Lane, Markfield

Outline planning permission was granted for up to 67 dwellings on land opposite the industrial estate on Hill Lane, Markfield. While acknowledging conflict with the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan's policy on development outside the settlement boundary and concerns regarding landscape and green infrastructure loss, the committee considered the significant benefits of delivering much-needed housing, including affordable homes, and the council's lack of a five-year housing land supply, to outweigh these harms. The decision was made under the 'tilted balance' provision of the NPPF, which favours sustainable development when a five-year housing land supply cannot be demonstrated. Contributions towards infrastructure, including education, healthcare, and open space, were secured through a Section 106 agreement.

EMEB Sports and Social Club, Nutts Lane, Hinckley

Full planning permission was granted for an industrial/logistics unit (Use Class B2/B8) at the EMEB Sports and Social Club on Nutts Lane, Hinckley. The decision was made despite objections regarding the loss of recreational land, with officers noting an extant permission for a solar array on the site and an appeal decision that suggested the sports facilities were not in practical use. The committee considered the significant economic and social benefits of job creation and the regeneration of a disused site to outweigh the limited harms. Concerns about noise, light, and air quality were addressed through conditions and the site's location within an established employment area. The development will include landscaping and sustainable transport measures, with contributions secured through a Section 106 agreement.

Appeals Progress

The committee received an update on ongoing planning appeals. A hearing date was set for October for the appeal concerning land off Baston Road, Newbold Verdon. Decisions were noted on several appeals, including the dismissal of an appeal for a change of use to a residential flat at Regent Court, Regent Street, Hinckley, and the allowance of an appeal for a self-build and custom-build bungalow at 11 Dane Hill, Bratby.