The Planning Committee of Melton Council met on Thursday 9 July 2026 and refused a planning application for a change of use to a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 34 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray. The committee also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 June 2026.

Application for House of Multiple Occupation at 34 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray

The committee refused planning permission for a change of use at 34 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray to create a ten-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). The decision was made contrary to the officer's recommendation to approve the application, with eight councillors voting for refusal, none against, and one abstention.

The reasons for refusal centred on the proposed development being an over-intensive use of the building and site, with insufficient communal living facilities and limited external amenity space for future occupiers. Councillors also expressed concerns that the parking provision was inadequate for the proposed number of residents, which could lead to increased parking pressure, disturbance, and comings and goings in the surrounding area, to the detriment of neighbouring amenities and the character of the locality. The proposal was deemed contrary to Policies C3, C9, and D1 of the Melton Local Plan.

During the debate, Councillor Mike Brown, Ward Councillor for the area, left the committee to move into the public gallery before the officer's introduction. Councillor Leigh Higgins also withdrew from the application discussion due to receiving external advice concerning social media posts. Councillor Pip Allnatt, another Ward Councillor, presented to the committee, raising concerns about parking, the adequacy of kitchen and dining facilities, and the potential for over-intensification of the building and site. A motion to defer the application for further clarification between Planning, Licensing, and Environmental Health services was withdrawn before a vote.

The officer's report had recommended approval, noting that the site was in a sustainable location with good transport links and that the proposed rooms met minimum size requirements. Environmental Health had raised no objection but recommended conditions to control external lighting and plant equipment to mitigate potential noise and light impacts on neighbours. The report also stated that the applicant would need to obtain a licence to operate the HMO, a separate requirement from planning permission.

Confirmation of Previous Minutes

The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 18 June 2026 were confirmed, with several amendments requested and agreed. These included clarifying that Councillor Allen Thwaites would leave the committee rather than the meeting for a specific application, and amending the wording regarding Councillor Butcher's request to record her vote. Additionally, a request to remove a comment made by Councillor James Mason regarding the 45-degree guidance on sunlight was agreed. The minutes were approved by ten votes to zero, with one abstention.