The North West Leicestershire District Council met on Monday 8 June 2026 to discuss a range of important matters, including updates on capital projects and appointments to various committees and outside bodies. The meeting's agenda also included a review of the council's scheme of delegation and the schedule of meetings for the upcoming year.

Capital Update

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented a report on the council's capital programme. The report sought approval for additions to the active capital programme, specifically for the Moira Furnace Visitor Experience Improvement Programme (Phase Two). This phase of the project aims to invest £2,455,000 over the next two years to improve the visitor experience at Moira Furnace, a scheduled monument dating back to 1806. The proposed improvements include a new operational and storage facility for the Trust, a visitor centre with a café, restaurant, interpretation, and toilet facilities, as well as enhanced site access, roadways, parking, and play areas. Funding for these improvements is to be drawn from the Business Rates Reserve. The report highlighted that the regeneration of sites within North West Leicestershire is a key priority within the Council Delivery Plan and the Moira Furnace project is a flagship scheme within the Districtwide Regeneration Framework 2024.

Appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies

Councillor Nick Rushton, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented a report concerning appointments to committees and outside bodies. The report recommended that Councillor David Everitt be appointed to the Audit and Governance Committee, replacing Councillor Avril Wilson. Additionally, the council was asked to appoint a representative to a vacancy on the Cliffe Hill Quarry Liaison Committee. The report noted that while appointments to outside bodies were made at the annual meeting on 12 May 2026, a request had been received from the Cliffe Hill Quarry Liaison Committee for continued representation from the council. Officers had sought nominations from political groups for this role. Concerns were raised regarding the inactivity of the MSV Donington Park Consultative Forum, despite annual appointments. Officers confirmed ongoing efforts to re-establish meetings for this forum.

Scheme of Delegation

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of the Council, presented a report on the council's Scheme of Delegation. The report recommended that the Scheme of Delegation, as detailed in Part 2, Section G of the Council's Constitution, be agreed.

Schedule of Meetings 2026-2027

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of the Council, also presented a report on the Schedule of Meetings for 2026-2027. Members were directed to a revised schedule circulated in additional papers. The recommendations within this report were moved by Councillor Blunt and seconded by Councillor Michael Wyatt.

Leicester and Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground – Housing Distribution Under the New Standard Method

Councillor Nicholas Rushton, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented a report on the Leicester and Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground concerning housing distribution under the new standard method. Members broadly supported the recommendations, acknowledging the necessity of a local plan to prevent uncontrolled development. However, some concerns were raised regarding imposed housing numbers, infrastructure capacity, and community impact. Officers were thanked for their work on this lengthy process.

Leicester and Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground – Strategic Distribution

Councillor Nicholas Rushton, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, also presented a report on the Leicester and Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground relating to strategic warehousing need. Members discussed concerns about transport infrastructure, particularly congestion at junction 24 of the M1, and regional capacity. The lack of cross-boundary coordination and future infrastructure risks were also raised. Despite these concerns, members agreed that the document was necessary to maintain a sound local plan.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2026. It was noted that these minutes were to be approved and signed by the Chair of the Council as a correct record.

Community Governance Review - Draft Recommendations

A report from the Interim Head of Legal and Support Services regarding draft recommendations for a Community Governance Review was scheduled to be presented.

Questions from Councillors

The agenda included a session for councillors to ask questions under procedure rule no. 11. This rule allows any member to ask the Chairman of a board or group a question on any matter within the Council's powers or duties affecting the District, provided three clear days' written notice has been given.

Question and Answer Session

A session was scheduled to receive questions from members of the public under procedure rule no. 10. This rule permits members of the public to ask Cabinet members questions on any matter within the Council's powers or duties affecting the District, provided three clear days' written notice has been given.

Motions and Petitions

The agenda also included provisions for considering any motions on notice under procedure rule no. 12 and receiving petitions in accordance with the Council's Petition Scheme.

Leader's and Portfolio Holders' Announcements

Members were reminded that under paragraph 11.1 of part 3 of the Constitution, questions could be asked of the Leader and Cabinet Members without notice about any matter contained in any address, with questions limited to five minutes in total for each announcement.