The Planning Committee of Melton Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 16 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the minutes from the previous meeting and a discussion on a specific planning application.

Application for Hand Car Wash at Midland House

A key item scheduled for discussion is planning application 26/00101/FUL, concerning the proposed change of use of part of an existing car park at Midland House, 1 Norman Way, Melton Mowbray. The proposal involves establishing a hand car wash facility, complete with the construction of a canopy. The report pack indicates that this application is being brought before the committee due to more than 10 representations being received that are contrary to the officer's recommendation.

The report pack details that the application has been assessed against the Melton Local Plan and national planning policies. Initial concerns from Leicestershire County Council Highways regarding access, parking, and vehicle movements have reportedly been resolved following the submission of revised plans. Environmental Health Officers have also confirmed that issues related to noise, drainage, and lighting have been addressed, subject to planning conditions. The proposal is considered to be compatible with the surrounding commercial area and would make efficient use of previously developed land. The report also notes that the application site is located within the Melton Mowbray Conservation Area, and the Council's Conservation Officer has raised no objections.

The report pack outlines that the proposed development would involve approximately four manual wash/valeting bays, with internal capacity for eight to ten vehicles. The intended operating hours are 09:30 to 17:30, Monday to Sunday, with an estimated two full-time and two part-time employees. The report highlights that a previous application for a similar use at this site was refused on 26 November 2025 due to concerns about its impact on the character and appearance of the area and the Conservation Area, as well as highway safety. The current report suggests that these issues have been addressed in the revised proposal.

The report pack also includes information on the implementation of the National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Functions, which is due to come into force on 31 October 2026. This new legislation will introduce national rules dictating which planning applications must be determined by officers and which may only be referred to the Planning Committee under defined circumstances. The Council will need to update its Constitution and Planning Scheme of Delegation to comply with these regulations.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm at Parkside, Station Approach, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1GH. The meeting is open to the public.