The Planning Committee of Melton Council met on Thursday 29 October 2026. The committee approved the expansion of Round Corner Brewery and deferred a decision on a solar farm application near Freeby. A decision on a seven-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation in Melton Mowbray was withdrawn from the agenda.

Round Corner Brewery Expansion Approved

The committee approved plans for the expansion of Round Corner Brewery, located at the Cattle Market on Scalford Road. The proposal includes the installation of four externally located stainless steel brewery fermentation/storage tanks, an access gantry with a spiral staircase, a reinforced concrete base slab with integrated bunding and drainage, and a 2.1-metre high palisade boundary fence. The Economic Development Officer highlighted that Round Corner Brewing is an award-winning independent beer brand and that the expansion would support the council's ambitions for creating a producers' community and centre of excellence, strengthening the Stockyard site as a visitor destination. The expansion is expected to sustain 20 local jobs and provide foundations for future growth, contributing to Melton Mowbray's Rural Capital of Food brand. The Conservation Officer raised no objection, stating there would be no undue harm to the setting of nearby listed buildings or the Melton Mowbray Town Centre Conservation Area. Conditions were applied regarding noise and odour management, and the colour specification of the palisade fencing.

Solar Farm Application Deferred

A decision on the proposed solar farm at Land east of Waltham Road, Freeby, was deferred. The application, which had been previously deferred in May 2026, was again put on hold to allow for further information to be provided. The deferral was requested to address questions regarding the agricultural land classification of the site, the rationale behind the overplanting statement, and to ensure the application is considered against the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2026. Councillor Peter Barnett, representing Freeby Parish Council, reiterated objections, citing concerns about the agricultural land classification, the unconvincing site selection report, and the impact on tenant farmers. Tony Gannon, from Downing Renewable Developments LLP, argued that the deferred queries had been satisfied and that the updated NPPF required approval unless adverse effects substantially outweighed the benefits. Councillor David Chubb, the ward member, expressed concerns about the industrialisation of the landscape and the loss of prime agricultural land, urging the committee to consider the cumulative impact of multiple solar farm proposals. The committee ultimately voted to defer the decision to allow for further information to be gathered and verified.

Seven-Bedroom HMO Withdrawn

The application for the change of use of 115 Thorpe Road from a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4) to a seven-bedroom HMO (Sui Generis use) was withdrawn from the agenda and therefore not decided upon by the committee.