The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026, approving supplementary estimates, writing off significant debts, and endorsing plans for the regeneration of Stenson Square Gardens. The meeting also saw the approval of a new Good Design Guide for the district and a change in the accountable body for the East Midlands Freeport.

Supplementary Estimates, Virements and Capital Approvals

Cabinet approved supplementary estimates totalling £389,492 in revenue and £66,368 in capital. Of this, £259,920 was Council-funded, with the remainder being externally funded through grants. These approvals are in line with the Council's Financial Procedure Rules and Capital Strategy.

Former Tenant Rent Arrears, Current Tenant Rent Arrears, Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and Sundry Debts Write Offs

Cabinet approved the write-off of £19,377.40 in property debt and £97,503.34 in trade waste debt. These write-offs are in compliance with proper accounting practices and are considered necessary due to circumstances such as liquidation or the uneconomical nature of collection.

Legacy Fund Grant

The details of the Legacy Grant process and the closed Churchyards/Cemeteries grant scheme were approved. This scheme, established with a £2 million fund, aims to support local initiatives and provide long-term benefits to the community. Funding will be available for revenue grants of up to £25,000 and capital grants of up to £250,000. The assessment process will be managed by officers, with Cabinet oversight for awards exceeding £100,000.

Stenson Square Gardens - Presentation of Designs Post Public Engagement and Approval to Fund and Submit Planning Applications

Cabinet noted the feedback from community engagement sessions and the comments from the Community Scrutiny Committee regarding the Stenson Gardens project. A sum of £276,258 was approved to be moved from the development pool to the active programme in the capital programme to fund the next stages of design work. ARUP will be appointed to provide design services for the public realm project, and authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place to appoint consultants and submit an outline planning application for residential use on the former council offices site. Further marketing will be undertaken to promote the project and encourage community involvement.

Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire

Cabinet recommended the adoption of the Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to the Local Plan Committee. This guide, developed in alignment with the National Model Design Code, aims to raise the quality of new developments across the district. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place to agree any minor modifications to the final draft SPD prior to its adoption.

Leicester and Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground – Strategic Distribution

Cabinet noted the draft Leicester and Leicestershire Statement of Common Ground for strategic warehousing. This statement, which will be considered by Council on 12 May 2026, outlines agreed positions on strategic warehousing needs and apportionment across the Leicester and Leicestershire Housing Market Area. North West Leicestershire District Council has an agreed apportionment of 1,554,700 sqm of strategic warehousing floorspace to be planned for between 2023 and 2046.

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

Cabinet noted the draft Leicester and Leicestershire Statement of Common Ground relating to housing distribution. This statement, informed by an Updated Housing Distribution Paper, reflects changes to the standard method for calculating local housing need. For North West Leicestershire, this results in a revised annual housing requirement of 690 dwellings per annum between 2024 and 2042, a minor increase from the previous figure. This additional requirement is expected to be met through small windfall sites. The Statement of Common Ground will be considered by Council on 12 May 2026.

Biodiversity Duty Report

Cabinet approved the Council's Biodiversity Duty Report, which outlines the Council's approach to conserving and enhancing biodiversity. The report details actions taken during the first reporting period (1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025) and future plans. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Housing and Communities to make minor amendments to the report prior to its final submission. The report highlights the Council's commitment to biodiversity through various policies, partnerships, and projects, including the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the National Forest.

Freeport – Change of Accountable Body

Cabinet approved the transfer of accountable body status for the East Midlands Freeport (EMF) from Leicestershire County Council to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). This change, effective from 1 April 2026, aligns with government expectations for regional alignment. EMCCA will also become a founder member of the East Midlands Freeport. Any necessary changes to governance documents to facilitate this transfer were also agreed.

Future of Rough Sleeping Provision

Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report concerning the future of rough sleeping provision. This decision was deemed urgent to allow the Council to bring the outreach service in-house in time for 1 April.

Renewal of Contracts for Planned Maintenance and Estate Upgrades

Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report regarding the renewal of contracts for planned maintenance and estate upgrades.

Supplementary Estimates, Virements and Capital Approvals

Cabinet approved supplementary estimates detailed in appendix 2, which were above £10k and below £250k and Council funded.

Former Tenant Rent Arrears, Current Tenant Rent Arrears, Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and Sundry Debts Write Offs

Cabinet approved the write off of property debt totalling £19,377.40 and trade waste debt of £97,503.34.

Legacy Fund Grant

Cabinet approved the details of the Legacy Grant process for applications and the closed Churchyards/Cemeteries grant scheme.

Stenson Square Gardens - Presentation of Designs Post Public Engagement and Approval to Fund and Submit Planning Applications

Cabinet noted the feedback from the community engagement session and the comments from the Community Scrutiny Committee. A sum of £276,258 was approved to be moved from the development pool to the active programme in the capital programme. ARUP was agreed to be appointed for design services for the public realm project, and authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place to appoint consultants and submit an outline planning application for residential use on the former council offices site.

Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire

Cabinet recommended the adoption of the Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire Supplementary Planning Document to the Local Plan Committee. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place to agree any minor modifications to the final draft SPD.

Freeport – Change of Accountable Body

Cabinet approved the transfer of accountable body status for the East Midlands Freeport from Leicestershire County Council to the East Midlands Combined County Authority. EMCCA will also become a founder member of the East Midlands Freeport.

Future of Rough Sleeping Provision

Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report concerning the future of rough sleeping provision.

Renewal of Contracts for Planned Maintenance and Estate Upgrades

Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report regarding the renewal of contracts for planned maintenance and estate upgrades.