Melton residents urged to have their say on final Local Plan draft

The publication of the Pre-Submission Draft for the Local Plan sparks six weeks of debate before the final document is produced.

It sets out what the council believes is the best approach to issues affecting housing, retail and business and how important countryside, ecological and heritage features will be protected.

Four public consultation events are scheduled, starting with one at Gaddesby village hall on Wednesday November 16, 4pm until 8pm.

The others are are Old Dalby village hall, from 3pm to 7pm on November 22, Harby village hall, 4pm to 8pm, and Melton Council’s Parkside offices in the town, 10am to 7pm.

A council spokesperson said: “Our staff will be available at the public events to discuss the documents and the issues they contain, and to offer assistance to those wishing to make representations.

“Following this consultation process, all responses will be considered before a final version is submitted to government for examination.

“Consultation runs until December 19 so we hope there is ample opportunity for people to have their say.”

The plan includes policies and proposals for the borough, including the provision of housing land for 6,125 houses, with a 65/35 per cent split between the town and villages and two major Sustainable Neighbourhoods providing most of the growth in Melton town.

Another key aspect of the plan is how two legs of the planned Melton distributor road can be connected to the east of the town to help solve the town’s traffic problems.

The document also looks at the need to provide employment land of sufficient quantity and quality in key locations to allow businesses to start up, grow or relocate.

A dispersed approach to housing in villages is mooted so it is focussed on the most sustainable locations, whilst also allowing a relaxation in smaller villages to allow some modest growth.

A suite of environmental polices that protect Melton’s countryside and historic assets are also set out in the draft with the aim that the countryside would remain a place where agriculture and business can flourish.

Sites for housing are set out on a site-by-site basis and policy is put forward which sets out the level of provision for affordable housing, including starter homes, for future generations of homeowners.

The draft plan also considers the infrastructure and facilities which needed to support the borough over the next 20 years, including proposals for traffic alleviation in Melton.

The Pre Submission Draft is available online at www.meltonplan.co.uk along with a link to all of the relevant documents and details about the Local Plan process.