COLUMN - Political View with Melton Borough Council leader Ronan Browne (Conservative)
Since the new Conservative-led administration took control in April 2026, Melton Borough Council has pursued a programme intended to strengthen the local economy, improve Melton Mowbray town centre and make planning decisions clearer and better connected to the borough’s long-term needs.
Our new approach combines public investment, support for businesses, partnership working and updated design guidance.
We have also moved forward several significant projects and are engaging proactively with major businesses and developers to bring jobs and infrastructure improvements to our town and wider borough.
Over the past number of months, we have worked hard to get the Stockyard development at Melton Mowbray Cattle Market commenced.
After many delays over the past three years, work have now begun and, with changes made to improve the offer, we are also working on ensuring that the regeneration also benefits the town centre overall.
We are working with Leicestershire County Council and Town Estate on improved access around the town, improvements to the street scene and making the feel of our town centre become better.
People will see further improvements over the next two months.
Additionally, we have been working with businesses that already are based in the borough and potential new businesses that wish to come and be based in the borough.
We are working on a robust economic development strategy that will ensure that we are attracting higher skilled and sustainable businesses to the borough, ensuring that the business land as set out in our Local Plan is maximised and used to ensure higher paid jobs for local people.
We have been proactively working with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to work through plans as to how health provision can be improved in a sustainable way with the aim to have a robust plan in place for early 2027.
Finally, I have heard concerns raised about HMO’s and the growth and management of such housing in the borough.
On the back of this, our administration has been undertaking a review and have a robust plan going forward to address and manage HMOs in the borough.
Our cabinet discussed the issue on October 14 and are addressing the concerns raised.
We can only do this going forward but will ensure more robust processes are put in place.