Have your say

Using the feedback from our consultation in November 2023-January 2024 we developed a Regulation 19 Pre-submission Local Plan update. 

Before submitting this to the Secretary of State we wanted to give you a chance to read the document and share your views.

In total, 61 responses were received from statutory and general consultees, individuals, businesses and organisations. 

All of the Pre-Submission Reg 19 Representations can be viewed on the Melton Local Plan website. 

The comments were collated and the main issues identified. 

We will send all of the responses received to the Planning Inspector as part of submission for the Local Plan examination.

Further details on the progress of the Melton Local Plan are published on the Melton Local Plan website. 

The consultation aimed to understand the needs of rural communities better. We wanted to know which services residents value, identify any gaps, and tailor our support to meet actual needs. This helps us manage expectations and work well with Members, Parish Councils, and partners to provide effective support. 

We asked residents if they would use these services locally: 

• careers advice, 

• community groups,  

• information sessions about council services,  

• health and wellbeing sessions,  

• digital clinics 

• Community Support Hub sessions 

• physical activity opportunities.  

We also asked about community issues, needed support, and what works well in their area. 

We received a total of 80 responses, with the most engagement coming from Bottesford, Sewstern, and Asfordby. Other active areas included Saltby, Gaddesby, Grimston, Kirby Bellars, and Old Dalby. 

Interest in services varied across the regions. Careers advice attracted scattered attention without a specific focus. Community groups were most popular in Gaddesby, while Saltby and Sewstern showed moderate enthusiasm. MBC information sessions appealed to residents from Bottesford, Saltby, Asfordby, and Old Dalby. Health and wellbeing sessions found favour in Sewstern and Asfordby, with some interest from Hose. Digital clinics were notably popular in Saltby/Sproxton and Sewstern, likely due to broadband issues. Saltby showed the greatest interest in community support hubs, with Bottesford and Sewstern also keen. Residents from Grimston, Sewstern, and Old Dalby expressed significant interest in physical activities. 

Community concerns were prominently focused on transport and infrastructure, particularly issues with speeding, road conditions, and parking. Limited public transport access was seen as impacting social lives and mental health, while healthcare access was hindered by a shortage of doctors and difficulty finding dentists. There was a strong desire for increased police presence to reduce crime. Housing concerns revolved around overdevelopment and a lack of affordable homes. The need for more community spaces, such as play areas and improved village halls, was also noted. Persistent broadband issues were a significant concern, along with care for the elderly, conservation, and street lighting. 

Despite the challenges, residents appreciated community events like coffee mornings and social evenings for boosting community spirit. Bin collections were praised for their reliability, and community pubs were seen as valuable social hubs. Other appreciated elements included food hubs, neighbour schemes, libraries, and church activities. Though bus services received some positive feedback, it was outweighed by criticism. 

A Rural Connections Showcase took place in Buckminster, inviting local residents from nearby villages to explore the services provided by our partners and to determine if they would like these offerings to be available in their communities. 

In addition to this event, we have also established: 

• Yoga Classes in Sewstern 

• Walking Group in Asfordby 

• Rural Connection Drop-in in Bottesford- featuring our Customer Services Team, Digital Clinic, and Community Support Hub 

• Digital Clinic in Buckminster 

• Further Rural Connection Drop-In sessions to be confirmed soon 

We wanted to gain feedback from residents, workers, and visitors to Melton Mowbray Town Centre to understand their views on: 

• Cleanliness and green space satisfaction 

• Accessibility and signage 

• Street furniture and affordability 

• Community spirit and atmosphere 

• Overall strengths and areas for improvement in the town centre 

We used a mix of online and in-person engagement, including a new market stall approach, and received 271 responses (down from 367 in 2023). 

Alongside this we had additional supplementary questions which formed part of the engagement for the creation of a Town Centre Design Guide.

• Cleanliness & Green Spaces: Slight improvement in cleanliness ratings; visitors more satisfied than residents. Green space satisfaction rose significantly for both groups. A desire was shown for more visible partnership working with local volunteer groups that improve this aspect of the town. 

• Signage: Visitor satisfaction with signage decreased from 86% to 60%, yet more constructive feedback was offered in relation to accessibility.  

• Street Furniture: Resident satisfaction improved slightly; visitor feedback was limited but leaned positive. 

• Affordability: Mixed views—shopping and eating out seen as reasonably priced, but housing and parking raised concerns 

• Retail offer: Respondents expressed a desire for more variety in retail offerings, particularly in categories like fashion and home goods. Many mention the absence of independent shops such as butchers, greengrocers and speciality food shops, which would provide a more diverse shopping experience. 

• Community Spirit and Atmosphere: Described as friendly and safe, especially on market days. However, Sundays and evenings felt quiet or “dead,” with calls for more vibrancy and diverse offerings. 

• Overall Participation: Declined by 25%, with fewer visitors responding. Weather and survey fatigue may have contributed. 

• Town Centre Design Guide: A new Town Centre Design Guide was developed and is in the process of being adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document. 

• Cleanliness and Green Spaces: Community Coordinator has worked at raising the profile and appreciation of volunteer groups like Melton Wombles and Friends of Melton Country Park. Transparency and media releases highlighting work that has gone into highlighting efforts regarding removal of graffiti. 

• Street Furniture: Just under £45k has been invested into purchasing and implementing new street furniture for the town, following guidance from the new Town Centre Design Guide. 

• Retail offer: We have worked with local businesses to create an Inward Investment Strategy which was launched at UKREIF. This has been created to help bring businesses to the town. In addition to this the Stockyard Project is underway which will encourage more food and drink businesses to the town. 

• Investment in local businesses: Approximately £302k has been awarded to Town Centre businesses via grants and initiatives in the last two years because of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

• Resource for the Town Centre: through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund we have been able to employ a Town Centre Operative to increase the capacity of maintaining green areas within the Town Centre.  

• Cleaner, Greener Melton: Acknowledging our commitment to pride in place as part of our corporate strategy, we have appointed a temporary full-time officer to help support in creating a cleaner, greener Melton. This is a cross-directorate role which will support departments across the council in mapping key assets, creating maintenance schedules, supporting volunteer groups to encourage additional opportunities, and supporting management of our allotments.