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 understand your views and thoughts on the local green infrastructure, both in Melton Borough and close by: what is it, where you access it and which is most special to you.

I was important to us to understand your views on how accessibile these areas are and how well you thought they were managed.

55 people responded to the survey and together you mentioned 174 green infrastructure geographical places throughout your answers.

Key themes identifyed from your responses are:

• All respondents indicate their appreciation for green infrastructure and recognised its importance.
• You noted your care for wildlife and the environment, as well as the related pressure on both due to development.
• You identified the need for better connectivity, this included green corridors for wildlife and better infrastructure for people, including rights of way, public footpaths, cycle infrastructure and bridleways.

The full findings of the consultation can be found in the Green Infrastructure Consultation report.

The responses were analysed by our team and were connected with the relevant sections of the Green Infrastructure Strategy & Action Plan (2025).