June 2026 - Our Month In Review
I will start our report with some good news.
The Blaby Crest Plaque has received a much-needed refresh by our very own Kev Croft who worked tirelessly in the heat of the midday sun to achieve a first-class result.
The coat of arms and crest were originally granted to Blaby Rural District Council on 20 December 1954. The design incorporates local landmarks, historical references, and heraldic symbols to represent the district’s identity and governance. The railway tunnel at Glenfield, for example, is a significant engineering feature within the district, while the eagle and saltire convey strength and vigilance in civic administration. The council’s motto is "In Terra Divitiae", which translates from Latin as "In The Earth Riches", highlighting the district’s historical association with natural resources and local prosperity.
Fly-Tipping – Bumblebee Lane
Unfortunately, not all residents or ‘visitors’ share our pride in Blaby District as reflected in the shocking sight close to the historic Highcross monument at the top of Bumblebee Lane, Sharnford where the Roman roads of Fosseway and Watling Street (A5) dissect. The thoughtless dumping of rubbish, otherwise known as fly tipping, is illegal, unsightly and unsafe, with some waste containing dangerous items including syringes, asbestos and toxic waste.
It is an offence to fly-tip any material, carrying a fine upon conviction of up to £50,000 or one-year imprisonment.
Blaby and Harborough District Councils were notified, and Blaby were quick to remove the rubbish.
It is residents’ responsibility to check that anyone you pay to remove waste from their property is a registered waste carrier. You should ask to view their certificate and always get a receipt confirming what they have taken, where they have disposed the rubbish and details of any payment made.
If any waste is traced back to the household where it came from the householder could be fined.
Sapcote Milestone Restored
Photo credit: Ken Reeves
We were so pleased to see the milestone restored to its formerly glory. Ben attended the official unavailing of the Sapcote Milestone a few weeks ago.
Thank you to Sapcote Heritage Group for the invite and asking Ben to say a few words and thank all those involved in reaching this point. Diana and the group do amazing work. 👏
Welcome to the new Chair and Vice Chairperson
After the annual District Council held on Tuesday 12 May, Blaby District Council welcomes and congratulates Cllrs Janet Forey and Roger Stead respectively as the New Chair and Vice Chair into their new roles.
This is a proud and important role, representing our district at civic events, supporting our communities, and championing the people and places that make Blaby District so special.
Janet has also announced that her chosen charity to fundraise for during her year in office will be Rainbows — a wonderful cause that makes such a difference to children, young people and families.
Cllr Forey (Conservative) was first elected to Blaby District Council in 2011, serving for four years. After a break Janet was then re-elected in 2019 and will serve until 2027.
Janet also serves as a parish councillor on Narborough Parish Council.
Blaby District Council – Annual Meeting
At our Annual Council, I updated members on the progress we’ve made over the past year — and, just as importantly, looking ahead to the opportunities in front of us.
Blaby District is a fantastic place to live, work and visit because of its people: our residents, businesses, community groups, volunteers, councillors, partners and dedicated council staff.
Over the last year, we’ve continued to focus on what matters most — supporting residents, strengthening our communities, protecting our environment, backing local businesses and making sure the council remains financially responsible, ambitious and ready for the future.
There are challenges ahead, including the ongoing discussions around local government reorganisation, but our commitment remains clear: to keep delivering high-quality services, stand up for our communities and make decisions that put residents first.
I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together — and excited about what comes next. By working together, staying positive and keeping our focus on the future, we can continue to make Blaby District an even better place for everyone.
To read the full annual statement, please visit this page: Annual Statement
Blaby News
· New Biodiversity Report
· Advice Event for Landlords and Letting Agents
Councillor Activities
Ben and Mike will attend Parish Council meetings, committee meetings, cabinet meetings, local functions and meetings with residents.
· Shaping Transport Strategy Symposium – Derby – 1st
· Local Plan Development Group – Transport Infrastructure – 1st
· Portfolio Meeting with Executive Director (Place) – 2nd
· Sharnford Residents meeting – 3rd
· Sharnford Fete meeting – 3rd
· Portfolio Meeting with Director (Planning) – 4th
· Cross Party Working Group – Climate Change – 4th
· Sapcote Parish Council – 4th
· Environment Portfolio Meeting – 8th
· Youth Council meeting – 8th
· All Councillor Local Plan Briefing – Transport Infrastructure – 9th
· Clean Air Day Coffee Morning – 10th
· Training – Local Government Reorganisation – 10th
· Aston Flamville Parish Meeting – 10th
· Planning Committee – 11th
· Sharnford Village Fete – 14th
· All Councillor Local Plan Briefing – Regulation 19 – 15th
· Cabinet Agenda Review – 17th
· Planning Obligations S106 Monitoring Group – 18th
· Local Plan Development Group – Affordable Housing – 18th
· Sharnford Parish Council – 18th
· Sharnford Bacon Buttie Morning – 20th
· Council Agenda Review – 24th
· All Councillor Local Plan Briefing – Planning Advisory Service – 24th
· East Midlands Planning Awards (Nottingham) – 25th
· Sapcote Library 10th Anniversary – 28th
· Cabinet Executive – 29th
· District Council Meeting – 30th
LOCAL PLAN - UPDATE
We aim to take the Local Plan to Full Council over the summer once the evidence has been finalised. As soon as we have it, we will confirm the date of the Council meeting. If councillors agree that the Plan can progress, the Regulation 19 consultation will follow and run for a period of six weeks.
In the meantime, Councillors are attending various meetings and briefings. Public engagement sessions will be held at locations across the District, including in Fosse Highcross.
Ward Improvement Scheme Launches in June
The Councillor Ward Improvement Scheme is funding available to all of the Council's 36 councillors, who can put forward proposals for up to £3,000 to be spent in support of their community each year.
This is a trial scheme for one year. The pilot will be reviewed in March 2027 to understand the impact of the funding and whether it should continue.
Councillors can invest in as many projects that meet funding criteria within their budget. The minimum spend is £100 per project. The amount requested must not be more than the total cost of the project.
Councillors from different wards can apply jointly for bigger funding amounts to cover a wider area, but the money must benefit the residents in each of the wards.
Examples of projects that could benefit are:
· Improvement to community facilities - such as changing rooms
· Community events benefitting a range of residents
· Facilities to support part of the community - such as improved access and facilities for those with disabilities
· Benches
· Floral displays
PLANNING
We are pleased to let you know that two of our planning officers have been shortlisted as finalists for the Royal Town Planning Institute Young Planner of the Year East Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence.
The award ceremony will be held in Nottingham at the end of June. Ben and Mike will attend together with members of the Planning Department.
Major Planning Applications
25/0532/FUL- Land to the West of Springwell Lane, Whetstone
Residential development of 115 dwellings
Application deferred by Planning Committee on 30th April 2026
25/1114/OUT – Land West of Sharnford Road, Sapcote
Outline application for development of up to 79 dwellings and associated infrastructure.
Application awaiting date for consideration by Planning Committee
25/1026/RM – Land to the North of Leicester Road, Sapcote
Reserved matters approval for development of 80 dwellings.
Application awaiting date for consideration by Planning Committee
26/0361/OUT – Land to the North of Leicester Road, Sharnford.
Outline application for development of up to 120 dwellings and a shop.
Application awaiting date for consideration by Planning Committee
Local Planning Applications
26/0278/HH – 12 Brookfield, Sharnford
Erection of two storey side and first floor rear extension
Application approved under delegated authority by planning officer.
26/0369/HH - Woodmans Cottage, Lychgate Lane, Aston Flamville
Erection of single storey side extension to garage to form an ancillary annexe
26/0101/FUL – Woodhouse Farm, Burbage Common Road, Elmesthorpe
Change of use of part of existing agricultural building to a Sui Generis use comprising a breakdown and recovery business with ancillary vehicle servicing and repairs.
26/0055/FUL- Manor Farm Sharnford Road Aston Flamville
Relocation of soil blending and storage facility including erection of a single storey steel-framed building, and change of use of land from agricultural to Sui Generis to facilitate the development.
26/0053/OUT - 8 Station Road Elmesthorpe
Outline planning permission (access only) for the erection of a C3 self-build
dwelling and associated amenity space and parking.
26/0389/FUL – Meadowbarn Cottage, Fosse Way, Sharnford
Conversion of an existing barn into and ancillary dwelling.
26/0332/ADV – Land to the North of Leicester Road, Sapcote
Advertisement board and 2 flags in relation to application 24/0511/OUT.
26/0440/PIP – Land off Hinckley Road, Sapcote
Permission in Principle for the erection of a single C3 self-build dwelling.
Appeals
Blaby Golf Course Appeal
The appeal process has taken place over 9 days, and the Planning Inspector will now consider all aspects of the appeal. The decision could take 6 months.
Sycamore Street – APPROVED, Temporary approval
The planning inspector has decided to give the applicant change of use on a temporary basis for 3 years.
PDF version of this newsletter can be downloaded from the link below.
