FAQs | Pre-Submission Local Plan Update, January 2025

1. What is the Local Plan Partial Update?

The Melton Local Plan Partial Update is a review and partial update of the adopted Melton Borough Local Plan (2018), which sets out planning policies for the borough. This update aims to ensure the plan remains relevant and fit for purpose. The Regulation 19 stage is the formal consultation period where the public and stakeholders can provide feedback on the plan ahead of being submitted for independent examination.

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2. Why is there a need for a Partial Update? 

The Partial Update is necessary to reflect changes in national planning policy, respond to new or updated evidence, and ensure the local plan remains relevant. It allows for adjustments to be made to accommodate the borough’s growth and other key priorities. The update addresses issues such as climate change, health, the delivery of the sustainable neighbourhoods and the need for new employment opportunities.

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3. What is the Regulation 19 Consultation? 

The Regulation 19 Consultation is the final stage of the local plan process before submission to the Secretary of State. At this stage, Melton Borough Council is seeking feedback on the Pre-Submission Local Plan Update. This is the formal opportunity for residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to comment on the plan before it is finalised and submitted for independent examination. ​

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4. How long is the consultation period? 

The consultation period for the Regulation 19 stage runs for six weeks, from 17 January to 28 February 2025 (11.59 pm). There are two opportunities to discuss the plan with planning officers at an in-person or online event. Further information is available on the Pre-Submission Local Plan Update (Regulation 19) consultation page of the council’s website. 

 

5. How can I provide my comments during the consultation? 

You can submit your comments online via the survey available on our consultation portal. Alternatively, you can send written responses by email or post, using the contact details provided on the consultation webpage. Ensure your responses are clear and provide any evidence to support your views.

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6. Who can participate in the consultation? 

The consultation is open to everyone, including residents, businesses, community groups, landowners, developers, and statutory consultees. Any individual or organisation with an interest in planning and development in Melton borough is encouraged to participate.

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7. What documents are available for consultation? 

The key documents for the Regulation 19 consultation include the Pre-Submission Local Plan Partial Update, Policies Map, Sustainability Appraisal, Habitat Regulation Assessment and supporting evidence base reports. These and other supporting documents outline the proposed changes and the rationale behind them. You can access all documents on the Pre-Submission Local Plan Update (Regulation 19) consultation page of the Council’s website, and key documents at designated public locations, including Melton Borough Council Parkside office reception, Melton Mowbray library or Bottesford library. 

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8. What happens after the consultation? 

After the consultation period ends, Melton Borough Council will review all the comments received. The council may make further modifications to the Local Plan based on the feedback. Once this process is complete, the plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination. This involves a public hearing where an independent planning inspector will assess the plan’s soundness and legality.

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9. Will my comments be taken into account? 

All responses received during the consultation will be considered by the planning inspector appointed to examine the plan in determining whether the plan meets the legal requirements and tests of soundness. The decision to formally adopt the plan will rest with the council, subject to any modifications recommended by the independent inspector, based on the findings of the consultation, legal requirements and planning policies.

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10. What are the key topics covered in the update? 

The Local Plan Partial Update addresses several key topics, including:

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• Melton North and South Sustainable Neighbourhoods 

• Employment and economic development 

• Environmental sustainability and climate change 

• Health and Wellbeing 

• Protection of the natural and built environment 

 

The update aims to ensure that Melton Borough continues to grow in a sustainable and planned manner. Notably the housing land allocations, reserve sites and housing trajectory are not covered by this partial update; see the adopted Melton Borough Local Plan (2018) for these topics. 

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11. What is the next step after submission?

Once the Local Plan is submitted, it will be subject to an independent examination. The appointed planning inspector will assess whether the plan is legally compliant and meets the necessary tests of soundness. This process may involve further modifications to the plan before it is adopted.

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12. How can I stay updated on the Local Plan’s progress?

You can stay informed by regularly visiting the council’s Local Plan website, where updates and key milestones are posted. You can also request to be added to the Council’s planning policy consultation database to be kept informed of plan-making activities within the borough by emailing planningpolicy@melton.gov.uk. You can discuss the plan during the in-person or online events with planning officers, see the council’s consultation portal for further information.

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13. Can I comment on specific sites or development proposals?

Yes, you can provide feedback on specific sites or development proposals outlined in the Partial Update. If you have concerns or support for particular sites, it is helpful to provide detailed comments, including any relevant evidence or information that may support your position. Comments at this Regulation 19 stage should consider whether the Local Plan is sound and legally compliant.

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14. How can I find more information on the Local Plan?

Comprehensive information about the Local Plan Partial Update, including documents, evidence reports, and consultation details, can be found on the Pre-Submission Local Plan Update (Regulation 19) consultation page of the council’s website and the council’s consultation portal. If you need assistance or have specific queries, you can contact the Council’s planning policy team directly by emailing planningpolicy@melton.gov.uk or calling 01664 502502 and asking to speak to a Planning Policy Officer.

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15. Will there be further opportunities for consultation?

The Regulation 19 consultation is the final formal consultation before the Local Plan is submitted for examination. There may be further opportunities for engagement through the formal examination process where members of the public can participate in the hearings, at the discretion of the independently appointed planning inspector.

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More information

If you would like more information then you can contact us by emailing planningpolicy@melton.gov.uk with questions or to request a telephone call, or by calling 01664 502502 and ask to speak to a Planning Policy Officer.​