Key Planning Decisions To Be Delayed

Decisions on key planning applications in Market Harborough are to be delayed.

A meeting was due to take place von-line tomorrow evening, to discuss the future of Market Harborough’s former Angel Hotel and the first part of major new housing estate.

Council meetings have been taking place virtually during the pandemic, but new government advice states they must now take place in person again, in a Covid-secure way.

The planning committee will have to be rearranged, as Harborough District Council needs to find a suitable venue to hold meetings, because the Council Chamber at the Symington Building is too small to allow for social distancing.

Plans to change the use of the Angel Hotel into a base for Brooke House College and for 164 homes on land off Kettering Road, near Clack Hill were due to considered.

A spokesperson for Harborough District Council said: “This development has meant that Harborough District Council has had to review the arrangements for the Planning Committee on Tuesday 11 May 2021 and an adjournment of the meeting to a future date is going to be sought.

“This will ensure HDC can comply with the Government’s Covid restrictions in place until at least 21 June 2021 and to ensure the protection of health and safety of all those participating at the meeting.”

Councils can still provide live streaming/broadcasts to allow wider public access, but those actively participating in the meeting as objectors, applicants, or appellants must attend in person whilst still also be open to the public, even those not participating.

Further information in relation to the arrangements for meetings will be publicised as soon as possible.

Meetings have been taking place on-line for several months