Development Control – Business

Introduction

The Council provides advice free of charge to businesses and industry concerning the need for planning permission, the laws and procedures that apply and the factors that will influence whether permission is likely to be granted.

For further information about the role and objectives of the planning system, please refer to the Planning section on this website.

A Guide to Businesses from Home

As a result of changing economic circumstances and Government policy over recent years there has been a marked increase in the number of self employed people in the country.  This trend has also affected employment characteristics in Melton Borough. In many instances, self employed people provide services which require no special premises, and therefore operate from their homes.  Many small businesses and other non-residential uses are started by people working in their own homes, and technological innovations, particularly computer developments, are likely to increase the incidence of home-working in the future.

Permitted Development

Although planning permission is usually required for the change of use of a building or land, permission may not be required for home-working if the business use does not cause a material change in the use of the premises.  For example planning permission would not normally be required for the use of a single room in a dwelling house as an office or for childminding or a play group.  Use of a small part of a house as a bed-sit or for bed and breakfast would similarly not normally require permission.

However, should a business or non-residential use cease to be ancillary to the building’s prime use as a dwelling house, for example, if there is growth and intensification of the business use which results in an increase in visitors, traffic, noise or fumes over and above what would normally be expected from the building’s use as a private dwelling, then there may be a need for planning permission.  The Council will determine whether planning permission is required in such cases.

To avoid wasted expenditure anyone considering working from home should seek advice from the Borough Council at an early stage and preferably before commencement of a business use.

When Planning Permission is Needed

When planning permission is needed, it is the Borough Council’s policy to encourage home-working so long as there is no loss of residential amenities to adjacent properties, the use does not detract from the residential character of the area, satisfactory access and parking provision is available, and any adverse environmental impact can be minimised.

The size of a property may be a significant factor in relation to the impact of the business. Operating from a large house or a house in extensive grounds is less likely to cause an adverse impact on adjoining properties.

Planning policy includes policies in favour of B1 use (light industrial uses) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes Order (amended) 2005) from residential properties within Melton Mowbray and villages in the Borough.  However, when granting any planning permission, the Council will be concerned to ensure that neighbouring properties and the local environment are not adversely affected and may therefore impose conditions as appropriate to include control of the following:-

·        times of operation;

·        road safety and parking provision;

·        noise emission;

·        numbers of personnel employed;

·        permitted development rights;

·        the period of consent (to assess any effects of the business);

·        landscaping and boundary treatment.

Application Forms

Please visit the Planning Application Forms and Guidance section of this website to obtain forms for all types of application, notes to assist their completion and fee requirements.

The Council actively seeks to engage in pre-application discussions about prospective developments. Please contact the Council to make the necessary appointment.

Advertisements and Signs on premises

See the Advertisement section of this website for further advice

Public Health