Introducing Melton Mowbray’s Town Centre Design Guidance- Have your say!
In a vibrant leap toward revitalising the heart of Melton Mowbray, Melton Borough Council has commissioned a Town Centre Design Guide. Created by PJA Civil Engineering Ltd, the guide utilised the expertise and local knowledge by collaborating with local businesses and organisations. This draft, which offers advice on shop fronts, street furniture, and signage, is now available for public viewing and has been adopted by the Council. The guide was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which programme wide has invested £464,625 into the Town Centre.
In a joint statement, Council Leader Councillor Pip Allnatt, and Councillor Sharon Butcher who is portfolio holder for Town Centre, Growth and Prosperity said that “creating a Design Guide will help our community by making the Town Centre look better and work better. This plan isn't just about appearances; it's also aimed at boosting local businesses and drawing more visitors to Melton Mowbray. The guide will make sure that any new developments fit within the town's character, keeping its unique charm while allowing for modern improvements.
The Town Centre Design Guide is part of a larger plan to promote economic growth and improve community well-being in Melton Mowbray, such as the soon to be launched Inward Investment Strategy and Action Plan. By using the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the council wants to create a lively, welcoming place that supports local shops and improves life for residents.”
The council intends to expand the document's scope by adopting it as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), therefore making it a part of planning permission decisions.
The council would like residents to submit their thoughts by means of a consultation on the draft guidance between 21 May and 2 July 2025, please visit haveyoursay.melton.gov.uk to take part. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their opinions on the proposed guidance, which aims to enhance the design and vibrancy of Melton Mowbray’s town centre.
Council officers will be available at a stall in Melton Mowbray Market on 17 June 2025 to discuss the design guidance and gather feedback on the proposals.
This initiative marks progress for the council, and has enabled the Planning Enforcement Team to open several enforcement cases. The Enforcement Team are in the process of collaborating with local business owners to elevate the quality of shop frontages in Melton Mowbray, a town with a rich heritage worth preserving.
Deputy Leader Margaret Glancy, who is portfolio holder for Governance, Environment and Regulatory Services remarked that: “The Melton Mowbray Town Centre Design Guidance is vital for keeping our town centre lively and inviting. We urge everyone to participate in this consultation to help shape our community’s future,”
Your feedback is crucial in ensuring that the final document reflects the needs and desires of our residents and businesses. Together, we can create a vibrant and welcoming environment that respects our heritage while embracing modernity.”
To find the documents, and learn more, please visit: www.meltonplan.co.uk/town-centre-spd
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For further information please contact: communications@melton.gov.uk