Rutland Planning Committee Faces Key Decisions on Village Developments and Housing Pressures, Rutland County Council’s Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 24th February 2026
By the Rutland Democracy Reporter
Rutland County Council’s Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, 24th February 2026, to navigate a challenging agenda that balanced local preservation against national housing mandates. The meeting, will be held in the Council Chamber at Catmose, the committee will address contentious applications in Ketton and Ashwell, while also noting significant updates on planning appeals affecting the county.
For agenda and full reports click here:
Ketton Residents Mount Strong Opposition to Stables Conversion
The committee will revisit the high-profile application 2025/0933/FUL, concerning the conversion of stables at Aldgate, Ketton, into a residential dwelling. Local residents have submitted several critical objections, residents have challenged the applicant's claim that no viable non-residential use exists for the site.
They have provided evidence of multiple "hard offers" made in 2023 by individuals wanting to use the land for its original purpose stables and paddock suggesting the site remains viable for commercial or hobby farming use.
Their objections have accused the applicant of removing trees and hedges along the River Chater without permission, leading to a loss of biodiversity and impacting the setting of the local Conservation Area.
Evidence will presented showing that the site lies within a Flood Zone and is adjacent to another Flood Zone. Residents noted that flooding has historically reached the existing building and expressed fears that residential development would be at serious risk given the increasing frequency of climate-driven flood events.
The residents argue that the application is a "speculative" attempt to circumvent planning rules in a designated Local Green Space.
Ashwell Housing Proposal Recommended for Approval
Their objections have accused the applicant of removing trees and hedges along the River Chater without permission, leading to a loss of biodiversity and impacting the setting of the local Conservation Area.
Evidence will presented showing that the site lies within a Flood Zone and is adjacent to another Flood Zone. Residents noted that flooding has historically reached the existing building and expressed fears that residential development would be at serious risk given the increasing frequency of climate-driven flood events.
The residents argue that the application is a "speculative" attempt to circumvent planning rules in a designated Local Green Space.
Ashwell Housing Proposal Recommended for Approval
In contrast, a proposal for two new 3-bedroom dwellings on Oakham Road, Ashwell (2025/1252/FUL), is recommended for approval by planning officers.
While the site is located outside the Planned Development Limits and on open paddock land, officers noted that the Council’s lack of a 5-year housing supply triggers Paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF. This national policy creates a "tilted balance" in favor of sustainable development unless adverse impacts significantly outweigh the benefits.
Despite objections from Ashwell Parish Council and several residents, officers have concluded the design is compatible with the village character and that potential issues like drainage and biodiversity can be managed through strictly enforced conditions.
Appeals and Previous Business
The committee will also review a Appeals Report (No. 23/2026).
A notable update included the successful appeal for up to 62 dwellings in Edith Weston (APP/A2470/W/25/3370334), which was allowed on 3rd February 2026 following a non-determination.
The minutes of the previous meeting on 20th January, show the committee approved a major application (2024/1220/MAF) for a solar farm, subject to conditions regarding landscaping and a local liaison group.
The next meeting of the Planning Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, 17th March 2026.
