Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Bulletin, autumn 2025 (edition 99)

Have your say on the Local Plan

Residents, community groups, local businesses and others with an interest in the area will be invited to give their views on the latest draft of the Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan, scheduled for consultation in autumn 2025.

The Local Plan is the key planning document for the borough that will guide future development in Hinckley and Bosworth, up to 2045. 

It sets out a preferred strategy for housing and economic growth and includes planning policies covering a range of issues such as providing the right housing in the right places, conserving and enhancing the natural and historic environment, good design and place-making, and responding to the challenges of climate change.

Following on from the previous consultation in Summer 2024, this consultation will be a focussed Regulation 18 consultation featuring only updated or new site allocations and policies at this stage.

Next steps include another consultation, the next formal stage (known as Regulation 19), which is a full and complete draft of the Local Plan, in Spring 2026, with a view to submitting the Local Plan to the Planning Inspectorate for Examination in Public later in 2026.

Once it has completed this process, and the plan is adopted by the council, it will form the council’s framework for decision-making on planning.

Cllr Bill Crooks, Executive Member for Planning, said: “The Local Plan sits at the heart of the planning system and provides the framework against which all planning decisions are considered.

“The council has worked hard on its progress, and we are pleased to provide another opportunity for the public to have their say on updates and new information provided in this draft plan.

“We need to move the plan forward to meet the deadlines set by central government; in the meantime, we continue to call on a wide variety of partners to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure this plan is appropriate and sustainable.

“With a new Local Plan in place we can help protect communities from unwarranted development and guide it to more appropriate areas set out in the Local Plan and neighbourhood plans, as well as supporting the improvement and provision of infrastructure, facilities and services in our communities.”

The public will also have the opportunity to attend consultation events where planning officers will be available to answer questions, discuss views and provide advice on how to submit comments.

To keep up to date with consultation events and how to submit comments visit our Regulation 18 2025 web page.

Dame is awarded Freedom of the Borough

Renowned physician Professor Dame Carol Black GBE FRCP was awarded the Freedom of Hinckley and Bosworth at a recent Extraordinary Council meeting.

Born in Barwell, Dame Carol attended Dixie Grammar School in Market Bosworth and paid tribute to headmaster William Golding for his encouragement and belief in a ‘rebellious’ child.

Thanks to him, she pursued a university education, being the first in her family to do so. She became a specialist in rheumatology and an international expert on the disease scleroderma.

Dame Carol has enjoyed a distinguished medical career, for which she received a damehood in 2005. In 2024 she was awarded a Dame Grand Cross (GBE), the highest accolade in the British honours system.

In a speech during the meeting, she said: "Throughout my life, I have liked the impossible questions and the impossible tasks. As a young doctor, one night I admitted a young woman with scleroderma and (subsequently) kidney disease, she was in for kidney failure.

"All night we failed to get her blood pressure under control. On the ward round the next day, I asked the professor what we were to do because we failed all night. He said 'Carol, she'll be dead in three weeks' time and there's nothing you can do'. And I thought, 'it can't be like that. There must be something we can do'.

"Over the next 35 years, we did do something about it, now people don't die so frequently, and they certainly don't die of kidney disease. Although we don't extend everybody's life for 20 years, for most people we extend it for at least 10, and for many people we control it."

Dame Carol has also dedicated much of her career to another of her passions, the relationship between work and health, and has advised the British government on this. Also holding the post of President of the Royal College of Physicians (2002-2006) and was Principal of Newham College, Cambridge (2012-2019).

She said: "I'm passionately keen that people should be able to make the most of their lives, and that they should be able to grow to whatever point it is they want to grow to. Good work is really crucial to that, and good mental health."

Cllr Stuart Bray, Leader of the Borough Council, said: "We can all take great pride in all Dame Carol has achieved and continues to achieve. We thank her for her work across so many areas and for being a great role model to people in Hinckley and Bosworth.

"This is only the second time the Freedom of the Borough has been awarded in Hinckley and Bosworth, and the first since it was given to the Royal Anglian Regiment in 1977.

"I would also like to place on record my thanks to Greg Drozdz for nominating Professor Dame Carol Black for this honour."

Thanks for your feedback

A huge thank you to everyone who completed our survey, joined a workshop, or took part in a focus group as part of our engagement work on the future of local councils in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Your feedback has been invaluable. We received over 4,500 responses to the online survey, along with a number of paper forms.

We’re incredibly grateful for the time and thought you’ve put into sharing your views.

We’ll now be carefully reviewing everything you’ve told us and using it to refine the North, City, South proposal, which would see the creation of three equally sized unitary councils for the area:

• North Leicestershire and Rutland
• South Leicestershire
• Leicester City

This is a big moment for our communities, and your voices are helping shape what comes next.

The final plan will be submitted to the government in November 2025.

Please be assured, there will be further opportunities to have your say on future council structures, as the government will also hold formal consultations later in the process.

To keep up-to-date visit the North City South website (northcitysouth.co.uk)

Park life just got even better

Youngsters in Hinckley are now able to enjoy refurbished and improved facilities at Richmond Park.

The park, located next to Green Towers Club for Young People at the end of Richmond Road, has seen its ball court refurbished, and play area improved by the Borough Council.

Some new play equipment has also been added, including a climbing wall, an outdoor table tennis table and two springers. Other facilities in the park have been resurfaced, repainted or replaced where necessary.

Children have already started to enjoy the new-look park, and a group of youngsters from nearby Richmond Primary School prior to the summer break have already given it their seal of approval.

Cllr Lynda Hodgkins, Executive Member for Parks, said: "We are lucky in Hinckley and Bosworth to have so many great parks for our children to enjoy. These upgrades at Richmond Park are the latest move which shows how proud the Borough Council is of its parks.

“It was great to see local schoolchildren enjoying the new equipment. Hopefully they and all of their friends will continue to love it for many years to come."

Have your say in Hinckley's future

The Borough Council is inviting residents to take part in a vital community governance review (CGR) that will help shape the future of local representation in Hinckley.

Following government proposals to reform local and regional governance - outlined in the English Devolution White Paper, the current two-tier system of district and county councils may be replaced by single-level unitary authorities.

In response, the Borough Council is reviewing how communities are represented at the most local level: through town and parish councils.

The CGR aims to ensure that the structure and boundaries of local councils reflect the needs and identities of the communities they serve. Residents’ feedback will be crucial in helping the council make informed recommendations for potential changes.

Council Leader Cllr Stuart Bray said: “This is a real opportunity for residents to help shape how their community is represented. We want to make sure that local voices continue to be heard and that services are delivered effectively. I strongly encourage everyone to get involved and complete the survey - your views matter.”

The survey is now live and open to all residents. To take part and learn more about the review, visit our dedicated web page: Community governance review 2025 - Hinckley Town Council

Green Flag double celebration

Hollycroft Park and Argents Mead have once again raised the prestigious Green Flag Award, an international quality mark for parks and green spaces. These parks are among the 2,250 in the UK to achieve this recognition.

This double celebration marks Hollycroft Park’s 16th Green Flag Award and Argents Mead has been awarded its ninth Green Flag Award.

The award is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Plus, it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space and local volunteers so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it.

Councillor Lynda Hodgkins, the Borough Council's Executive Member for Street Scene Services, Parks and Open Spaces, expressed her delight: “We are thrilled to announce that Hollycroft Park and Argents Mead have once again been honoured with the Green Flag Award.

“This recognition highlights the tireless efforts and commitment of our team in making these green spaces enjoyable for everyone.”

She added: “A special thanks goes to the Green Spaces team for their hard work across both parks, and particularly to the Friends of Hollycroft Park Group.

“Their dedication has been instrumental in Hollycroft Park receiving its 16th Green Flag – a truly remarkable achievement.”

Sculpture trail brings history to life

The lesser-known story of the 1485 Battle of Bosworth and the death of King Richard III is to be told through a newly curated 12-mile sculpture trail in the heart of Hinckley and Bosworth.

Following its launch in August on the 540th anniversary of the battle visitors/walkers/history buffs can immerse themselves in the story while enjoying the landscape of rural Leicestershire.

Ancient churches, sleepy villages, windswept fields, award-winning pubs and the historic town of Market Bosworth all await on the route.

Designed, produced and installed by renowned sculptors Stephen Broadbent, Peter Davidson and Ade Wright, the four very different installations tell the story, where it happened, of key chapters in this world-changing battle.

The battle, which culminated in the death of King Richard III, ushered in the era of the Tudor dynasty.  Richard III’s reinterment in 2015 captured the imagination of the world when his remains were found under a Leicester car park three years earlier.

The Borough Council has played a key role in bringing the trail to life alongside Leicestershire Promotions and The Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.

Cllr Mark Bools, Deputy Leader at the Borough Council said: “We are thrilled to unveil this distinctive new visitor attraction, which offers a perfect day out for locals and tourists alike.

“In less than a day, you can explore a scenic walking route through some of England’s most breathtaking countryside, encounter four striking and varied art installations, and immerse yourself in the compelling story of the Battle of Bosworth.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to support local tourism and showcase the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.”

Sculptor Stephen Broadbent said: “After so many years since we conceived the Sculpture Trail, it’s wonderful to reach the point where people can get into the landscape, connect with the art and unpack the story as they walk.”

For more information about the trail and to plan your visit, go to the Bosworth 1485 (richardiiicountry.com)

Flag raising ceremony to mark the end of WWII

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Friday 15 August for a moving flag-raising ceremony marking Victory over Japan Day - the day WWII came to an end in 1945.

The Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth and representatives from the Royal British Legion Hinckley branch and The Royal Naval Association Hinckley Branch raised a special VJ Day flag in Argents Mead.

“Together, we remembered the sacrifices made and paid tribute to those who served.”

Services and events were held across the borough in remembrance of this historic day.

Families gather to pay tribute to armed forces

Residents gathered in Hinckley on Saturday 28 June to mark Armed Forces Day with a special service and parade, recognising the dedication and sacrifice of our armed forces' community. This year’s event also paid tribute to the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day.

Organised by the Borough Council in partnership with the Hinckley Combined Armed Forces and Veterans Community and Churches Together, the event brought together representatives from various regiments, nationalities, and services.

Now in its 17th year, Armed Forces Day is a chance to thank those who serve, including current personnel, veterans, cadets, and their families.

The service was led by Reverend Ian Hill of St Mary’s Church, supported by the Mayor’s Chaplain Revd Kimberley Ford. A formal salute was conducted by Mr Priyesh Patel MBE DL, representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire.

Visitors also enjoyed a display of military vehicles and memorabilia in Argents Mead, kindly provided by volunteers including members of Charnwood MVT.

Cllr Dawn Glenville, Armed Forces Champion at the Borough Council, said: "Armed Forces Day is both an opportunity to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and a celebration for the steadfast service that our serving, reserves and veterans have given.

“The day offered the opportunity to consider the wider armed forces family such as cadet forces, servicemen and women's families and civilian support. I would like to thank all those who came out to show their support.”

Burbage residents took to the streets to join a communal commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with a party and entertainment reminiscent of the original celebrations in 1945.

Tables were laid and bunting strung along Grove Road, with staged entertainment on the street and further attractions in Pughe’s Paddock, allowing hundreds to gather to mark the occasion, which was supported by a £300 grant from the Borough Council.

The anniversary of VE Day itself was marked by the lighting of the Burbage beacon at Far Lash open space.

The borough of Hinckley and Bosworth was represented at ‘VE Day 80: The Nation Celebrates’ by the new Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth Cllr Richard Flemming and his consort, his wife Jill on Thursday 8 May.

The live concert at Horse Guards Parade was held to channel the spirit of the VE Day celebrations 80 years ago. King Charles III attended and spoke at 9pm, just as his grandfather King George VI did on 8 May 1945.

Last updated: 29/08/2025 16:08