Better Business For All

Melton Borough Council officers work with businesses to reduce regulatory barriers to commercial growth and to make it easier and more cost effective for businesses to comply by simplifying the local system. We provide advice and support, including explaining the role of regulatory officers so that businesses can be confident discussing issues about regulation while ensuring that officers understand the pressures of business.

Planning Regulations

The planning system controls and guides the use of land and the use and design of buildings. In the general public interest, the MBC planning authority is keen to support economic growth and assist local businesses. Specific rules govern certain aspects of commercial premises.

• • • Relocating to new premises
    • Expanding or altering your existing premises
    • Using your premises for more and different activities
    • Displaying external advertising. 

For more information and guidance, contact Melton Borough Council’s Development Control Team on 01664 502502. Or email developmentcontrol@melton.gov.uk

Building Regulations

Building regulations approval is not the same as planning permission. In many cases you will need both. They ensure the health and safety of building work and fire safety, regulate access and ease of use of buildings and the energy conservation of buildings. Any new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings, or the provision of new services or fittings within buildings, are subject to building regulations. It is also important to bear in mind that some premises may need to comply with additional building regulations. Most building work will require approval by the local authority building control (LABC) or by an approved inspector.

For more information and guidance, contact Melton Borough Council’s Building Control Team on 01664 502502. Or email buildingcontrol@melton.gov.uk

Licencing

Local Authorities are responsible for dealing with the licensing and regulation of a wide range of activities, premises and vehicles. Some licenses are required by law nationally. It is important for business owners to know whether their business activity requires a license so it remains lawful and avoids enforcement action. Annual or other fees may also be payable. The Council can advise.

For more information and guidance, contact Melton Borough Council’s Licensing Team on 01664 502502. Or email: licensing@melton.gov.uk

Health & Safety

Specialist health and safety guidance and advice is freely available and often very simple. Compliance with health and safety legislation can save a business money by reducing time lost through accidents, ill health, damaged equipment and reputation damage.

For more information and guidance, contact Melton Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team on 01664 502502. Or email: environmentalhealth@melton.gov.uk

Fire Safety

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 covers virtually every type of building, structure and open space, with the exception of private homes and individual flats in a block or house. Responsibility for fire safety lies with employers, self-employed building owners, those responsible for buildings with public access and any contractor who exercises a degree of control over any premises. These responsible persons have a legal duty to ensure the safety of those using their premises or in the immediate vicinity who may be at risk, should a fire occur.

For more information and guidance, contact Melton Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team on 01664 502502. Or email: environmentalhealth@melton.gov.uk

Food Safety

Food safety is normally regulated by your local authority, although in some cases this is done by the Food Standards Agency. If you are planning to produce, store or sell food and drink, you will need to register your business with Melton Borough Council in advance and have written food safety management procedures. If you are intending to process food of animal origin, your premises will normally need to be approved by the Council.

For more information and guidance, contact Melton Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team on 01664 502502. Or email: environmentalhealth@melton.gov.uk

Trading Standards

The Trading Standards Service is primarily a consumer protection and fair trading service. It aims to protect consumers as well as create a level playing field for all businesses. The culture in Trading Standards is one of advice and assistance to help businesses comply with the law, using risk-assessment and intelligence to target enforcement resources where they are most needed. Interactions with businesses occurs only when necessary for public protection and safety.

For more information visit www.tradingstandards.uk or contact Trading Standards at Leicestershire County Council on 0116 305 8000. Or email: tradingstandards@leics.gov.uk