Plans for 57 new homes on a Holbeach site look likely to be approved despite a raft of objections.
MP Sir John Hayes is among those who are against the development on land south of Wignals Gate which is currently not allocated for housing.
But the site’s developer, D Brown is providing affordable homes – which means the ‘reserve’ site can be used in this instance.
The entire 8.4 acres were allocated as ‘reserve’ in the Local Plan and has a ‘notional capacity of 70 dwellings.’
But the application for four acres was due to go before members of South Holland District Council’s planning committee yesterday (Wednesday), and is recommended to be approved because the supply of affordable housing takes priority.
The council said the initial split of units between one and four bedrooms wasn’t workable, but an update added the developer was in discussions with a social housing provider.
The report says the usual ‘trigger’ point for releasing the land for development has not been met – but the report also says there’s a shortfall in affordable homes.
“The proposal seeks to offer a suitable mix of housing, of which all are affordable, that directly contributes to the identified demand within the settlement,” the report says.
The local NHS had asked for £52,000 and local education £522,000 as part of the conditions, no Section 106 money will be required as the application is entirely for affordable homes.
The report says the ‘significant social and economic benefits to the area’ and the fact it addresses a local need for affordable housing means a Section 106 agreement would not be viable.
The NHS highlighted extra strain on local services as a result of the new homes.
Sir John Hayes added his voice to the opposition and said he had been contacted by constituents concerned about the development.
“I have not seen evidence to support the release of a reserve site in respect of the land,” says his letter.
“Given South Holland recently scored 162 per cent of its Housing Delivery Test over recent years, meaning that housing delivery has exceeded targets, this seems a very peculiar decision.”
Ward member Coun Sophie Hutchinson said she had ‘significant’ concerns over the application, including the mix of housing, amenity impact and integration with the site’s surroundings.
There were also 49 letters of objection from residents.
But, according to the planning officer, there are ‘no significant factors in this case that would outweigh the benefits of the proposal.’
