Plans to build 35 homes in Pinchbeck have been passed despite local opposition.
Postland Developments was given outline permission to build on the land off Milestone Lane back in 2017 even though it’s outside the boundaries of the village because, at the time, South Holland District Council did not have a five year supply of housing.
It currently does and the South and East Lincolnshire Local Plan that came into force in 2019 still listed the land as open countryside.
The application wouldn’t meet current planning guidance and due to being over five-years-old, the permission would usually have lapsed,.
But the council says government legislation brought in during COVID-19 lockdowns means the application is granted extended time and still live.
Last night (Wednesday, January 12) South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee voted to go with the officer’s recommendations and pass the final plans as the principle for developing the land had already been made.
The application had received numerous objections. Pinchbeck resident Terry Ward outlined them to the committee including a lack of local infrastructure, the size of the nearby roads and concerns over flooding.
“The design is out of character with the local area and there would be significant increase in the levels of traffic which will change the area substantially now and forever,” he said. “It’s a wildlife rich area which will suffer from over development.
“Four ward members, the parish council and lots of residents object to this, therefore it should be revoked.”
Usual planning chair Coun James Avery stepped aside from the tole and did not vote on the issue but spoke as Pinchbeck’s ward councillor.
“Yes there’s principle on the development on the site but we look at each application on merit, do we not?
“We have a five year house supply, the location is in open countryside, 35 dwellings in the location will impact the unsuitable road network and I don’t believe the applicant has proven the need for housing in this location.
“I have concerns over future flood risk and mitigation.”
But neither the drainage boards nor Lincolnshire County Council’s Highways department raised objections provided conditions were included as part of the approval, including the widening of Milestone Lane.
Some councillors argued against the application with Coun Chris Brewis calling it “dangerous” in relation to flooding concerns.
But Coun Jack Tyrrell told the committee the council would “lose the appeal” if the application was refused.
Coun Bryan Alcock added: “There’s very strong opposition and it places members in an extremely difficult position because they’re heart felt.
“It’s not some frivolous campaign to stop the development, they do feel strongly about it.
“Sadly when on a planning committee we have to submit with the law governing planning determinations so we’re stuck in a difficult position.
“If looking at the application without local opposition I find it quite an effective development and one that would be among the better ones we see coming through this committee.
“But we’re faced with local opposition and it has the tendency to move one’s opinion somewhat.
“The fact is the principle for development has been established.
“We might feel it’s in some unusual circumstances and therefore it’s questionable, but it’s not, it’s a fact.
“Several members seem to quite easily dismiss professional advice and opinion and I find that difficult.
“It’s just because they’ve got a different opinion. I don’t think that’s going to take precedent at the appeal.
“My colleague said it would be incongruous. Probably, but if we allow any development it is going to be a certain extent incongruous by simply trying to protect people’s property.”
Brent Warner of Postland Developments told the meeting “We’ve reduced the house numbers down from 38 as we want to provide more of a loose development giving it a lower density.
“Nine of those dwellings will be affordable.
“We’re a small local builder. Our ethos is always to deliver high quality developments.”
