A proposed housing development described as “a slum of the future” has been approved on appeal.
South Holland District Council’s planning committee was unanimous in its disdain for Seagate Homes’ application for 14 homes in Little London, Spalding.
The proposal for the site next to The Drayman’s Arms pub is a T-shaped development with two homes at the front near the road and the rest in a line along the rear.
Planning officers had recommended granting approval but members were unhappy with the density of the scheme, and the effect it would have both on the neigbourhood and the living conditions of future occupiers.
Chairman Coun Roger Gambba-Jones said at the February meeting: “I certainly don’t like the idea that the lowest possible standard is acceptable because we need the houses.”
Coun Chris Brewis said it would be “inappropriate slapped in the middle of Tilbury, let alone Spalding” and David Wilkinson, who lost his Long Sutton seat in May, said: “There comes a time, however desperate we are for housing, that you have to say enough is enough.
“This will be a second-class housing development and it will always be that.”
And Howard Johnson, who did not stand for re-election, said: “I think what we’re looking at is a slum of the future.”
Seagate Homes subsequently appealed the refusal decision and a planning inspector has ruled in the Long Sutton firm’s favour.
He discounted all issues raised by the council, said: “None of the matters assessed…give rise to concerns which could not be satisfactorily addressed by conditions.”
The inspector did not have an issue with the modest homes on small plots as the variety of properties in the area was “characterised by variety rather than any strongly prevailing form or pattern”. He did accept that the density would be quite high but ruled that it would not harm the character and appearance of the area.
