South Holland District Council is poised to approve a 70-home development on former nursery land toward the north-western edge of Spalding.
Members of the council’s Planning Committee have been recommended to approve the proposed housing development on the former Ivanda Nursery site off Monks House Lane, writes Local Democracy Reporter James Turner.
After discussions with Planning Services, the initial proposal for 76 homes was revised to 70, accompanied by updates to the overall layout and house types.
The revised application includes six one-bedroom houses, 28 two-bedroom homes, 30 three-bedroom dwellings, and six four-bedroom houses, spanning over 2.3 hectares.
In their Planning Statement, the developers, Seagate Homes, wrote: “The site is adjoined on three sides by existing residential estate development, forms part of a large residential neighbourhood on the western side of the town.
“The locality, with the exception of the nursery, is wholly residential in character, and a suitably scaled residential development will remove what has become a non-conforming use within the built-up area, and will be consistent with the established characteristics of the area.”
However, local residents, parish councillors, and Sir John Hayes (Conservative), MP for South Holland and The Deepings, have raised concerns about the potential impact of the development on nearby wildlife habitats and an increase in traffic congestion in the area.
“The loss of wildlife and their habitats is a major worry for my constituents,” wrote Sir Hayes. “Many having reported seeing bats, owls, deer and newts in the area; it is so important that these species are not displaced or, indeed, lost forever.
“My constituents have [also] raised security concerns. In particular, the plan identifies a footpath which appears to run from Edward Road along the rear of properties at The Chantry. Will they be open to the public and be used as a thoroughfare through to Monks House Lane?
“Furthermore, the proposed road connection may also become a shortcut for school traffic.”
Councillors consulted matter before last year’s election included former member Steve Timewell.
He commented: “I am concerned that there is an option for further development in the future whereby this new cul de sac could be opened up and lead to further housing. This should be discouraged as the traffic situation would become out of hand and unmanageable for Monks House Lane.
He added: “I am concerned that the development is on a flood plain and whilst the developers have examined the risk of flooding and mitigated against it, we need further assurances that counter measures will be in place.”
SHDC’s Planning Committee will decide if the proposed 70-home development in Spalding goes ahead at their upcoming meeting next week.
