A long running planning saga over a piece of land in Crowland continues to rumble on.
South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee last week opted to defer a decision on building three homes on part of the land off Blackbird Close.
A previous application on the same site was for three bungalows, but it was refused due to it being considered an ‘overdevelopment’.
That decision was upheld by central government after rejecting an appeal.
Last week the planning committee had been recommended by officers to pass the new plans for three, two storey dwellings.
Neighbour Mark Samiovic told the deciding meeting: “The previous applications was rejected because it was three bungalows overlooking.
“It’s now three, two storey dwellings on a much reduced site area.
“If anything it’s now more overbearing.”
Coun Bryan Alcock said he was ‘disappointed’ with what was proposed.
“It’s a totally different development,” he said. “I agree with what the resident has said.”
Officers argued it was recommended this application be passed as one plot had been moved further away from existing homes, and the proposed buildings took up less space than previous applications.
But Coun Paul Barnes claimed that the current plan doesn’t cover all of the land previous applications did.
“Are we being duped?” he asked arguing that the developer could come back with an application for another home on the land that’s not part of the plans.
“My concern is, if they don’t intend to build on it, why wouldn’t they spread the three houses out more?
“I’m very uncomfortable it’s being crammed in.”
Planning officer Mark Niland responded: “If an application comes in for that land it will be considered on its own merits.
“I can, hand on heart, say we have no knowledge of an application on its way or what the intention is for that piece of land.”
Councillors including Paul Redgate and Henry Bingham also raised questions over access, waste collection and parking arrangements so deferred a decision.
Committee chair Coun James Avery backed the deferment saying: “It’s the third iteration of plans for this site.
“I think in principal something can go on this site, but this isn’t necessarily it.”
