A Spalding development application decision has been deferred for two reports to be completed.
At the May meeting of the South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee, a 26-apartment development on Broad Street was deferred.
The full application for the demolition of Broad Street Business Centre and replacement building was brought to committee without the viability study for contributions completed.
The applicant, Matthew Clark, of Activ Property Ltd., said a contribution to the NHS and supply of affordable housing can’t viably be made but the council’s study to confirm or deny this wasn’t completed in time for the meeting.
As such, a number of councillors expressed concerns that the application had been brought to the committee too early.
Public speaker in opposition, Nick Casswell, raised the issue of light loss the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society would allegedly suffer.
“I have to insist that for this application to be properly assessed, light needs to be looked at,” said Mr Casswell.
When asked, South Holland District Councillor Development Manager Richard Fidler said a technical assessment hadn’t been carried out by the council or the applicant.
Coun Bryan Alcock said he was concerned that if a survey was completed and revealed an “abject effect”, the committee might be liable in civil court.
Coun Laura Eldridge seconded a deferment. She said: “We need to have this daylight assessment and need the results of the viability assessment.”
Councillors were generally in favour of the demolition of the existing building however.
Coun Rodney Grocock described it as “disgusting”, while Coun Jim Astill said it is currently “low quality offices in a shocking state inside”.
Other reasons for deferment that are to be considered are potential problems caused by lack of parking and overdevelopment.
