East Lindsey District Council rejects plans for 46 homes in Stickney, near Boston.

Plans to build 46 homes have been turned down over flooding fears and concerns about overdevelopment.

East Lindsey District Council has turned down a proposal to build a development in Stickney, near Boston.

The application to develop the large housing site on land next to the William Lovell Church of England Academy in Main Road was brought before the planning committee today (Thursday, November 5) following concerns over encroachment into open countryside and significant public interest, with 38 formal objections from neighbours.

Developers argued that the proposal would improve the quality and types of homes in the area and would not detract from the distinctive character of the locality. They suggested that it would enhance the character and utilise features on the site that complement the location.

However, local resident Ms Hopkins pointed out that houses are simply not selling in the village.

She said: "Even starter homes are going up for auction due to lack of interest."

Ms Hopkins also argued that the field is permanently flooded and feared that more concrete would reduce drainage, further increasing the flood risk to the village.

Ward councillor Tom Ashton (Con) urged the planning committee to reject the proposal, stating: "In my view, it is harmful to the local amenity, harmful to the setting and form of the settlement, and harmful to the appearance of the surrounding countryside."

"This is a settlement which has already seen by far its fair share of developments," he added.

Councillor Ruchira Yarsley (Ind) quickly proposed refusing the application due to overdevelopment of the village.

Although it is considered a large village, Ms Hopkins insisted that it still lacked good public transport and a pub.

Councillor Daniel McNally (Con) reluctantly proposed approving the plans, explaining that they were unable to refuse the application due to concerns around flooding, as no issues had been raised by stakeholders such as Anglian Water.

Nevertheless, the committee ultimately decided to reject the application.