Plan for 43 apartments in Grantham approved despite neighbours' concerns

Plans for 43 supported living apartments on a residential road have been given the go-ahead despite objections from neighbours.

The apartments will be built on Gorse Road, on the site of the former Chandos House care home, which was demolished in 2014.

Most members of the South Kesteven District Council planning committee were in favour of the plan, but nearby residents have voiced their concerns.

Residents say the area has been like a building site for the past five years with the demolition of Chandos House and then the building of the nearby Springwell Academy.

Speaking at Wednesday’s virtual meeting, resident Terry Cross said: “This building is just far too big and far too high for the site. It is going to have an impact on our privacy as we are going to be overlooked by the building by 31 windows of the residents’ rooms, plus some public areas and a cafeteria.

“Living so close to a large overbearing building will have a negative effect on our physical and mental wellbeing.”

The apartments plan has been submitted by Flagtree Developments Ltd. It will be a mix of one and two bedroom apartments which will be self-contained. The building is a combination of one, two and three storeys formed in a U-shape with a courtyard to the rear.

Grantham councillor Ian Selby was against the plan. He said: “I think this application is far more substantial than Chandos House. It is not sympathetic to the site or the surrounding area.”

But all other members voted in favour of the plan.

Coun Phil Dilks said: “I think the plan has been improved and the impact made less on neighbouring properties.”