New homes approved at Colsterworth despite fears it may prevent A1 widening
Seventy homes have been approved at Colsterworth, despite fears it may prevent a widening of the A1.
South Kesteven district councillors reluctantly approved the scheme after planning committee members were told they cannot use this as a reason, unless upgrading plans are more concrete.
Coun Robert Reid told the planning committee on Wednesday that Highways England has ‘intimated’ it accepts that safety improvements, including widening the A1 to dual-three lanes are a ‘priority’.
Coun Reid (Con-Bourne Austerby) said: “The A1 apparently has the highest accident rate. Highways England has acknowledged it. We are at the stage of making that task [upgrading to dual three lanes] one stage worse.”
The homes, including 35 per cent affordable, will be built on a site west of the A1 and north of Bourne Road.
Coun Reid said widening the road to dual three-lanes would alleviate congestion and the meeting should investigate what may be planned for the road.
However, head of development management Sylvia Bland said objecting on those grounds would only be permissable once plans have been announced.
Coun Phil Dilks said: “It would be absolutely crazy to build on that piece of land, particularly now that Robert has brought news.”
Coun Dilks (Ind-Deeping St James) accepted the scheme has not been confirmed but said the government has announced extra money for roads.
“If they want to make that A1 three lanes, we are impeding with them.”
Earlier, members raised concerns over traffic pollution and road noise that would harm the residents. Planning officers said a
bund of earth would help solve the noise issue, with trees also absorbing emissions.
Members had earlier deferred the application from the estate of the late Susan Goffin, citing noise and air quality concerns.
However, Coun Reid said “in the saddest respect” he could not find “enough substantive” reasons to refuse the application.
Members voted three in favour, one against, with five abstaining.
A council report recommended approval subject to financial contributions from the developer, including £347,955 towards extra classrooms at Colsterworth and Corby Glen primary schools and Walton Girls School, Grantham; £46,200 towards extending Glenside Country GP Practice and £46,872 for children’s play equipment.
