Hotly debated Spalding Coneys store application has been approved
A bid to convert a former department store has been approved — in spite of advice to reject the scheme.
South Holland District Council’s planning committee has decided to approve the application submitted by The Lighthouse Pentecostal Church to change the use of the former Coney’s and Hills store in Spalding town centre.
The committee had been recommended to refuse the application by officers at tonight’s meeting on the grounds that it affect the ‘vitality and viability’ of the town centre.
An initial vote to refuse planning permission, proposed by Coun Gary Taylor was lost.
A second recommendation put forward by Coun Sophie Hutchinson, was approved with 11 votes.
The church want to change the use of the former Hills store from retail to mixed use, comprising of ancillary retail, cafe, play space, offices, church, community meeting place and food bank.
This application was due to be discussed at the June planning committee meeting but was pulled last minute due to ‘material considerations’.
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