Builder of Moulton Chapel ‘ski slope’ development apologises to South Holland District Council’s planning committee

The builder of the controversial ‘ski slope’ development has apologised to planners for the raised levels and promised steps to prevent this happening again.

Allison Homes had created dismay in Moulton Chapel with the ‘ridiculous’ height of its Chapel Gate development and estate road but has confirmed that it will be reduced to around 500ml above ground after its latest planning application was given the green light last week.

The developer, who has permission for 86 homes, has submitted a fresh application in August to lower the levels of the site off Roman Road after its was refused permission by South Holland District Council in February to retain the existing levels. Allison Homes had also lodged an appeal against the February decision.

Head of planning at Allison Homes Ian Reilly told Wednesday’s meeting said: “We are very sorry this situation has arisen and we have taken steps to ensure it doesn’t occur again.”

Mr Reilly confirmed that site levels will be reduced to 300ml to 500ml above ground and added that the ‘only driver’ for lodging an appeal against a previous refusal decision was to continue to hold discussions to find a solution.

The planning meeting was told that the ‘ski slope’ entrance road rises to 4.4m above ground level at its highest point but this will be reduced by a metre or more in a scheme which has ‘significantly lower levels’.

Councillors were informed by officers that the site levels would be approximately 500ml - which is standard for Lincolnshire.

Parish councillor Lawrence Wakefield has previously spoke out about the raised levels but told members that he approved of the new ones.

He said “As long as they are no more than 500ml high we are ok with that. Mr Reilly said that it will be the same as the estate on the south side of Roman Road and if they stick to that we will be happy.”

Coun Wakefield also expressed concerns that drainage of the site and the need for piling into the area’s silt soils.

Ward member Anthony Casson asked for confirmation that the highest levels will be 500ml and that if the current concrete footings would be lowered.

Officers told him that the highest level would be 540ml and that the concrete footings would have to be lowered.

Coun Casson added: “It is a pity that Allison Homes went along with this and upset so many people in Moulton Chapel. All the ridiculous height levels and onc ehte lorries carting all the stoil and stone - it caused a lot of bother.”

The size of the proposed pond was questioned by Coun Jack Tyrrell – who was told it would be enlarged.

Coun Henry Bingham welcomed the lower levels which he said was more in keeping with the village and hoped the developer would withdraw their appeal.

Coun Gary Taylor said there was still some concern from local people and that needed to be considered but added that Moulton Chapel was a growing village and that an advantage would be that this could help secure the future of the school, shops and pub.

Coun Bryan Alcock was concerned about the french drains proposed.

The application was unanimously approved.