'Dangerous precedent' if South Holland District Council approves Allison Homes Chapel Gate development in Roman Road, Moulton Chapel

Fears have been raised that developers will be able to ride roughshod over residents’ concerns and set a ‘dangerous precedent’ if a controversial housing site gets the green light later this week.

People living around the now notorious Chapel Gate development in Moulton Chapel have questioned the point of the planning system and say their objections have been ignored by South Holland District Council’s officers.

Allison Homes, which has permission to build 86 homes, has submitted a planning application to agree site levels and to reduce those on the western boundary - along with the estate road and other aspects.

Officers have recommended to members of the council’s planning committee that the application be approved at Wednesday’s meeting - despite refusing a previous condition compliance application as the site and floor levels were deemed to be ‘too high’.

MP for South Holland and the Deepings John Hayes is calling on his colleagues to reject it.

He said: “I am surprised that this has been recommended for approval. The responsibility does lie with the developer to put it right as this was not in the original plans.

“I would recommend refusal as it sets a dangerous precedent. I would say this runs the risk that it would give developers the green light to do what they want.”

Jessica and Dean Tanner say the ‘ski slope’ entrance road which rises next to their Roman Road home will allow people to look into their bedroom window and garden.

Mrs Tanner said: “They don’t look at what is suitable for the village and how it affects people. What is the point of the system as it is not being done properly?

“I don’t feel that we have had any protection at all. I don’t feel that anyone has taken it seriously.

“How can you pass something by looking at images on a plan? You need to look at the site, surrounding residents and the village to understand how badly it impacts on the village and its people.”

Moulton parish councillor Lawrence Wakefield says it is ‘disgusting’ that the ‘monstrosity’ has been recommended for approval.

He said: “I think the planning committee should have the strength and resolve to say no.”

The officers report to the planning committee states that work commenced on the site in April last year - with the importation of soil, ground works and road base constructed.

The building control team was called out in August and found works had occurred before the ‘pre-commencement conditions’ were discharged - and Allison Homes was told to stop work.

Officers using delegated authority refused a ‘condition compliance application’ in June 9 as the ‘site and finished floor levels were considered too high’.

The new report states officers had sought ‘specialist external legal advice’ due to the ongoing concerns.

It said: “The legal advice considers that the planning permission has not been lawfully implemented.

“It further advised that the simplest way forward would be for the applicant to withdraw those outstanding condition compliance applications and for a new suite of applications for discharge to be submitted.”

The report also goes on to say that officers had followed legal advice and ‘protracted discussions have taken place’ with the applicant which has resulted in amended plans.

It adds: “It should be noted that the finished floor levels throughout the whole site still exceed 300mm above existing ground level, as required on flood risk grounds.

“That said, the application is not in breach of condition eight since it stipulates that ‘finished floor levels shall be set at least 300mm above existing ground level’.”

The report states that individual levels and height varies across the site but would remain higher than nearby sites.

It also states that overshadowing or blockage of light the raised site levels would have some effect on neighbouring residents.

The report adds: “Concluding therefore whilst it is accepted that the development would have some impact upon the amenity of local residents it is not considered on balance to be such as to justify refusal on the basis that it materially conflicts with the aims and objectives of Policies two and three of the South East Lincolnshire Plan.”

An Allison Homes spokesman said: “We are pleased the council’s planning officers have recommended approval to the discharge of conditions application for our Chapel Gate development in Moulton Chapel.

“In accordance with due planning process this will now be considered by the planning committee on February 8.

“The officer’s report is very comprehensive and deals with the range of considerations that are appropriate for this stage of the planning process.

“Allison Homes will continue to engage with the local residents and stakeholders and are happy to discuss any concerns they may have.

“We encourage them to contact our Group Head of Planning, Ian Reilly.”

- The planning meeting is open to the public and starts at 6.30pm on Wednesday at South Holland District Council's chamber in Priory Road, Spalding.