Developer allowed to tweak 63-home Pinchbeck plan to avoid running out of time with planning permission

A developer has been allowed to tweak the details of a 63-home scheme so that its planning permission did not run out.

Applicant R Bratley was given the green light to tweak their plans for land south of Green Lane and east of Bacons Lane in Pinchbeck by South Holland District Council.

The scheme was approved in 2020 and would have lapsed if work had not begun by July 14.

The new deal allowed the developer to make ‘a limited lawful start’ to retain the permission. Other matters – including ‘remediation of contamination’ on the land – must still be addressed before the properties are built.

Cars will access the site from Surfleet Road, with pedestrian links only to the narrow Green Lane and Bacons Lane.

The site was opposed at the time – with concerns of ‘urban sprawl’ into the countryside on land that lies between Pinchbeck and Surfleet.

A statement from Pinchbeck Parish Council said: “This location has already gained a planning approval. This will be very difficult to overcome should anyone wish to object to this.

“This application is for 63 dwellings, and a permission exists for 63 dwellings. We need to ensure the S106 agreement tied to (the plan) is carried forward and tied into this development.

“This includes affordables, health, and a £15k contribution to burial facilities within Pinchbeck, to be earmarked for, and ring-fenced by, Pinchbeck Parish Council.

“It's not a development or location that we particularly like, but the permission exists, which is a huge hurdle to overcome. We saw this situation with the Milestone Lane application.”

Permission was granted with the original community contribution (the section 106 agreement) retained. This should provide 18 units of affordable housing and financial contributions of £41,580 towards health provision and £15,000 to Pinchbeck Parish Council towards provision of additional burial facilities.

A council officers report stated: “The lawful start of Phase 1 of the application is limited in geographical area on an area of land which is made ground only, and not contaminated.

“This would allow the first portion of the access to the site off Surfleet Road to be constructed whilst not continuing the development without first making sure that all associated details are discharged via conditions controlling phases 2 to 5.”