Crowland eco homes bid gets green light from planners
Six eco-homes could be built behind a former garden centre after receiving the support of councillors.
South Holland District Council's planning committee has granted outline planning permission to AD, RM, JM and B Alcock for six self-build eco-homes with 280metre access road on land north of the Crowland Garden Centre in James Road.
The application had initially been recommended for refusal by the council's officers as the site is outside Crowland's development boundary and there were concerns about flooding.
Councillors felt that the application was very close to the development boundary and would also attract people who are interested in building their own homes to the area.
Ward member Coun Nigel Pepper spoke out in support of the application at the meeting highlighting that other developments outside of the development boundary had been approved.
Coun Peter Copeland said he liked the idea of self build.
He said: "We have seen hundreds if not thousands of two, three and four bedroom boxes go through this chamber.
"We have not seen this mix of houses in this application."
Coun Harry Drury said that the district was lacking plots for people to build their own homes.
Coun Andrew Tennant said: "Not everyone wants to live in an estate. I remember passing an similar development off the Spalding to Pinchbeck Road where we recognised that executive homes would be of benefit to the district.
"We are expecting to grow business in Spalding and where are the executives going to live?"
Coun Christine Lawton said the council was in favour of custom built properties.
But she added: "The location has to be right as much as I think this is an excellent idea, I don't think the location is right."
Coun Angela Newton said the site was "within a stone's throw" of the development boundary.
She said: "Members are satisfied that the proposal achieves economic social objectives."