Surfleet farmer speaks out over plans for a private swimming pool
A farmer has raised objections against plans to hire out a private swimming pool.
Mr and Mrs West have submitted a retrospective change of use planning application to hire out their pool in Park Lane, Surfleet, for family groups up to six people, babies, rehabilitation and certain disabilities.
The application had been recommended for approval by South Holland District Council's planning committee but members have deferred the decision after concerns were expressed about parking and hours of opening.
Charles Dobney raised concerns about the impact of parking on the area on agriculture during Wednesday's meeting.
He said: "Six babies do not come in two cars as applied for in the application. Six people come in many other cars.
"Change over times will see double the amount of traffic for the car parking spaces.
"This is the best land in the country and productive. It is used for two to three crops a year."
Surfleet councillor James Avery expressed concern about the number of cars which were seen to be parked on the side of the road.
He said: "Park Lane is not the widest lane in the district and its actually quite heavily utilised by agricultural vehicles.
"My question is where are the punters going to park legally?"
The meeting was told that the applicants had an informal agreement to park on land in the area but were working on a legal agreement.
Coun Harry Drury, who represents Spalding St Mary's ward, said: "I really like the idea of it being used for rehabilitation for certain disabilities and is something I think we lack in the area."
Long Sutton councillor Andrew Tennant added that the applicants need to come back with a plan for the parking.
Concerns were also expressed by Coun Christine Lawton over the site's opening times which are 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.
Committee chairman Coun Roger Gambba-Jones was apprehensive about the impact of the business on nearby neighbours.
He said: "I tried not to be a misery as my concern was activity on a Sunday. We need to restrict activity on a Sunday, particularly in a location like that.
"Imagine people leaving and arriving, doors opening and closing, kids running backwards and forwards.
"I remain uncomfortable with Sunday opening."
Councillors agreed to defer the application in order to get more information on the parking arrangements for the pool along with clarification on the opening hours.