New Pinchbeck off licence plan refused by South Holland District Council
Plans for a new village off licence have been refused by the district council amid fears over the noise and traffic impact on residents.
Nilesh Odedra had applied to convert the former Paul Hammond and Sons building at 75 Church Street in Pinchbeck into a convenience store.
The council had granted a licence for the shop - but separate planning permission is needed to transform the building into its new use and the business cannot open without this.
The application had attracted a string of complaints from residents and councillors - and planning officers have refused the proposal.
The officers' report concluded: "Minimal external changes are proposed therefore the proposal does not materially harm the character or appearance of the locality.
"However, the scheme could harm the amenity of nearby residents as it would significantly increase noise and traffic.
"Furthermore, there is not sufficient space for customer parking within the proposed site..."
The location is next to a pedestrian crossing, close to the junction of Spalding Road and Knight Street.
Coun James Avery had opposed the plan.
In his submission, he wrote: "I understand planning consent already exists, largely inherited from the previous business, but this location is wholly inappropriate for such a business to operate.
"Parking is inadequate for customers, employees and stock deliveries. The location is adjacent to a busy bus stop. Church Street, directly in front of this premises, is hatched, so I'm unclear how restocking deliveries will be achieved, or how customers arriving by vehicle can safely enter/leave the site in first gear. The bus stop is used by large numbers of school children."
He said he was unsure how the premises would fit within the Pinchbeck Conservation Area and pointed out that the village has two other shops selling alcohol close by.
He added: "There are residential properties within the immediate vicinity. This business will generate a level of noise from vehicles, customers and condensing/fridge units, which will have a direct impact on the amenity of these direct neighbours."
Despite fears over traffic and parking, Lincolnshire County Council did not raise an objection on highways grounds.
It had said it was not 'impossible' to use the existing building for the new 'convenience store' and argued that customers could park in the lay-by across the road on Church Street if needed and the rear of the shop - outside the application area - could be used for vehicles too.
