Plans for 66 family homes ‘detrimental’ to Burton Waters retirement community - residents

Plans for family homes in a retirement community would be ‘out of character’, residents have said.

A developer had hoped to build 66 family homes in Burton Waters, which consists mainly of bungalows for people over 55.

A West Lindsey planning meeting on Wednesday evening heard strong objections from local residents and councillors, who said there were no facilities for younger people.

The applicant Quintell Homes were hoping to win approval at the meeting, saying the scheme would help to complete unfinished parts of Burton Waters.

However the committee decided to visit the area and look into the concerns for themselves.

Coun Sue North, who leads Burton-by-Lincoln parish council, said: “These plans are at odds with the existing community of over 50s living in single-dwelling properties.

“Burton Waters are not opposed to development but these are totally unsuitable.”

She added: “The A57 roundabout is already a nightmare – adding this volume of vehicles is only going to add to the problems.”

The site on Woodcock Lane already has planning permission for 100 independent living homes, which could start work at any time.

However, work has never started on the 100 homes – and new plans for 66 family homes were subsequently submitted to the authority.

Mr Anderson, speaking for the Burton Waters Residents’ Group, said: “Just because there is (existing) planning permission doesn’t mean the council have to allow sub-par developments.”

Around 50 objections have been received from local residents, along with Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh.

Coun Paul Lee (Con), who represents the area on West Lindsey District Council, said: “This is an over 55s area for people who have bought into a certain lifestyle – the plans are totally out of character and not suitable for Burton Waters.”

Fellow ward councillor Jackie Brockway (Con) said: “This is a retirement area with no facilities for families or children. There are no schools, and no way for children to safely walk or cycle to one in either Lincoln or Saxilby.

“Two-storey homes would be deterimental in a community of bungalows.”

David Barker, representing the applicant, told the committee: “The aim is to create a high-quality development and help complete the Burton Waters settlement.

“A care facility is no longer viable given there is already a care home in Burton Waters.

“66 properties is much less (than the previous application), resulting in less traffic, more landscaping and more generous gardens.”

He said this scheme was ‘the best option’, but the applicant would submit a higher-density plan as a fallback.

The planning committee will visit the site and make a decision at a future meeting.