Plans for 35 homes in Pinchbeck were passed despite criticism of 'urban sprawl' by councillors
A housing development labelled as ‘urban sprawl’ has been rubber stamped despite a hard fought battle against it by councillors and residents.
Postland Developments had applied for the ‘reserved matters’ of its application for a development on land off Milestone Lane in Pinchbeck to be approved.
After a lengthy debate where councillors and residents described the 35 home application as ‘overdevelopment’, the plans were narrowly voted through.
Chairman James Avery relinquished his role in order to speak at South Holland District Council’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday.
Speaking as a ward member, he said: “Although the permission was granted some time ago, we didn’t have the current supply levels and the robust local plan that we do now.
“We do have four or five years’ supply and a local plan in which this is identified as being outside.
“I fail to understand that the application has been proven necessary.
“We have to be pragmatic about this. There will be a detrimental impact on the existing residents, GPs and schools. Thirty five dwellings bring with it more families and multiple vehicles - and will impact our already unsuitable road network.”
Coun Avery said that he felt Lincolnshire County Council’s Highways department had ‘overlooked’ the safety of the roads, adding: “The clue is in the name - they are lanes.
“In a word; overdevelopment.”
Fellow ward member Coun Sally Slade had also previously objected to the plans, raising concerns over the flood risk and road safety.
The land was subjected to flooding last summer. However, a planning report stated that flood risk was ‘considered to have been appropriately addressed’ by the developer.
“If anything, my concerns have got worse, not better,” Coun Slade said.
“The road is still narrow, not just around the site but all around Crossgate is very narrow. There will be a yet more pressure on our amenities and services.
“It’s urban sprawl”
Chris Brewis was ‘very concerned’ about the finished floor levels of the properties, in which the highest properties would go up by 94cms according to officer Polly Harris-Gorf.
He added: “It got outline permission even though most of us don’t think it ought to happen.”
However, Coun Peter Coupland spoke more positively of the development and praised the provision of 25% of affordable housing.
“It’s got lots of green space, varied designs, sensible density,” he said.
“I don’t think the developer has been greedy and I am finding it difficult to disagree with the officer’s recommendation.”
Coun Rodney Grocock said he had ‘sympathy with both sides’ but felt it was a ‘good looking’ development.
Coun Jack Tyrrell moved the officer’s recommendation to approve the application, adding: “Although it’s against people’s thoughts, you’ve got to take your heart out of it.
“We would also lose if it went to appeal.”
Councillors narrowly voted in favour of approving the application (6-4), with officers asked to ‘tighten conditions’ on the drainage aspect of the plans.
Residents frustrated at Milestone Lane development decision
Frustrated residents have urged a developer to ensure that highways access to a new development is made safe.
People living around land off Milestone Lane in Pinchbeck were disappointed that councillors voted to ignore their concerns and pass plans for 35 new homes.
It is understood that residents had taken legal advice about a possible next move - although it’s not thought last week’s committee decision can be challenged in this way.
They had pointed out a number of concerns with the details of the scheme - and want the council to ensure Postland Developments now sticks to what was put forward.
Residents had pointed out that the highways around the site are all ‘lanes’ and not roads - and that they would struggle to cope with extra traffic.
At parts they have even measured the land to demonstrate that there is not the space to widen the highway and add in a path - as put forward in the proposals.
Resident Rachael Barrowcliff said: “It’s got to be safe coming out of the development.
“At least get that bit right to avoid an accident.”
If these matters are not delivered, the residents hope the council’s building control team will enforce the conditions attached to the planning permission.
Residents were also frustrated with some of the councillors on the committee - feeling they had not all fully grasped the detail and backstory of this application.
The Local Plan had said the land was ‘undevelopable’ because of the narrow lanes - but highways did not raise objections to the current proposal.