South Kesteven District Council's planning committee gives approval for 35 homes in Old Gravel Pit, south of Stowe Road in Langtoft

Councillors have given their approval to plans for 35 homes, despite environmental and highways concerns.

At a South Kesteven District Council meeting yesterday (October 28), an application by Ashwood Homes was put to councillors to give the final approval for a development at the Old Gravel Pit, south of Stowe Road in Langtoft.

Outline planning permission was granted for the site in 2019, with the latest application solidifying details such as appearance, access, layout and landscaping.

The applicant hopes to build a mix of two to five bedroom homes, 35 of which are affordable, with a mixture of detached, semis and short terraced, and bungalows.

Ahead of the meeting, planning officers recommended the plans for approval subject to conditions, stating in a report to councillors that 'Langtoft has a key role to play in providing housing and growth' and that it is 'considered to promote a sustainable form of development'.

However councillors questioned plans for the street trees, some of which are in gardens, and whether they would be protected, with Coun Dilks (Ind - Deeping St James) asking 'if a new resident came along could they just pull them out?'

Coun Penny Milnes (Ind - Loveden Heath) added: "I'm concerned a major part of the landscaping scheme we can't control, which defeats the object.

"We are looking at a nice green projection but that could be quite illusionary plan. I do worry about that."

It was confirmed that the trees would be replaced within the five years of being planted if damaged, with presenting officer Phil Moore adding: "It would be unreasonable to propose controls that they could never be removed as they are in people's gardens.

"However I think because of the nature of the estate, it's fairly small, it's fair to say most of those trees will be able to grow to their maturity and will grow into a leafy development."

Councillors were reassured that often in these situations it is unlikely people choose to get rid of the shrubbery and trees.

It was questioned by Coun Charmaine Morgan (Lab - Grantham St Vincent's) whether one of the private access roads is wide enough for emergency service vehicles and safe as there is no pedestrian access, but with no comments from the highways authority and it exceeding the minimum requirement for road width, officers tried to allay concerns.

However, Coun Morgan stated that the council only gets 'one chance' and while the developers are nearly there, they are trying to 'squash' too many houses in.

A number of councillors praised the inclusion of single-storey homes, particularly the three-bedroom bungalows.

It was proposed for approval by chairman Coun Helen Crawford (Con - Bourne West), who told the committee they are 'decent houses which look very good, not like they've come off the shelf'.

It was seconded by Coun Penny Robins (Con - Glen), and received six votes in favour, meaning the motion was carried.