South Kesteven District Council defers decision for 70 homes in Colsterworth

Plans for a housing development in a village off the A1 did not provide councillors with the assurance needed for approval.

Outline planning permission was previously granted for Balfour Beatty Homes to build 70 homes on an 11-acre site north of the roundabout on Bourne Road in Colsterworth.

This week plans for the finer details of the development were presented to South Kesteven District Council.

It included details of 70 houses, including a mix of detached, semi-detached, terraced, flats and bungalow properties - 24 of which would be classed as affordable.

Councillors agreed with residents speaking at the meeting that the bigger, more expensive houses should be towards the front of the development as they are more in keeping with the character of the area.

Coun David Bellamy (Con - Isaac Newton) said that his objections were not the 'principal' of the development but the current design as it is 'out of character'.

"Prospective residents have been given priority over existing residents," he said.

Coun Phil Dilks (Ind - Deeping St James) added: "This is a site in the open countryside. I see this as a design in a busy town centre site.

"It just seems that some of these houses are almost cheek by jowl."

While the developer has argued there will not be a flood risk, councillors who know the area questioned the accuracy of this.

Coun Nick Robins (Con - Castle) recalled a recent flood which swept through the village damaging many of the properties. He said: "Residents have to have sand bags against their doors. I disagree entirely with all of you experts."

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Paul Slater, explained there is currently no drainage system in place, which is why the flood water runs into the village.

Councillors were unimpressed that these plans had not been detailed in the report given to them, and that Anglian Water has not yet been consulted.

Coun Dilks told the agent that he was 'amazed' plans weren't available at the reserved matters stage.

It was proposed that the decision is deferred until more information is available, which which the agent said he is 'very much not happy about'.

"It's important to get it right," Coun Dilks said. "These houses will be here for generation and have an impact on neighbouring people."

While Coun Gloria Johnson (Con - Stamford St George's) added that 'a lot more work needs to be done'.

It was agreed that the applicant must provide further details on access, the layout of properties and flooding before the council considers it again.