Former quarry at Castle Bytham to become 85 new homes and shop
South Kesteven District Council’s planning committee have voted in favour of plans to turn a 9.6 hectare former quarry site in Castle Bytham, into 85 homes and a shop.
The application to transformThe Old Quarry off Station Road, went before SKDC’s development control committee on Tuesday. The applicant, pharmaceutical multi-millionaire Dr Dallas Burston, had initially also proposed for the creation of a health centre and care home at the site, but these were later removed in favour of creating more homes.
Speaking at the meeting, Castle Bytham Parish Council chair Vicky Dennis said: “The view of the parish council is that we do not object to a limited number of houses being built at street level, but we are opposed to a substantial development. This would equate to a 20 per cent plus increase to the population of the village.”
The plans were described as ‘creating a village within a village’ by a resident of Station Road, from where two access roads will be created to the new development.
The applicant’s agent, Peter Frampton, argued that these plans would be preferable to exisiting permission for industrial units at the site. He also addressed how part of the land is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
“The quarry faces which have geological importance, are the reason for the SSSI designation. These are preserved by the development within its conditions, which will make sure that the flora and fauna are properly managed for the first time,” said Mr Frampton.
Resident Peter Hinton spoke in favour of the plans, stating: “Providing an adequate supply of affordable housing on suitable sites creates balance, sustainable communities, and brings fresh life into rural villages.”
Committee members voted in favour of deferring the application to the chairman and vice chairman, in consultation with the executive manager for development and growth, for approval, subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement.
The proposed section 106 contributions include nearly £200,000 towards education provision, £10,000 to Highways to provide a pedestrian footway from the site, and funds for affordable housing, play facilities, and a private management company to maintain the site and SSSI.
