Great Casterton residents object to housing plans drawn up by Stancliffe Homes

Agricultural land could be lost to make way for a new housing development.

Stancliffe Homes is seeking planning permission to build 49 properties on land off College Close in Great Casterton.

Signs have appeared in the village calling for people to “say no to Stancliffe Homes”.

The boards claim the village doesn’t want “more cars, more traffic, more congestion and more danger on our roads”.

The developer's proposal (2022/1476/FUL) includes a mix of two to five-bedroom homes and a number of bungalows.

Thirty per cent of the properties would be allocated as affordable housing.

A statement submitted to Rutland County Council on behalf of the applicant said: “The proposed development is located directly adjoining an established settlement and is, accordingly, considered to be an appropriate location for the scheme.

“It would provide economic growth and have wider social benefits to the local community, meeting a range of housing requirements, including affordable housing.”

Since the plans were submitted, numerous villagers have contacted Rutland County Council with their objections to the scheme.

Many are concerned about the increase in traffic, which they say is already an issue, particularly during the school run.

Pam Tonkin, of College Close, said: “I fail to see there is a demand for more housing in Great Casterton. This development would not enhance or benefit Great Casterton and its residents in any way and would have an overbearing effect on the village.”

A letter from Wendy and Ben Shelbourn, of Pickworth Road, adds: "Traffic during the day causes a daily gridlock and is considered by residents as a nightmare.

"This proposed development does not contribute to the local community in any way and only adds to the pressure on the infrastructure of the village; there are no amenities, no medical facilities and there is an extremely limited bus services to Stamford."

The Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board was asked for its views.

It estimates the development would create an additional 118 patients for nearby surgeries, resulting in a need for an extra three hours of GP appointment times each week.

The board suggested a developer contribution of £32,340 towards healthcare at Lakeside Stamford or Glenside Country Practice.