Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Vanessa Smith and Councillor Phil Dilks in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Planning.

Councillor Mark Whittington noted that he was a Member of Barrowby Parish Council, which had objected to applications S26/0037 and S26/0038, however, he did not feel pre-determined and approached the applications with an open mind. 

On behalf of application S26/0363, the Chairman acknowledged on behalf of the committee that SKDC was the applicant, however, disclosed that this would not affect how members of the Planning Committee determined the application. They would do so with an open mind and in accordance with their planning training.

Regarding application S26/0363, the Chairman also disclosed for that they were a member of Grantham Town Council. However, they had not had any prior involvement and remained open minded.  

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2026 were agreed as an accurate record.

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary Condition 10 (Off-site highways works) of planning permission S25/0542 to allow up to 120 occupations

Location: Land at Rectory Farm (Phase 1), Grantham

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions

Given the interlinked nature of applications S26/0037 and S26/0038, the Chairman used their discretion to hear the officer presentations, public speakers and debate together.

Application S26/0037

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary Condition 10 (Off-site highways works) of planning permission S25/0542 to allow up to 120 occupations

Location: Land at Rectory Farm (Phase 1), Grantham

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions

Application S26/0038

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary Condition 11 (Off-site highways) of planning permission S24/0140 to allow up to 180 occupations

Location: Land at Rectory Farm (Phase 1), Grantham

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director - Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

Together with:

·       Provisions within South Kesteven Local Plan 2011-2036, Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven Supplementary Planning Document and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council (Highways & SuDS).

·       Comments received from Barrowby Parish Council.

·       Comments received from National Highways.

The following comments were made by the public speaker:

-       In May 2025, additional geotechnical and drainage surveys were undertaken with further work being undertaken in December 2025.

-       The applicant held monthly meetings with National Highways.

-       Design details were substantially agreed with all design work scheduled to be completed in May 2026.

-       The applicant was progressing the appointment of the works contractor.

-       The works were due to occur in early 2027, undertaking junctional improvement schemes at the same time. These were projected to be complete by the end of 2027.  

During questions to public speakers, Members commented on the following:

-       It was queried and confirmed that improvements to both junctions were to be undertaken at the same time, under the same scheme.

-       It was queried how the applicant intended to balance safety considerations during the works with the accelerated need for housing. The speaker confirmed that independent transport consultants engaging with Highways believed the model to be safe and acceptable.

During questions to officers and debate, Members commented on the following:

-       The Planning Officer explained the inspector’s safety analysis, considering the projected impact of the additional dwellings. The Planning Officer noted that the analysis had been calculated using peaks and troughs across the week to account for fluctuations.

-       It was confirmed that the analysis included ratio flow capacity, a calculation of traffic queuing time which showed the scheme to cause a slight increase in traffic queuing time but was still acceptable within the modelling.

-       It was confirmed that there was still capacity on the highway to cater for queuing at the junction.

-       It was also confirmed that the analysis and modelling accounted for the impact of other new developments in the area.

-       A Member queried whether these projections had accounted for additional diverted traffic during incidents on the A1. They were concerned about this and suggested speed reduction measures were undertaken at the Barrowby A1  ...  view the full minutes text for item 119.

Proposal: Low pressure cleaning of statues excluding plinth.

Location: Guildhall Arts Centre, St Peter's Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6PY

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director for Planning & Growth to APPROVE listed building consent subject to conditions

The meeting adjourned at 11.06 and resumed at 11.19.

Prior to the consideration of application S26/0363, Councillor Charmaine Morgan declared that she was a member of the Grantham Civic Society, however, approached the application with an open mind.

Proposal: Low pressure cleaning of statues excluding plinth

Location: Guildhall Arts Centre, St Peter's Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6PY

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director for Planning & Growth to APPROVE listed building consent subject to conditions

There were no public speakers.

Together with:

·       Provisions within South Kesteven Local Plan 2011-2016, Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven Supplementary Planning Document and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

·       Comments received from Grantham Town Council.

During questions to officers and debate, Members commented on the following:

-       It was queried whether the application could have been dealt with under delegated powers. It was confirmed that the application was brought to committee for transparency given that SKDC were the applicant.

-       Concern was noted by a member whether the work would cause oxidisation. This was confirmed not to be the case as patina would be reapplied during the works to prevent oxidisation.

-       It was noted that the plinth did not require cleaning.

-       The Chairman noted that Grantham Civic Society had expressed the desire for a specialist metal conservator to be used. It was agreed that Officers would consult with Grantham Civic Society were the application approved and a note would be added to the decision notice to this effect.

-       If any damages to the statues were identified during the works then it was noted that SKDC would have a responsibility to rectify the issue, given the legal duty derived from the statues being listed assets. It was also noted that should further works be required these would likely require a further planning application.

Final decision

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director for Planning & Growth to APPROVE listed building consent subject to conditions:

Time Limit for Commencement

1        The works hereby consented shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

Reason: In order to ensure that the works are commenced in a timely manner, as set out in Sections 18 and 74 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (as amended).

Approved Plans

2        The works hereby consented shall be carried out in accordance with the following list

of approved plans and reports:

i)        Location Plan received 02 March 2026

ii)        Design and Access Statement received 02 March 2026

Unless otherwise required by another condition of this permission.

Reason: To define the permission and for the avoidance of doubt.

Prior to Commencement

3        Prior to any works being undertaken, a detailed methodology for the proposed cleaning shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure that appropriate methods are utilised in treating the historic fabric in accordance with Policy EN6 and DE1 of the adopted South Kesteven Local Plan.

4  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

Proposal: Outline application for a residential development with all matters reserved except for access

Location: Land West of The Charters, Greatford Road, Uffington

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to:

·       Undertake a formal statutory consultation advertising the recommendation to approve planning permission as a departure from the development plan; and

·       In the event that the formal consultation does not raise any material planning considerations that have not previously been assessed as part of the current process, to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement

Prior to the commencement of the application, the Chairman disclosed the following statement:

“It has been brought to my attention that an agent here today was previously employed by the council as a planning officer and may be known to some members. All members have been trained and will determine the applications before them today in line with that training. Any member who feels differently should make a declaration accordingly.”

Councillor Mark Whittington left the Chamber.

Proposal: Outline application for a residential development with all matters reserved except for access

Location: Land West of The Charters, Greatford Road, Uffington

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to:

·       Undertake a formal statutory consultation advertising the recommendation to approve planning permission as a departure from the development plan; and

·       In the event that the formal consultation does not raise any material planning considerations that have not previously been assessed as part of the current process, to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

Together with:

·       Provisions within SKDC Local Plan 2011 – 2036, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven.

·       Comments received from Anglian Water Services.

·       Comments received from Conservation Officer (SKDC).

·       No comments received from Environment Agency.

·       Comments received from Environmental Protection Services.

·       Comments received from Heritage Lincolnshire.

·       No comments received from Historic England.

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council – Minerals and Waste.

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council -  Highways & SuDS.

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

·       Comments received from The Gardens Trust.

·       Comments received from Tree Officer (SKDC).

·       Comments received from Uffington Parish Council.

The following comments were made by the public speakers:

-       Planning permission on the site had previously been refused in 1994 on the grounds of highways safety. Since then, the level of traffic had increased.

-       The proposals would be a departure from the Local Development Plan.

-       The proposals would be to the detriment of the conservation area and this detriment was not outweighed by the increased housing supply.

-       There was no evidence that the proposals met a local need.

-       A series of trees on the site had recently been removed unlawfully and had caused a reduction in bats seen in the area.

-       There would be a loss of privacy for existing properties.

-       Some speakers questioned the extent of the ecological analysis.

-       The agent believed the proposals could be suitably integrated to tackle the housing land supply shortfall in line with the titled balance.

-       The agent also argued that the proposals would not detract from the local setting.

During questions to public speakers, Members commented on the following:

-       It was queried when The Charters was built.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 121.

Proposal: The erection of 10no. dwellings, associated infrastructure and green space

Location: Land Off Brambling Walk, Rippingale, Bourne, PE10 0WB

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to undertake a formal statutory consultation advertising the recommendation to approve planning permission as a departure from the development plan; and

In the event that the formal consultation does not raise any material planning considerations that have not previously been assessed as part of the current process, to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement

Proposal: The erection of 10no. dwellings, associated infrastructure and green space

Location: Land Off Brambling Walk, Rippingale, Bourne, PE10 0WB

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to undertake a formal statutory consultation advertising the recommendation to approve planning permission as a departure from the development plan; and in the event that the formal consultation does not raise any material planning considerations that have not previously been assessed as part of the current process, to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

Together with:

·       Provisions within SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036, Rippingale Neighbourhood Plan 2023-2036, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven Supplementary Planning Document.

·       Comments received from Parish Council.

·       Comments received from Environmental Protection.

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council Education.

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

·       Comments received from Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board.

·       Comments received from Affordable Housing Officer (SKDC).

·       Comments received from Heritage Trust.

·       Comments received from NHS Lincolnshire.

·       Comments received from Anglian Water.

The following comments were made by the public speakers:

-       Flooding was a serious issue within the village. The dyke had regularly burst, and the old sewage system was at maximum capacity. Despite residents raising concerns with the relevant authorities, they had just been provided with sandbags. These repeated instances had demoralised local flood volunteers.

-       The area lacked sufficient amenities and had already seen a 12% increase in size over the previous two years. 

-       The proposed site was situated on high land within the village, adding to sewage overflow during the frequent flooding.

-       Noise, dust, and pollution would impact residents during the development works.

-       A member of the public requested copies of the Development Management Plan should the works go ahead.

-       There was poor highways access to the site.

-       A neighbouring member of the public noted that the separating hedge on the boundary of the site required maintenance within the covenants of his property. He had also built a retaining wall given that the site was situated higher than his garden. A concern was raised as to whether a development so close to the boundary could put pressure on the boundary wall.

-       The agent explained that they were liaising with the lead flood authority and the build programme was scheduled to last for 12 months.

-       The agent also explained that anybody from the village could purchase the dwellings at a discounted rate of 80% market value for perpetuity, and a financial contribution of £54,000 for local education facilities and £9,000 to the NHS Trust for local NHS facilities.

During questions to public speakers, Members commented on the following:

-       It was noted that there was no daily bus service and the nearest medical centre was at Billingborough.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.

Proposal: Outline application for the phased development of up to 3 serviced plots for self-build/custom house building (all matters reserved apart from access)

Location: Land between no.9 and no.21 Main Road, Uffington PE9 4SN

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to REFUSE planning permission

It was AGREED to extend the meeting until 18.00

The meeting adjourned at 16.52 and resumed at 17.01.

Proposal: Outline application for the phased development of up to 3 serviced plots for self-build/custom house building (all matters reserved apart from access)

Location: Land between no.9 and no.21 Main Road, Uffington PE9 4SN

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to REFUSE planning permission

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

Together with:

·       Provisions within SKDC Local Plan 2011 – 2036, Design Guidelines Supplementary Planning Document and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

·       Comments received from Historic England.

·       Comments received from The Gardens Trust.

·       Comments received from Uffington Parish Council.

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council (Highways and SuDS).

·       Comments received from SKDC Conservation Officer.

·       Comments received from Heritage Lincolnshire.

·       Comments received from Anglian Water.

The following comments were made by the public speakers:

-       The written sentiments from the District Councillor and Parish Council favoured the proposals, citing the land was currently underutilised and the proposals complied with the local policy on both infill and edge-of-development.

-       They argued the proposals were in keeping with the character of the village and wouldn’t compromise the conservation area.

-       The applicant argued the proposals were SP4 compliant and reminded Members of the tilted balance given that SKDC could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

-       No statutory consultees had objected to the proposals.

During questions to public speakers, Members commented on the following:

-       It was confirmed that Mill Mount could still be accessed via the public footpath which had previously been diverted.

-       Tree maintenance would be the responsibility of the homeowners.

-       It was confirmed that the adjacent farmhouse would be the nearest listed building.

-       Members queried whether design consideration had been given to the building heights. The applicant confirmed that six different design options were submitted during the pre-application and this was the preferred one.

-       Members were reminded of the definition of open countryside.

-       It was confirmed that the materials used and design choice of individual plots would be the decision of the individual plot buyers.

-       Clarification was sought about the waste collection provisions. The applicant confirmed that a traffic survey had been undertaken, demonstrating that the bin lorry could access the site. 

During questions to officers and debate, Members commented on the following:

-       The Planning Officer confirmed that the site was not considered to meet the planning definition of open countryside given its proximity to the village and the conservation area.

-       A Member suggested additional weight should be given to favourable consideration given the shortage of self-build properties. The Planning Officer noted there were currently 222 self-build properties registered within South Kesteven.

-       It was confirmed that lorries could use the roads if they were not adopted by Lincolnshire Country Council.

-       Members were reminded that it was not a material  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary condition 1 (Approved Plans) of planning permission reference S24/1453 (Application for reserved matters relating to layout, scale, appearance, landscaping and access following outline planning permission S22/106

Location: The Gables, Honington Road, Barkston, Lincolnshire, NG32 2NG

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions

It was AGREED to defer application S25/2394.

There was none.

The meeting concluded at 18.00.