Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

The Chairman made the following disclosure:

“In relation to Agenda Item 6, the land at 28 Stonebridge Road, it is declared by the Committee and its members that this land is owned by the Council.

This declaration is made in the interests of transparency and this application, along with all others considered in this meeting will be determined solely on its planning merits against planning policy.”

The Chairman also noted that they are the ward member for the St. Vincent Ward, but they would approach Item 6 with an open mind.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 August 2024 were proposed, seconded and AGREED as a correct record.

Proposal: The creation of a biodiversity habitat bank to be secured for a period of 30 years

Location: Exton’s Wood and Ark Field, East of Boothby Pagnell and Witherns and Kirkhill, West of Bitchfield

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director of Planning & Growth to enter into a Section 106 Agreement with Boothby Wildland Ltd to create, manage and maintain Biodiversity Net Gain Units for the purpose of satisfying Biodiversity Net Gain Obligations for developments for a period of 30 years.

Proposal: The creation of a biodiversity habitat bank to be secured for a period of 30 years.

Location: Exton’s Wood and Ark Field, East of Boothby Pagnell and Witherns and Kirkhill, West of Bitchfield.

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director of Planning & Growth to enter into a Section 106 Agreement with Boothby Wildland Ltd to create, manage and maintain Biodiversity Net Gain Units for the purpose of satisfying Biodiversity Net Gain Obligations for developments for a period of 30 years.

Councillor Trotter declared that whilst she was the Ward Member, she was approaching the application with an open mind.

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

Mr Ivan de Klee - Agent, Head of Natural Capital.

During questions to Public Speakers, Members commented on:

-Members requested reassurance that the land could be maintained for 30 years given that it would be managed by a Limited Company. The speaker confirmed that within the provisions, the land would be under a binding Section 106 agreement. Whilst there would not be a bond in place with SKDC, the speaker also confirmed that much of the habitat would be managed by grazing and deer management.

-Members requested clarity from the speaker regarding Boothby Wildland Limited’s definition of regenerative farming. The speaker identified the key principle of regenerative farming to be using ‘restorative practices’, particularly regarding soil.

-Another Member highlighted the danger of animals having to cross the road and asked if there would be anything in place to safeguard them. The speaker recognised the concern and noted that they were keen to work on creating safer animal crossings. However, other than initial badger gates, implementing more specifically designated animal crossings was a consideration for the future.

-The Member responded to request clarity regarding the process following the initial 30-year period. The speaker disclosed that their ambition was for the land to be a nature habitat for over a century, and that they hoped to bind this under a covenant. The Assistant Director of Planning and Growth noted that the proposals are currently for 30 years due to the current requirements for developers to meet legislative requirements for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).   

-In response to a Member, the speaker stated that they ‘hoped’ for the site to gain ‘designated’ status in the future.

-After expressing their excitement about the proposed habitat, a Member queried the nature and process of the funding, particularly in the event that all units were sold. The speaker confirmed that in the event that all BNG units were sold, there were other eco-services that could be sold such as flood management or carbon sequestration systems in order to support the wider business model. The land could also be used for glamping or old farm buildings could be used for other rural diversification businesses. Overall, the aim is that this would fund 20-30 years of nature restoration.

-One Member sought clarification about the timeframe for seeing the benefits of the proposals. The speaker stated that ‘remarkable change’ would be seen  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

Proposal: Outline planning application for up to 80 dwellings, including vehicular access, pedestrian and cycle links, public open space, landscaping, drainage and associated works (All matters reserved except access)

Location: Land South of A15 West of Peterborough Road, Market Deeping

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to GRANT planning permission – subject to conditions and subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement

Proposal: Outline planning application for up to 80 dwellings, including vehicular access, pedestrian and cycle links, public open space, landscaping, drainage and associated works (All matters reserved except access)

Location: Land South of A15 West of Peterborough Road, Market Deeping

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to GRANT planning permission – subject to conditions and subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement

Cllr Byrd declared that she was the District Ward Member and a member of the relevant Town Council and Neighbourhood Plan Group. However, she would be objective and remain openminded.

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

-Mr Robert Love – Agent, Bidwells.

Together with:

-Provisions within the SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036

-Provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

-Provisions within the Neighbourhood Plan

-Provisions within the Supplementary Planning Document.

-Comments received by 5.1         LCC Highways & SuDS Support

-Comments received by Lincolnshire County Council (Education)

-Comments received by NHS Integrated Care Board

-Comments received by Deepings Neighbourhood Plan Group

-Comments received by Anglican Water Services

-Comments received by Welland and Deeping Internal Drainage Board

-Comments received by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

-Comments received by SKDC Affordable Housing Officer

-Comments received by SKDC Environmental Protection Officer

-Comments received by SKDC Conservation Officer

-Comments received by Historic England Comments

-Comments received by Market Deeping Town Council

-Comments received by Heritage Lincolnshire

-Comments received by Market Deeping Town Council.

During questions to Public Speakers, Members commented on:

-Whether the open spaces and BNG targets would remain. The speaker confirmed that the Development Framework Plan sets out open space areas to the West and further development areas to the East. Regarding the BNG level would be secured at 45% within the planning conditions and Section 106 agreement, significantly in excess of the 10% required. 

During questions to Officers and debate, Members commented on:

-Further details of the crossing point in Section 5.4.7 of the proposal, particularly with regards securing a safe design. The Planning Officer confirmed that whilst the location of the crossing had been identified, there were still options for the exact detail of the crossing. Additionally, the Local Highways Authority had been consulted and they had requested the condition of a foot/cycleway being included either within or along the front of the site.

-Section 7.7.7 regarding the hedgerow along the eastern boundary with Peterborough Road. The Planning Officer stated that the exact layout was yet to be confirmed and this would determine how much of the hedge will remain. However, the developer is minded to keep ‘as much of the hedge as possible.’

-The Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) education contribution and whether there was any scope for the amounts to be reviewed. The Planning Officer stated that the exact figure could only be determined when they know the exact number of residential properties to be built on the site.

-Whether the Section 106 funding would be sufficient for the proposals. The Planning Officer confirmed this. 

-Members praised the developer for their engagement with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

Proposal: Proposed development of 8no new semi-detached residential

Dwellings

Location: 28 Stonebridge Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 9AR

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

Proposal: Proposed development of 8no new semi-detached residential Dwellings

Location: 28 Stonebridge Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 9AR

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

Cllr Harrison disclosed that he knew the Agent of the application and therefore left the Chamber for the remainder of agenda item six.

There were no public speakers for this application.

Together with –

-Provisions within the SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036

-Provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

-Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council Highways

-Comments received from SKDC Environmental Health

-Comments received from SKDC Tree Officer

-Comments received from SKDC Conservation Officer

During questions to Officers and debate, Members commented on:

-The improved aesthetic to the site which the proposals would bring.

-The application would not require a BNG assessment given that the application was submitted before this became a statutory requirement.

-Concerns that the trees at the rear of the site would have on overshadowing and overgrowing the back gardens of some of the properties. It was noted by the Chairman that little could be done regarding this as the trees are bound to remain under the guise of the character of the area. Furthermore, the properties could not be moved forward because this would compromise the parking.

-The condition within the Supplementary papers to protect the roots of the trees. This caused concern to the extent to which the trees would continue to grow and exacerbate the overshadowing issue. The Assistant Director of Planning noted that the trees were mature and so further significant growth would be unlikely. Considering the roots, the Assistant Director also noted that ensuring that the foundations of the properties were structurally sound would be covered within the building regulations.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED unanimously to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to GRANT planning permission.

Time Limit for Commencement

1)                The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: In order that the development is commenced in a timely manner, as set out in Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

Approved Plans

2)             The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following list of approved plans:

                      I.            Site Location Plan (received 09/07/24)

                    II.            Proposed Block Plan (received 09/07/24)

                  III.            Proposed New Dwellings - House Type A, drawing ref. 0832 (received 20/06/24)

                  IV.            Proposed New Dwellings – House Type B, drawing ref. 0832 (received 20/06/24)

                    V.           Proposed New Dwellings – House Type C, drawing ref. 0832 (received 20/06/24)

                  VI.            Proposed New Dwellings – House Type D, drawing ref. 0832 (received 20/06/24)

                VII.            Topographical Block Plan, drawing ref. 0832 Rev 1 (received 20/06/24)

              VIII.            Proposed Street Scene, drawing ref. 0832 Rev 3 (received 20/06/24)

Unless otherwise required by another condition of this permission.

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

Before the Development is Commenced

3)                No development shall be carried out (other than  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

Proposal: Conversion of public house to 2no. commercial units and 12no. residential units (2no. commercial units on the ground floor with 4no. flats over and a conversion of existing rear extension into 8no. residential houses).

Location: 41 Watergate, Grantham, Lincolnshire

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director of Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement

Proposal: Conversion of public house to 2no. commercial units and 12no. residential units (2no. commercial units on the ground floor with 4no. flats over and a conversion of existing rear extension into 8no. residential houses).

Location: 41 Watergate, Grantham, Lincolnshire

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director of Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission.

Cllr Harrison returned to the Chamber and declared that he was the Ward Member, however, he would remain objective with the application.

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

-Dr Sarmad Aslam - Applicant

Together with:

-Provisions within the SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036

-Provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

-Other relevant documentation – Grantham Shopfront Design Guide

-Comments received from Environmental Protection Services (SKDC)

-Comments received from LCC Highways & SuDS Support

-Comments received from NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board

-Comments received from LCC Education

-Comments received from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue

-Comments received from Anglican Water

-Comments received from SKDC Historic Buildings Advisor

During questions to Public Speakers, Members commented on:

-Whether the speaker intended to keep the building the colour blue. The speaker confirmed that they intend to remove the blue to fit in with the surrounding buildings.

-One Member raised a point of order that prior to the building’s current incarnation, it had been an ironmongers with a green shopfront.

-It was noted that the application had been prior to the requirement for BNG.

-Whether there was the prospect of any natural greenery. The speaker confirmed their intention to create a communal garden for visitors.

-It was asked what the speaker’s intentions were with the building name. The speaker confirmed they intended to keep the name as the ‘The Playhouse’.  

During questions to Officers and debate, Members commented on:

-A Ward Councillor for the area welcomed the ‘fantastic development’.

-Whether the insulation between the residential dwellings would be sufficient. The Assistant Director of Planning clarified that this would be picked up by building control.

-Whether the speaker’s intention of installing a communal garden at the rear of the property would compromise the access for emergency services. This is particularly significant given that section 5.5.1 on page 211 of the Agenda Report Pack identifies that Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue had objected on the basis of inadequate access. The Planning Officer confirmed that building regulations would ensure that acceptable safety standards are met regarding fire safety. 

-Given that the communal garden was not included in the proposals being considered, the Chairman enquired to the Planning Officer about inserting a condition into the proposals to ensure the garden area did not create the negative consequence. The Planning Officer confirmed this could be done with a ‘regular soft landscaping condition.’

-A Member proposed approving the application but declined to insert a condition regarding the garden.

Following this proposal, the motion was seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director of Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement, and subject to condition. Furthermore, the vote agreed to part  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

Proposal: Proposed residential development of 9no. 3-bedroom houses with associated access off The Drift

Location: Land off The Drift, Harlaxton

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

The meeting resumed at 15:40.

Proposal: Proposed residential development of 9no. 3- bedroom houses with associated access off The Drift

Location: Land off The Drift, Harlaxton

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

There were no public speakers for this application.

Together with:

-Provisions within the SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036

-Provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

-Provisions within the Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven

-Comments received from SKDC Environmental Health

-Comments received from SKDC Tree Officer

-Comments received from SKDC Conservation Officer

-Comments received from SKDC Design Officer

-Comments received from Heritage Lincolnshire

-Comments received from Historic England

-Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council Highways

-Comments received from Anglican Water

-Comments received from SKDC Local Plans Team

-No comments received from The Gardens Trust

-No comments received from the Environment Agency

During questions to Officers and debate, Members commented on:

-One Member asked whether the site was allocated in the Local Plan for residential development. The Planning Officer confirmed that the site had been identified as a draft allocation in the Local Plan Review, but it was not allocated in the current, adopted Local Plan.

-The Chairman praised those involved and recognised the good work of the Design PAD.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to unanimously to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to GRANT planning permission.

Time Limit for Commencement

1)                The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: In order that the development is commenced in a timely manner, as set out in Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

Approved Plans

2)                The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following list of approved plans:

    i.               Site Location Plan (received 16/01/24)

   ii.               Proposed Site Plan, drawing ref. (04)03-01 C (received 29/07/24)

  iii.              Proposed Landscaping Plan, drawing ref. (03)05-01 C (received 29/07/24)

 iv.               Proposed Site Details, drawing ref. (04)06-01 A (received 29/07/24)

   v.              Proposed Swept Path Analysis, drawing ref. (04)07-01 B (received 29/07/24)

 vi.               House Type – Plot 01 Type A, drawing ref. (04)08-01 A (received 10/06/24)

vii.               House Type – Plot 02 Type Cv.1, drawing ref. (04)08-02 B (received 29/07/24)

viii.              House Type – Plot 03 Type Bv.1, drawing ref. (04)08-03 A (received 10/06/24)

 ix.               House Type – Plot 04 Type Cv.2, drawing ref. (04)08-04 A (received 10/06/24)

   x.              House Type – Plot 05 Type Bv.2, drawing ref. (04)08-05 A (received 10/06/24)

 xi.               House Type – Plot 06 Type Cv.3, drawing ref. (04)08-06 A (received 10/06/24)

xii.               House Type – Plot 07 Type Dv.1, drawing ref. (04)08-07 A (received 10/06/24)

xiii.              House Type – Plot 08 Type Dv.2, drawing ref. (04)08-08 A (received 10/06/24)

xiv.               House Type – Plot 09 Type E, drawing ref. (04)08-09 A (received 10/06/24)

xv.              Drainage Layout, drawing ref. 0-500 P2 (received 16/01/24)

Unless otherwise required by another condition of this permission.

Reason: To define the permission and for the avoidance of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary condition 2 (approved plans) of S20/1862 Amendments to Plot 3 house type

Location: Osier Farm, 141B Eastgate, Deeping St James

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

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary condition 2 (approved plans) of S20/1862 Amendments to Plot 3 house type

Location: Osier Farm, 141B Eastgate, Deeping St James

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

-Cllr Phil Dilks – As Ward Member.

-Statement read by Democratic Services on behalf of the Chairman of Deeping St James Parish Council.

Together with:

-Provisions within the SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036.

-Provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

-Provisions within the Neighbourhood Plan.

-Provisions within the Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven.

-Comments received from LCC Highways and SuDS.

-Comments received from SKDC Conservation Officer

-Comments received from Deeping St. James Town Council

-Comments received from Market and West Deeping Ward Councillors.

-No comments received from Deepings Neighbourhood Plan Group.

During questions to Public Speakers, Members commented on:

-The increase in height that was being proposed. This was confirmed to be an increase of 1.75 metres from 7 metres to 8.75 metres.

-The report from the Conservation Officer stating that this would have a ‘neutral impact’ upon the significance of the listed building, in the context of the surrounding plots.

-Whether the original application was for a three-storey building and, if not, at what point did the application change to seek three-storey approval. The Ward Member acting as speaker confirmed that the original plans had been for two-storey approval, however, it has become three-storey as a result of this application.

-Any objections raised by neighbours. The Ward Member acting as speaker confirmed that no objections from neighbours had been raised.

During questions to Officers and debate, Members commented on:

-The distance between Osier Farm and the nearest point of the proposed plots. The Assistant Director of Planning confirmed this to be 76.195 metres from the Supplementary papers.

-One Member identified that from Eastgate, the building on Plot 2 would shield Plot 3, subsequently minimising the impact of the height increase. This is also considering that there is a slight slope on the Eastgate Road.

-The reality of the slope was disputed by some Members; however, this was confirmed by the Officer.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director of Planning to grant Planning Permission.

It was proposed, seconded and unanimously AGREED to extend the Planning Committee meeting beyond the initial three hours for another 40 minutes.

Cllr Fellows and Cllr Smith left the meeting.

Time Limit for Commencement

1.    The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of permission Ref. S20/1862.

Reason: In order that the development is commenced in a timely manner, as set out in Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

Approved Plans

2.    The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the

following list of approved plans:

Drawing No.MSP.1517.001A Site Location Plan, received 29 October 2020

Drawing No.1837.A.1b Proposed Block Plan, received 19 April 2021

Drawing No.1837.A.2a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

Proposal: Removal of existing passenger lift to be replaced with new lift in the same location

Location: Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2DL

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to GRANT listed building consent, subject to conditions.

Proposal: Removal of existing passenger lift to be replaced with new lift in the same location

Location: Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2DL

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to GRANT listed building consent, subject to conditions.

There were no public speakers for this application.

Together with:

-Provisions within the SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036

-Provisions within the Stamford Neighbourhood Plan

-Provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework

-Comments received from Stamford Town Council

-Comments received from Stamford Civic Society

-No comments received from Historic England.

During questions to Officers and debate, Members commented on:

-A Member endorsed their support for the application, highlighting that the lift had been out of order for over three years.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED unanimously to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to GRANT 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 development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following list of approved plans:

i.         206 P01 – Location & Site Plan received 31 May 2024

ii.        206 P02A – Proposed Ground Floor Plan [received 31 May 2024]

ii         206 P03 – Proposed South & East Elevation [received 31 May 2024]

Unless otherwise required by another condition of this permission.

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

Before the Development is Occupied

3)  Before any part of the development hereby permitted is occupied/brought into use, the external elevations shall have been completed using only the materials stated in the planning application forms unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure a satisfactory appearance to the development and in accordance with Policy DE1 of the adopted South Kesteven Local Plan.

One Member raised the issue of the North Street development in Stamford, explaining that its apparent abandonment was an eyesore for the community. It is believed that the same developer has left the Salvation Army site in the same condition. The Member queried what could be done in terms of enforcement action. This query was supported by another Member.

The Assistant Director of Planning confirmed that there was ‘little’ that could be done in terms of enforcement. However, they could serve an Untidy Site Notice under Section 215 of the Town & Country Planning Act.

A Member responded by querying if there was any leverage by using the ombudsman, particularly given that one of the areas has been in such a condition for over 30 years. The Assistant Director of Planning confirmed that the ombudsman can only intervene with public bodies, not individuals, so this was not an option. However, they would request their team to visit the site again. The Member asked if the owner would have to pay rates on the land given that the building had been demolished. The Assistant Director of Planning was unaware at the time. 

Cllr Bellamy left the meeting. 

A similar query was raised by another Member regarding the halted development on Dysart Road, Grantham as a resident of the area has contacted the relevant Councillor to report a landslip. The Assistant Director of Planning confirmed that any damage to the individual as a result of the landslip is unfortunately a civil matter, however, she would request the Enforcement Team to review the current situation with the site.

A Member asked if there were any updates regarding Haddon Road. The Assistant Director of Planning confirmed that this matter was currently with the Legal Team.

The Chairman closed the Planning Committee meeting at 16:50.