Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Patsy Ellis, Harrish Bisnauthsing, Vanessa Smith and Mark Whittington.

Councillor Harrish Bisnauthsing was substituted by Councillor Max Sawyer.

Councillor Vanessa Smith would join the meeting at 1pm.

Councillor Helen Crawford disclosed an interest in application S25/2443, stating that she previously knew a public speaker in a professional capacity but was addressing the application with an open mind.

It was confirmed that there were no exempt papers for the morning session.

The Chairman gave the following statement regarding applications S25/2462, S25/2223, S25/2444 and S25/2282:

‘I make a declaration on behalf of all members that whilst it is acknowledged that the Council are the Applicant, this will not affect how members of the planning committee determine the application. All members have been trained and will determine the applications in accordance with their planning training and with an open mind. Any member who does not feel they are open minded to determine the applications should make a declaration to that effect and not vote on the application.’

The Chairman declared an interest on applications S25/2444 and S24/2218, as a Member of Grantham Town Council. She would remain open minded when considering the application.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2026 were proposed, seconded and AGREED as a correct record.

Proposal: Outline application for a residential development (7 dwellings) with all matters reserved except for access.

Location: Constables Field, Belton Lane, Manthorpe, Grantham

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

Proposal: Outline application for a residential development (7 dwellings) with all matters reserved except for access

Location: Constables Field, Belton Lane, Manthorpe, Grantham

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

District Ward Councillor                                Cllr Ian Stokes (Statement)

Together with:

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

·       Comments received from the Parish Council.

·       Comments received from Highways and SuDs.

·       Comments received from Environmental Protection.

·       No comments received from Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

·       No comments received from Anglian Water.

·       Comments received from Environment Agency.

The following comments were made by the public speakers:

·       The District Ward Councillor raised concern around the access to the site which appeared to be too close to the railway bridge on Belton Lane. The speed limit on this road is currently 60mph and drivers often exceed this going over the bridge.

·       Further concern was raised that LCC Highways had not raised any objections particularly with the current lack of a footpath for pedestrian use.

·       The area has already had significant development approved and he urged the committee refuses the application on the basis of overdevelopment on the country road.

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

·       It was confirmed that there was 155 meters from the access point to the bridge. Highways advised a minimum visibility distance of 124 meters in which a vehicle could safety stop from 60mph. Some Members noted concern about the safety of the access point given the speed of the road and whether there was sufficient stopping distance. A Member did note that the access point had previously been used for slow-moving tractors to access the agricultural site.

·       The suggestion was made for a speed reduction of the relevant section of Belton Lane, and/or electronic speed awareness devices. It was noted that this was not within the remit of SKDC but the suggestion would be relayed to Lincolnshire County Council.

·       Clarification was sought about whether a pedestrian footpath could be conditioned. It was confirmed that provisions were included for a 2-meter-wide footpath, as recommended by the Highways Authority. The exact position of the footpath was to be confirmed but would be the most appropriate option covered by the condition. Concern was noted by some Members about whether there would be sufficient connectivity from the site on foot. 

·       Reassurance was sought that the layout, scale and appearance of the development could not be retrospectively changed following the award of planning permission. The Planning Officer confirmed that this would require a separate application and the application before Members was purely to determine the appropriateness of the site for the potential of 7 dwellings.

·       It was noted a comprehensive layout, scale, and appearance of the site had not been presented to the committee despite being received by the Planning Officers. This was because whilst the plans satisfied officers that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 106.

Proposal: New farm access track across field to new barn

Location: Toll House Farm, Farm Land Adjacent To Mill House, Bourne Road, Folkingham, NG34 0HA

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

Proposal: New farm access track across field to new barn

Location: Toll House Farm, Farm Land Adjacent To Mill House, Bourne Road, Folkingham, NG34 0HA

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

District Ward Councillor                    Cllr Murray Turner

Together with:

·       Provisions within SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036 and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

·       Comments received from Folkingham Parish Council.

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

·       Comments received from National Gas Transmission.

·       Comments received from Heritage Lincolnshire.

The following comments were made by the public speakers:

The District Ward Councillor noted that both the County Councillor, the Parish Council, and 11 objectors had expressed the desire to find an alternative solution, labelling the current application as evasive.

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

·       Noting that the track had already been installed, the speaker queried whether the width of the track was excessive for the stated purpose. A Member suggested that the width of the track had been to allow for wider trailers and transporting equipment.

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

·       It was confirmed that the barn had been used for agricultural uses only.

·       A Member expressed frustration that the individual had not sought planning permission before building the track.

·       It was noted that the track could be seen from Folkingham market square.

·       It was queried whether the applicant had offered to reduce the width of the track in order to secure planning permission. The Planning Officer confirmed that there had been an email thread where this had been suggested but this was not an amendment within the application.

·       It was suggested that a landscaping condition was included, should the application be approved, that replacement hedge rows would be installed at the entrance to the track subject to consideration by the relevant professional. A Member did suggest that this would impair visibility. It was agreed that the location of any replacement landscaping/hedging would be with the recommendation of officers who would take such matters into account.

Final decision

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions:

Approved Plans

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

i.         TOLL HOUSE FARM - FARM TRACK LAYOUT 001 – received 09/02/26

ii.        TOLL HOUSE FARM - FARM TRACK LAYOUT 002  - received 09/02/26

iii.   LOCATION PLAN – received 18/12/25

Unless otherwise required by another condition of this consent.

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

During Building Works

2.       No development hereby permitted shall commence until a written scheme of archaeological investigation has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Thereafter, the proposed archaeological investigations shall be carried out in accordance with the approved Written Scheme of Investigation before works are re-commenced.

Reason:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

Proposal: Repair 4 Oak supporting posts to the roof canopy after stripping off existing Collyweston roof slates. The slates are to be cleaned and reinstated once the works to the timber structure have been completed

Location: Land Off Of Elm Avenue, Witham On The Hill

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

Proposal: Repair 4 Oak supporting posts to the roof canopy after stripping off existing Collyweston roof slates. The slates are to be cleaned and reinstated once the works to the timber structure have been completed

Location: Land Off Of Elm Avenue, Witham On The Hill

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

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).

·       No comments received from Historic England.

·       Comments received from Witham on The Hill Parish Council.

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

·       The lifespan of the repairs was queried. The Planning Officer confirmed that this couldn’t be explicitly determined but general maintenance would be required to extend the lifespan of the repairs.

·       A member queried what finish the replacement timbers would have given the character of the existing timbers. The Conservation Officer advised that the timbers would not be treated but would be expected to age naturally and quite quickly gain a weathered finish. The officer also advised that the existing timbers were not the original timbers.

Final decision

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director for Planning & Growth 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 works hereby consented shall be carried out in accordance with the following list

of approved plans and reports:

i)        Location Plan, received 28 January 2026

ii)        Witham on the Hill Design and Access Statement, received 28 January 2026

iii)       Methodology of Works received 03 February 2026

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        Before the commencement of any of the joinery works hereby consented, full details of all proposed joinery works for the splice repair and any additional joinery required, including 1:20 sample elevations and 1:2 joinery profiles, shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Thereafter, the development must be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To ensure the satisfactory preservation of this listed building and in accordance with Policy EN6 of the adopted South Kesteven Local Plan.

Before the Development is Occupied

4        Before the part of the building being altered is first occupied/brought into use, the repair of the canopy shall have been completed in accordance with the approved method statement and material.

Reason: To ensure the satisfactory preservation of this listed building and in accordance with Policy EN6 of the adopted South Kesteven  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.

Proposal: Lateral crown reduction to Oak tree (TPO-356)

Location: Land Adjacent To Numbers 11-21 (Odd Numbers), Rosemary Avenue, Market Deeping, PE6 8JY

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

The presentations for applications S25/2223, S25/2444, and S25/2282 were presented on block. Questions and voting remained separate.

Proposal: Lateral crown reduction to Oak tree (TPO-356)

Location: Land Adjacent To Numbers 11-21 (Odd Numbers), Rosemary Avenue, Market Deeping, PE6 8JY

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

Together with:

·       No representations received

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

·       It was confirmed neighbours could not remove overhanging tree branches if the tree was subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

·       Concern was raised at the overall shape of the tree in view of the proposed works. Officers advised this would be taken into account when works completed.

Final decision

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT Consent, subject to conditions:

1.    All works should be completed within two years of the date of this notice.

2.    All works should be carried out in accordance with the British Standard BS 3998:2010 – Tree Work-Recommendations.

Proposal: Remove Sycamore tree, Mulberry tree and Weeping Ash tree (TPO-188)

Location: St Wulfram's Church, Church Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6SR

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

Proposal: Remove Sycamore tree, Mulberry tree and Weeping Ash tree (TPO-188)

Location: St Wulfram's Church, Church Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire,

NG31 6SR

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

Together with:

·       No representations received

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

·     A Member expressed concern about adding trees to an already condensed area and believed the decision to replace removed trees should be with the Tree Officer.

·       A member commented that TPO trees should be replaced in view of the historic importance and high profile of the site to retain its character. The Tree Officer agreed and advised that replacement trees could be placed anywhere on site and not necessarily in the vicinity of the area where the trees were removed. The tree officer also commented that they had observed a succession planting scheme would benefit the site having identified many of the trees are of a similar age. The committee were advised that this would be a decision of the committee. The Chair put this to the committee and it was agreed that a succession plan would be included in the final decision.

Final decision

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT Consent, subject to conditions:

1.    All works should be completed within two years of the date of this notice.

2.    All works should be carried out in accordance with the British Standard BS 3998:2010 – Tree Work-Recommendations.

The TPO trees lost due to the works will be replaced on site in an appropriate location and a succession planting scheme will be provided to protect the character of the site.

Proposal: Lateral reduction and shorten upper most leaders of Tree A, Selective pruning to provide clearance on Tree B (TPO-190)

Location: Land North Of Main Road, (Between Greystones And No.1 West Road), Tallington, Stamford, PE9 4RS

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

Proposal: Lateral reduction and shorten upper most leaders of Tree A, Selective pruning to provide clearance on Tree B (TPO-190)

Location: Land North Of Main Road, (Between Greystones And No.1 West Road), Tallington, Stamford, PE9 4RS

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

District Ward Councillor                                Cllr Vanessa Smith (Statement)

Together with:

·       No representations received

The following comments were made by the public speakers:

·       The Ward Councillor for Tallington had no concerns about the application. Work to the trees had been requested by residents. They were supportive of what was being proposed.

Final decision

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT Consent, subject to conditions:

1.    All works should be completed within two years of the date of this notice.

2.    All works should be carried out in accordance with the British Standard BS 3998:2010 – Tree Work-Recommendations.

The meeting adjourned at 12:04 until 1pm.

Proposal: Section 73 application to remove Condition 21 (Pennine Way Bridge) and vary Condition 36 (Off-site highways works) of planning permission S08/1231 to remove the obligation to deliver the Pennine Way bridge

Location: Poplar Farm, Grantham

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

The afternoon session commenced at 1pm.

Councillor Vanessa Smith joined the meeting at 1pm.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to give Committee Members 10 minutes recess to read and review the exempt agenda supplement.

Councillor Tim Harrison and Max Sawyer felt as if they had not received sufficient time to review and consider the information within the exempt agenda supplement.

The Legal Advisor advised if Members felt they had insufficient information to determine the application; they should not participate in the vote as this could bring the decision of the Council into disrepute.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to give Committee Members a further 10-minute recess to read and review the exempt agenda supplement.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to go into closed session to seek clarification of the exempt papers:

‘Under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public may be excluded from the meeting during any listed items of business, on the grounds that if they were to be present, exempt information could be disclosed to them as defined in paragraph 5 of Part 1 Schedule 12A of the Act’.

(The Committee returned into open session at 14:22).

Proposal: Section 73 application to remove Condition 21 (Pennine Way Bridge) and vary Condition 36 (Off-site highways works) of planning permission S08/1231 to remove the obligation to deliver the Pennine Way bridge

Location: Poplar Farm, Grantham

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

District Ward Councillors                  Cllr Matt Bailey

                                                         Cllr Paul Martin

                                                         Cllr Ben Green (Statement to be read out)

Cllr Gareth Knight

Cllr Ian Stokes

Against                                             Cllr Richard Davies (Grantham North-West LCC Councillor)

                                                          Linda Jackson (Barrowby Gate Grantham Town Councillor)

On behalf of the Applicant               Darren Ridout – Development Manager (Buckminster)

Together with:

·       Provisions within South Kesteven Local Plan 2011-2036, Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven Supplementary Planning Document, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and South Kesteven Local Plan Review 2021 – 2041.

·       Comments received from Active Travel England.

·       Comments received from Barrowby Parish Council.

·       Comments received from County Councillor Paul Martin.

·       Comments received from Grantham Civic Society.

·       No comments received from Grantham Town Council.

·       No comments received from Great Gonerby Parish Council.

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

·       Comments received from National Highways.

·       No comments received from Network Rail.

The following comments were made by the District Ward Councillors:

·       A list of material considerations of the application was outlined.

·       Connectivity of Gonerby Hill Foot, through Poplar Farm and to Barrowby gate was suggested in order to provide the link road around the town.

·       Objections from Lincolnshire County Council were outlined. A survey had been conducted where 926 of local people responded and 805 (87%) people said they wanted the road to be built.

·       The bridge hits (29) within the town and A1 closures (42) annually were highlighted.

·       District Ward  ...  view the full minutes text for item 112.

Proposal: Outline planning permission, with all matters reserved except for access, for commercial floorspace and industrial development providing up to 140,000 sqm total GIA of general industrial (Use Class B2) and storage and distribution (Use Class B8) floorspace with ancillary office (Use Class E(g)(i)) floorspace and supporting infrastructure including earthworks, drainage, landscaping, parking, servicing, and other associated works

Location: Land south of Gorse Lane, west of A1, Grantham

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

(It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to extend the meeting until 6pm.)

Proposal: Outline planning permission, with all matters reserved except for access, for commercial floorspace and industrial development providing up to 140,000 sqm total GIA of general industrial (Use Class B2) and storage and distribution (Use Class B8) floorspace with ancillary office (Use Class E(g)(i)) floorspace and supporting infrastructure including earthworks, drainage, landscaping, parking, servicing, and other associated works.

Location: Land south of Gorse Lane, west of A1, Grantham

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

Applicant                                              Phil Jones (Mulberry Commercial Land)

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 Environmental Protection Services (SKDC).

·       Comments received from LCC Highways & SuDS Support.

·       Comments received from Environment Agency.

·       Comments received from Anglian Water.

·       Comments received from Fire Authority.

·       Comments received from National Highways.

·       No comments received from Newark and Sherwood District Council.

·       Comments received from Active Travel England (ATE).

·       Comments received from MOD Safeguarding.

·       Comments received from Heritage Lincolnshire.

·       Comments received from Conservation Officer.

·       Comments received from Historic England.

·       Comments received from Natural England.

·       Comments received from Upper Witham Drainage Board.

The following comments were made by the public speaker:

·       The proposal was for a significant strategic employment scheme on a key allocated site within the Local Plan.

·       The site had direct access to the A1 representing a huge opportunity to invest in Grantham and the surrounding areas.

·       The Applicant had previously delivered high quality and sustainable schemes.

·       The proposal focused on the delivery of up to 140,000sqm of premium industrial logistics floor space.

·       The socio-economic benefits were outlined.

·       Once operational, the scheme would support 2,200 full time jobs which would be targeted at local residents.

·       The sustainable landscape development would be designed to minimise impact o the wider environment.

·       The scheme would commit to a 10% biodiversity net gain and a 1264% increase in hedgerow planning across the site.

·       Extensive tree planting and habitat management protecting and enhancing key ecological features.

·       The scheme supports active travel, with no further impacts on the network.

·       A solution had been discussed with Anglian Water through conditions 15 ad 16. 

·       It was noted that the site could comprise of multiple buildings which could provide opportunity for further landscaping.

During questions to the Applicant, Members commented on the following:

·       Whether the Applicant was confident they could meet the concerns of Anglian Water.

The Applicant clarified the outline planning application had many conditions, which would be met.

Anglian Water had recognised an under investment on the network within the area of the site. Condition 15 and 16 ensured the work would be carried out.

·       Whether the Applicant would accept an additional condition to require lighting that’s appropriate for protection of wildlife e.g. bats.

A lighting condition was within the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 113.

There were none.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 17:55.