Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Penny Milnes and Harrish Bisnauthsing.

Councillor Max Sawyer substituted for Councillor Harrish Bisnauthsing.

The Chairman made the following statement:

‘With regards to item 5 of the Agenda (S24/1180 - Car Park, Stamford) and Agenda item 10 (S24/1620 - Tree works to TPO tree St Wulfram’s, Grantham), I make a declaration on behalf of all members that whilst it is acknowledged that the applicant is the Council, this will not affect how members of the planning committee determine the application. All members have been trained and will determine the application in accordance with their planning training and with an open mind. Any member who does not feel they are open minded to determine the application today should make a declaration to that effect and not vote on the application.’

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2024 were proposed, seconded and AGREED as a correct record.

Proposal: Demolition of existing building and construction of 3no. commercial units (Use Class B2/B8), associated car parking, servicing yard and landscaping

Location: Autumn Park Business Centre, Dysart Road, Grantham

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

Proposal: Demolition of existing building and construction of 3no. commercial units (Use Class B2/B8), associated car parking, servicing yard and landscaping

Location: Autumn Park Business Centre, Dysart Road, Grantham

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

Applicant                      Oliver Eves (Planner, NJL Consulting)

Together with:

·       Provisions within SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Rutland and South Kesteven Design Guide SPD.

·       Comments received from Environmental Protection Services (SKDC).

·       Comments received from LCC Highways & SuDS Support.

·       No comments received from Environment Agency.

·       Comments received from Anglian Water.

During questions to Public Speakers, Members commented on:

·       Clarification was sought as to why the Applicant had requested a breakdown of the Section 106 financial contribution.

The Applicant confirmed their client had requested a breakdown of the cited figure provided by Highways. The request was in order to identify the financial contribution would include upgrades to the existing pedestrian crossing facilities to modern standards. The Highway Authority confirmed that the contribution was in relation to improvements to 7no. crossing points at a cost of approximately £4300 each.

The Senior Planning Officer clarified that without a signed agreement of a Section 106 financial contribution, the scheme could not commence.

·       Concern was raised on disturbance of construction during the demolition of the existing building and construction of commercial units.

It was clarified the intention was for minimal disturbance, however, construction managements plans would be submitted to Highways, following a decision made on the application

During questions to Officers and debate, Members commented on:

Members discussed the overall improvement of the area in relation to appearance, access and drainage.

·       A query was raised whether the proposal included the use of solar panels or electric charging points. 

The Senior Planning Officer noted there were not any solar panels proposed on the application, however, the site was a town centre location and cycle storage was proposed. It was highlighted there was no requirement under legislation for solar panels to be implemented.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission subject to conditions, and completion of a Section 106 Agreement:

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 planning application form, and with the following list of approved plans:

i.               Site Location Plan Dwg No. 18855 THPM XX 00 DR A 1000

ii.              Proposed Site Plan Dwg No. 18855 THPM XX 00 DR A 1011 Rev P05

iii.             Proposed Ground Floor Plan Dwg. No. 18855 THPM XX 00 DR A 1012 Rev P02

iv.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

Proposal: Construction of an extension to the existing car park, comprised of 146 parking bays, including 11 accessible bays and 8 EV charging parking bays

Location: Car Park, Station Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2JL

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

Proposal: Construction of an extension to the existing car park, comprised of 146 parking bays, including 11 accessible bays and 8 EV charging parking bays

Location: Car Park, Station Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2JL

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

SKDC Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement                                Councillor Richard Cleaver

Together with:

·       Provisions within SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036, Stamford Neighbourhood Plan, Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven and National Planning Policy Framework.

·       Comments received from SKDC Conservation.

·       Comments received from Environment Agency.

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council.

·       No comments received from The Gardens Trust.

·       Comments received from Stamford Town Council.

·       Comments received from Heritage Lincolnshire.

·       Comments received from Environmental Protection.

During questions to Public Speakers, Members commented on:

·       One Member queried why Stamford Town Council wished to delay the decision until a full survey had taken place.

The Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement was unaware of the reasoning behind Stamford Town Council’s objections.

During questions to Officers and debate, Members commented on:

·       A query was raised on whether Stamford Town Council’s objections should be considered and taken into account or not.

The Assistant Director of Planning and Growth advised that the Committee had enough information from Officers to make a decision.

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

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:

1)    Site Location Plan (received 10/07/24)

2)    Car Park General Arrangement, drawing ref. 12741-WMS-ZZ-XX-D-39501-S8-P4 (received 10/07/24)

3)    Levels Layout, drawing ref. 12741-WMS-ZZ-XX-D-39003-S8-P2 (received 10/07/24)

4)    Drainage Layout, drawing ref. 12741-WMS-ZZ-XX-D-39201-SB-P2 (received 10/07/24)

5)    Kerbs and Surfacing Layout, drawing ref. 12741-WMS-ZZ-XX-D-39503-S8-P2 (received 10/07/24)

6)    Proposed Car Park Lighting Plan, drawing ref. 1274/NPL/LTG/001 (received 10/07/24)

Unless otherwise required by another condition of this permission.

Before the Development is Commenced

3)    Before the development hereby permitted is commenced, a written scheme of archaeological investigation shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter, the archaeological investigations shall be carried out in accordance with the approved scheme of investigation.

Reason: In order to provide a reasonable opportunity to record the history of the site and in accordance with Policy EN6 of the adopted South Kesteven Local Plan.

During the Building Works

4)    To minimise noise impacts on the existing residential dwellings, 'construction work' shall only be carried out between the hours of 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on a Saturday. Construction work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

Proposal: Submission of details reserved by Condition 24 (Off-site highways works) of planning permission S16/2816

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

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to APPROVE the details submitted pursuant to condition 24 of planning permission S16/2816

S24/1481                                                                                               

Proposal:

Submission of details reserved by Condition 24 (Off-site highways works)       

of planning permission S16/2816                  

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

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to APPROVE the details submitted pursuant to condition 24 of planning permission S16/2816

S24/1482

Proposal: Submission of details reserved by Condition 24 (Off-site highways works) of planning permission S16/2819

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

Recommendation: To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to APPROVE the details submitted pursuant to condition 24 of planning permission S16/2819

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

Applicant                   Rob Thorley, Land and Planning Director, Jelson Homes

                                  Jonathan Gimblett, Vistry Homes

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).

·       No comments received from Barrowby Parish Council.

·       Comments received from National Highways.

During questions to Officers and debate, Members commented on:

·       Lincolnshire County Council and National Highways were satisfied with the proposal.

·       Members encouraged allocated sites to commence work, due to other projects being delayed around Grantham. The Committee were eager to achieve the housing delivery target.

·       Members welcomed significant junction improvements as part of the proposal.

S24/1481                                                                                     

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to APPROVE the details submitted pursuant to condition 24 of planning permission S16/2816:

S24/1482                                                                                     

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to APPROVE the following details pursuant to Condition 24 of planning permission S16/2819.

Proposed General Arrangement Plan (Ref: SK18/SB JCN/Rev P1).

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary Condition 24 (Off-site highways works) of planning permission S16/2816 (Revised submission of planning application S24/0140)

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

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

S24/1442

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary Condition 24 (Off-site highways works) of planning permission S16/2816 (Revised submission of planning application S24/0140)

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

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

S24/1443

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary Condition 24 (Off-site highways works) of planning permission S16/2819

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:

District Ward Councillors             Councillor Paul Martin (Statement read out)

                                                    Councillor Gareth Knight

Against                                        Roger Graves, Local Resident

Applicant                                     Mike Walker, Land Director for Vistry Homes

                                                    Chris Holloway (Transport Consultant)

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.

·       Comments received from Grantham Town Council.

During questions to Public Speakers, Members commented on:

·       Clarification was sought around a comment made on a masterplan.

The Ward Councillor outlined the significant amount of development taking place in this part of the town. There were very few objections to surrounding developments, due to other developers on nearby applications contributing to transport infrastructure.

·       One Member requested examples of when the Council had “rolled over” applications in the past. 

It was highlighted that various conditions were proposed for the Barrowby Gate development in 1970-80s. The issue had been long term in this part of the town around the lack of infrastructure and/or facilities, when the applications had conditioned sports facilities, shops, play areas etc.

The Assistant Director of Planning & Growth issued a caution in terms of comments made in relation to past developments that date back to 1970-80s in terms of failed delivery infrastructure.

The Committee were reminded to consider the acceptability of the proposal and the proposal in this case was whether the trigger point for requiring the works to be completed could be moved, not whether the developer could avoid delivering the junction improvements

It was clarified the Council did not have a planning application for the Poplar Farm development at present to vary any of the terms of the planning permission that had been previously granted. 

·       A Member queried whether the Ward Councillor had any specific contrary evidence regarding movements in the area at present. The Ward Councillor disagreed with the comments from Highways stating the site would have 11 two-way trips at peak times.

The Ward Councillor provided anecdotal evidence from personal experiences. Concern was raised the junction was already congested, without this application.

The Assistant Director of Planning & Growth informed the Committee that technical evidence would need to be provided to the Inspector if the application was refused on vehicular movements. Anecdotal information and evidence was unlikely to assist in an appeal decision.

(Councillor Tim Harrison declared he was the Chairman  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

Proposal: Annual removal of basal shoots and epicormic growth on lower stems to heights of 2m to lime trees T3- T10, T13-T15 and T17 with the addition of crown lift to 6m T9 only

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

NG31 6SR

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

Proposal: Annual removal of basal shoots and epicormic growth on lower stems to heights of 2m to lime trees T3- T10, T13-T15 and T17 with the addition of crown lift to 6m T9 only

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

NG31 6SR

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

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

1.  Crown lifting to T9 shall be to a maximum height above ground level of 6m.  This work shall involve the removal of low branches to the height specified and result in a tree of balanced appearance.  Those branches to be removed shall be cut at their origin and all branch collars shall be left intact.  Climbing irons or 'spikes' shall not be used and the works shall have regard to the BS3998 (2010) Tree Work-Recommendations.

Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and tree health and for the avoidance of doubt.

The Chairman invited the Planning Committee to attend a Joint Environment and Rural & Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 9 December 2024 at 10am. The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee were due to discuss Planning Policies.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 15:30.