Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Harrish Bisnauthsing and Patsy Ellis.

Councillor Max Sawyer substituted for Councillor Harrish Bisnauthsing.

Councillor Tim Harrison disclosed an interest on application S25/1192 & S25/1357 and would be speaking as District Ward Councillor only.

Councillor Tim Harrison disclosed a personal interest on application S25/1195, he would not take part in the debate or vote.

Councillor Charmaine Morgan disclosed an interest on applications S25/1192 and S25/1357 due to being a Member of Grantham Civic Society. She had no involvement of previous decision or discussions on the matter and came to the Committee with an open mind.

The Chairman made a declaration on behalf of all Members:

‘With regards to item application S25/1626, I make a declaration on behalf of all members that whilst it is acknowledged that the applicant is the Council, this will 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 25 September 2025 were proposed, seconded and AGREED as a correct record.

4a. Proposal: Planning application for a proposed change of use of a former Nursing Home (Use Class C2) to a 20-bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy for up to 20 people (Use Class Sui Generis).

Location: Castlegate House Rest Home, 49 Castlegate, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6SN

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

4b. Proposal: Planning application for a proposed change of use of a former Nursing Home (Use Class C2) to a 20-bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy for up to 20 people (Use Class Sui Generis).

Location: Castlegate House Rest Home, 49 Castlegate, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6SN

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

S25/1192

Proposal: Planning application for a proposed change of use of a former Nursing Home (Use Class C2) to a 20-bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy for up to 20 people (Use Class Sui Generis).

Location: Castlegate House Rest Home, 49 Castlegate, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6SN

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

S25/1357

Proposal: Planning application for a proposed change of use of a former Nursing Home (Use Class C2) to a 20-bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy for up to 20 people (Use Class Sui Generis)

Location: Castlegate House Rest Home, 49 Castlegate, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6SN

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

Noting comments in the public speaking by:

District Ward Councillor                        Councillor Matt Bailey

                                                              Councillor Paul Martin

                                                              Councillor Tim Harrison

Grantham Civic Society                         John Manterfield

Against                                                   Paul Hardy

                                                               Mary Gharbi (statement)

Agent/on behalf of Applicant                  Tim Stubbins and Phil Holmes

Together with:

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

-       Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council (Highways).

-       Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council (Community Based Services).

-       Comments received from Lincolnshire Police.

-       No comments received from Historic England.

-       Comments received from SKDC Conservation Officer.

-       No comments received from Environmental Protection.

-       Comments received from Grantham Civic Society.

The following comments were made by public speakers:

-       A concern was raised that the building was in the wrong location and would cause heritage harm. The property was a listed building and would require the replacement of windows.

-       The application did not make reference to how many people would be living in the property or the management of it. It was noted there were no enforcement powers on HMO’s.

-       It was felt the property had inadequate amenity space and bedrooms were small.

-       Concern was raised on the property being within the Conservation Area and parking within the vicinity was already inadequate for nearby schools, St Wulframs Church and Grantham House.  The road was a narrow one-way street and a through route.

-       It was noted the Lincolnshire County Council (Highways) had not visited the site to establish the parking arrangements.

-       Concern was raised that an acoustic report had not been produced and that noise may affect neighboring Almshouses.

-       Concerns over crime and safety were outlined.

-       The agent noted that Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire County Council (Highways) had not objected to the proposal.

-       It was highlighted that there were no amenity space restrictions or standards on HMOs.

-       The previous reason for refusal was around the listed building consent.

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

-       That Highways had no objections to the application and Lincolnshire County Council controlled the parking within the area of the application.

A Ward Member highlighted that residents and visitors had to park on side streets within the area and residents did  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

Proposal: Remove dead wood (T1), remove epicormic growth from main stem and remove basal growth (T2 and T17), remove epicormic growth from main stem, remove basal growth and remove dead wood (T6, T9, T12, T16 and T18), remove epicormic growth from main stem, remove basal growth, remove dead wood and prune branch tips (T7 and T8), remove ivy, remove epicormic growth from main stem, remove basal growth, remove dead wood, crown lift to 5m (T10) (All Lime trees) (TPO-123).

Location: Land Between The Pines and Manor View , Casthorpe Road, Barrowby, Lincolnshire, NG32 1DW

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

Proposal: Remove dead wood (T1), remove epicormic growth from main stem and remove basal growth (T2 and T17), remove epicormic growth from main stem, remove basal growth and remove dead wood (T6, T9, T12, T16 and T18), remove epicormic growth from main stem, remove basal growth, remove dead wood and prune branch tips (T7 and T8), remove ivy, remove epicormic growth from main stem, remove basal growth, remove dead wood, crown lift to 5m (T10) (All Lime trees) (TPO-123).

Location: Land Between The Pines and Manor View , Casthorpe Road, Barrowby, Lincolnshire, NG32 1DW

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

Noting comments in the public speaking by:

District Ward Councillor              Councillor Robert Leadenham

Barrowby Parish Council            Jean-Pierre Durrand and Tim Lees

Against                                       Katherine Kinnear

On behalf of Applicant               Steven Weber (Associate Director – Ecology)

Together with:

-       Comments received from Barrowby Parish Council

The following comments were made by public speakers:

-       2 videos were shown to the Committee to evidence the presence of bats on the proposed site.

-       That lime trees acted as habitats to local wildlife.

-       Preconception between residents and applicants that the application process lacked transparency and was misleading.

-       An ecological report was requested.

-       Residents felt these trees were being cleared to make space for development on the land and not for arboricultural use.

-       The Public Speaker welcomed the additional ecology condition. It was felt the application needed to be micro-managed to ensure the works were carried out correctly.

-       It was noted there had been no maintenance of the trees in the last 20 years.

-       Concern was raised that some trees could be damaged and would need to be dealt with carefully.

-       The bat surveys completed did not report any bats, however, residents had recorded their activity in the area. The individuals conducting the survey were not registered bat professionals.

-       It was requested that the bat survey take place once they have emerged from hibernation, next Spring.

-       The speaker on behalf of the Applicant held a level 2 bat license which meant a bat survey could take place any time of the year with the correct qualifications.

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

-       A query was raised on what time of year the 2 videos were taken of the bats.

The videos were sent to the Tree Officer on 30 September 2025.

(Councillor Max Sawyer left the room, he was therefore unable to participate in the debate or vote of the application).

-       It was queried whether roosting bat surveys should be completed between May and end of August.

The agent clarified that the ground level tree assessment was completed in April to assess potential roosting features within the trees. If roosting features were identified, aerial tree climbing surveys would be undertaken.

-       Whether the agent would be undertaking the bat survey or a third-party company.

The agent confirmed he would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

Proposal: Change of use from C3 (dwellinghouse) to C2 (residential institution)

Location: Pointon House, 25 High Street, Pointon, NG34 0LX

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

Proposal: Change of use from C3 (dwellinghouse) to C2 (residential institution)

Location: Pointon House, 25 High Street, Pointon, NG34 0LX

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

Noting comments in the public speaking by:

District Ward Councillor                                Councillor Richard Dixon-Warren

Against                                                          Tom Wright

Applicant                                                       Natalie Daysmith

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 Environmental Protection.

-       Comments received from Highways (LCC).

-       Comments received from Ward Councillor.

-       No comments received from Lincolnshire Police – Designing Out Crime Officer.

-       Comments received from Environment Agency.

-       No comments received from LCC Children’s Care Homes Officer.

The following comments were made by public speakers:

-       Concerns over vehicle and parking movements with staff and visitors.

-       Issues around noise being detrimental to the character of the area and occupiers of nearby residential properties.

-       Lack of information provided on staff shift patterns.

-       Potential anti-social behaviour from children residing in the property.

-       It was highlighted that there were no activities in the area for children or young adults.

-       Traffic calming measures in the village were requested.

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

-       One Member queried whether any children lived in the village at present.

The public speaker confirmed children did live in the village in quiet communities with stable families.

-       One Member requested the applicant addressed other speakers concerns of anti-social behaviour.

The applicant confirmed she had not received any complaints in other homes, over the last 13 years of working in children’s homes. It was felt children’s homes were stereotyped.

-       One Member queried whether the children homed in the house would originate in Lincolnshire.

The applicant clarified that Lincolnshire children were always prioritised to be homed and would be encouraged to build relationships within the community.

-       It was further queried what age the children would be.

It was confirmed children residing in the property would be between 7-17 years old, subject to Ofsted approval. Following turning 17, the home would work with relevant authorities and families to discuss the most suited accommodation for their needs. 

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

-       Whether the boundary condition could include possible access gates for security of the children.

-       Whether trees could be assessed potentially for a TPO on amenity grounds.

The boundary treatment condition could specify the Council expect to see gates on the access once details were submitted.

A request had been made to the Council’s Tree Officer to assess the trees on site for a TPO.

-       Whether an advisory could be added to Lincolnshire County Council (Highways) to add traffic calming measures around the site.

Final Decision:

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

Time Limit for Commencement

1          The development hereby permitted shall  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

Proposal: Demolition of existing vacant community facility and construction of 3no. terraced bungalows

Location: Toller Court, Horbling, NG34 0PW

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

Proposal: Demolition of existing vacant community facility and construction of 3no. terraced bungalows

Location: Toller Court, Horbling, NG34 0PW

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

Noting comments in the public speaking by:

Against                           Martin Gray

Agent                             Lucy Best – Chartered Architect for William Saunders

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).

-       No comments received from Environment Agency.

-       Comments received from SKDC Environmental Protection.

-       Comments received from Anglian Water.

-       Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council (Highway and Lead Local Flood Authority Report)

-       Comments received from National Grid.

The following comments were made by public speakers:

-       Inappropriate location which would cause harm to community asset.

-       Impact on right of way traffic and the potential loss of public right of way via a footpath.

-       Concern over retention of mature hedgerows.

-       Concern was raised on obstruction to the National Grid power station on the site.

-       Concern on the effect of wildlife and habitats.

-       The agent confirmed the site had been vacant for over 5 years and was underutilised land.

-       The proposed dwellings would be delivered as social housing to meet local demand for affordable homes.

-       Anglian Water had withdrawn their objection providing a build-over agreement is included as a condition.

-       The scheme would provide 5 on-site parking spaces.

-       Open green space would be retained and accessible and no trees or hedgerows would be lost.

-       Vehicular access to the sub-station would remain unchanged and unobstructed.

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

-       Whether the existing public footpath would be affected, diverted or changed in any way.

The agent confirmed the existing public footpath would be changed due to car parking, however, would be of the same length and same areas could still be accessed. Furthermore, no hedgerows or trees would be removed.

-       Whether the applicant had liaised with Lincolnshire County Council on diverting the public footpath.

Planning Officers had checked with Lincolnshire County Council in terms of their countryside and right of way team. There was no legal right of way that crossed their land.

-       Whether there would be any impact on the electricity supply to the village or problems accessing the sub-station on site.

The agent clarified the low voltage wires would be protected during construction and they would work with National Grid during construction to ensure that no damage comes to the cables and effects the electricity supply.

The Anglian Water agreement was outside of the planning regime and a condition was not necessary.

Final Decision:

To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

Proposal: Installation of an external kitchen extraction system.

Location: 6 High Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6PN

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

Proposal: Installation of an external kitchen extraction system.

Location:6 High Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6PN

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

Together with:

-       No comments received from Grantham Town Council.

-       No comments received from LCC Highways and SuDs.

-       Comments received from SKDC Conservation Officer.

-       Comments received from Historic England.

Following a site visit, Members were satisfied with the application and felt there was no negative impact on the character of the building or impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents due to the location of the siting of the equipment.

Final Decision:

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:

          i.   Location Plan – drg no. 205EP01 - received 25/06/25

          ii.  Site Plan – dwg no. 205EP02– received 25/06/25

          iii. Extract Ceiling Plan – dwg no. 205EP03 – received 25/06/25

          iv. Extract Elevations – dwg no. 205EP04 – received 25/06/25

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 brought into use, the external elevations shall have been completed using only the materials stated in the planning application forms, design and access statement (received 25/06/25) and approved drawings 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.

4        Prior to use and occupation of the premises Before any part of the development hereby permitted is brought into use, the development shall be carried out and operated in accordance with the approved details and no use of the premises shall occur until the system has been fully installed in accordance with the approved details and shall be retained as such thereafter

Reason: In order to protect nearby amenities

Proposal: Section 73 application for the removal of Condition 4 (Obscure glazing) following planning permission S25/0588

Location: The Conifers, School Lane, Old Somerby, Lincolnshire, NG33 4AQ

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

Proposal: Section 73 application for the removal of Condition 4 (Obscure glazing) following planning permission S25/0588

Location: The Conifers, School Lane, Old Somerby, Lincolnshire, NG33 4AQ

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

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to DEFER the application to the next meeting of Planning Committee.

There were none.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 17:42.