Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Vanessa Smith, Sarah Trotter and Paul Wood.

Councillor Max Sawyer substituted for Councillor Vanessa Smith.

The Chairman made the following statement:

‘With regards to items 7 and 8 of the Agenda, 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 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 made a personal disclosure of interest in relation to agenda item 5. She had been lobbied by the Ward Member, however, remained open-minded on the application.

Councillor Harrish Bisnauthsing made a personal disclosure of interest in relation to agenda item 5. He had been lobbied by the Ward Member, however, remained open-minded on the application.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2025 were proposed, seconded and AGREED as a correct record.

Proposal: Application for reserved matters relating to layout, scale, appearance, landscaping and access following outline planning permission S22/1065

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

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

Proposal: Application for reserved matters relating to layout, scale, appearance, landscaping and access following outline planning permission S22/1065

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

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

District Ward Councillor                             Cllr Ian Stokes (Against)

Barkston and Syston Parish Council         Cllr Peter Connor

Together with:

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

·       No comments received from LCC Highways.

·       Comments received from Parish Council.

·       Comments received from Environmental Protection.

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

·       Whether the south facing wall would impact or cause light deprivation to a neighbouring plot.

The Officers assessment of the south facing wall was that the amount of light deprivation would not be unacceptable. There may be an impact on outlook from the neighbouring dwelling, however, this was not a material planning consideration. Light tracking was not necessary for the application and an assessment had been made on submitted details.

·       Whether the neighbouring property was an issue raised within the original appeal and whether the height of the wall was higher than the existing fence.

It was confirmed the height of the wall would be higher than the existing fence.

At the time of the previously refused application there was no mention of the two plots in question in terms of amenity.

·       It was noted that the previous application of the site was refused due to being cramped. A query was raised on how the current proposal had been changed to become within the character of the area.

The Officer clarified the previously refused application was out of character of the area by being too cramped. The proposed layout had been changed and addressed the concern of being within the character of the area, due to existing properties within the vicinity being of a similar distance apart. 

It was the Officers assessment that the application met Policy DE1 and did not have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the area.

The Principal Development Management Planner highlighted that the back-to-back relationship from plot 3 and 4 to the properties at the back of the site was around 45 metres, in terms of single storey to the back elevation.

The previous scheme where the Inspector described the site as cramped and contrived related to open frontage. By the change of layout and retaining the openness at the frontage, which Officers felt was more in keeping of the area.

·       Clarification was sought over the report where it stated ‘adverse impacts are acceptable, not only unless they outweigh the benefits, but unless they significantly outweigh the benefits’. 

The Assistant Director of Planning and Growth confirmed the context of the phrase was in relation to paragraph 11D of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and outlined a tilted balance position in terms of the Council’s housing land supply. The NPPF applied a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

Proposal: Proposed change of use of outbuildings to short term holiday accommodation

Location: Fortescue Arms, 27 High Street, Billingborough, NG34 0QB

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

Proposal: Proposed change of use of outbuildings to short term holiday accommodation

Location: Fortescue Arms, 27 High Street, Billingborough, NG34 0QB

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

Fortescue Arms Community Committee                   Ari Volanakis

Applicant’s Agent                                                      Statement read out

Together with:

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

·       Comments received from Environmental Protection.

·       Comments received from SKDC Conservation Team.

During questions to Public Speakers, Members commented on the following:

It was confirmed that Councillor Murray Turner was the Chairman of the Fortescue Arms Community Committee.

·     Whether the community were content with the changes of use.

It was confirmed the Community Group had undertaken a survey. There had been no investment into the main building of the pub for the past 10 years and other issues with the pubs roof, electricity, health and safety. The survey found a high amount of dissatisfaction from residents with the condition of the site.

·     Whether the loss of outside seating area had a positive or negative impact on tourism capacity.

The Public Speaker confirmed the use of outside seating area was positive for improving tourism capacity of the village and wider area. It was felt the pub would receive better business during the summer months.

·        Whether stakeholders were contacted on the application.

The Public Speaker confirmed the Parish Council, the Fortescue Arms Community Committee and landlord were not consulted by the Applicant upon the application being submitted. Moreover, the Applicant was not legally required to consult with local communities.

The Chairman clarified a condition was in place that the letting of the short-term holiday accommodation was tied to the operation of the pub.

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

The Principal Development Management Planner updated the Committee with comments received from Billingborough Parish Council:

‘Members of Billingborough Parish Council wish to inform the Planning Committee with the following information.

The beer garden borders the outbuildings in question, The proposed development details windows and doors leading out onto the beer garden area which would necessitate losing a large proportion of this amenity.

This social space which enables families to take children with them without having to go into the pub environment currently forms a very popular area of the premises, especially in the summer months. This space not only helps to support the pub economically but is valued as an area which facilitates social cohesion within the village.

The Parish Council supports the development of the site that would help secure the future of the public house, however, it is aware that a planning application to develop a residential property within the same site has been submitted previously, although refused.

The Parish Council questions the logic of investing in the development of a new property on the site whilst the pub itself is in great need of repair and refurbishment and would question why the Applicant requests planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Proposal: Erection of twelve self-contained flats with associated hard and soft landscaping, cycle and bin storage and detached storage building

Location: Land Off Burghley Street, Bourne

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

Proposal: Erection of twelve self-contained flats with associated hard and soft landscaping, cycle and bin storage and detached storage building

Location: Land Off Burghley Street, Bourne

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

Noting comments in the public speaking session by:

District Councillor          Councillor Anna Kelly

                                      Councillor Helen Crawford – Statement read out

Applicant’s Agent          Jason Murray

Together with:

·       Provisions within SKDC Local Plan 2011-2036 and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven and Bourne Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.

·       Comment received from Environmental Protection Services (SKDC).

·       Comments received from LCC Highways & SuDS Support.

·       Comments received from NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

·       Comments received from Anglian Water.

·       Comments received from Heritage Lincolnshire.

·       No comments received from Historic England.

·       Comments received from Lincolnshire County Council (Education).

·       Comments received from Bourne Town Council.

·       Comments received from Conservation Officer.

·       Comments received from Affordable Housing.

During questions to Public Speakers, Members commented on the following:

(Councillor Paul Fellows declared he was a Member of Bourne Town Council, however, he had not participated or voted in any decisions on the application and came to the meeting with an open mind).

·       Whether the Applicant’s agent was concerned about the egress and entry to the site.

The access to the site was substandard as Highways had pointed out. The current use of the site (13 garages) were used by local residents in the area due to limited on-street parking. It was stated that no reported accidents had taken place in the past 27 years when the site was being used as garages.

·       Concern was raised around delivery vans entering and leaving the site alongside the inability of a fire engine being able to access the site.

The fallback position advised by fire and rescue was the use of sprinklers in the proposed properties. It was noted that several fire engines could access the road parallel to the development.

The Assistant Director of Planning and Growth confirmed comments received from the fire brigade were all matters that were covered by the building regulations. This would come under a separate consenting regime that the developer, if approved, would need to follow.

The Committee were reassured that the Council had enforcement powers to provide stop notices, if a developer started building without meeting building control legislation.

·       Concern was raised that sprinkler systems were not infallible and required water pressure, regular maintenance, management and control. It was queried what further measures would be put into place to ensure the sprinkler systems did not fail.

The agent clarified a fire engine would be able to access land to the North of the site via the parallel road in the event of an emergency.

·       One Member suggested the possible use of fire hydrants for the site.

·       Specific concern was raised on safety of pedestrians. A query was raised on the distance from the front  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary Condition 2 (Approved Plans) of planning permission S22/2308 (Erection of 21 affordable dwellings with associated access, landscaping, parking and cycle storage provision)

Location: Land rear of Larch Close and Shaw Road, Grantham

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

Proposal: Section 73 application to vary Condition 2 (Approved Plans) of planning permission S22/2308 (Erection of 21 affordable dwellings with associated access, landscaping, parking and cycle storage provision)

Location: Land rear of Larch Close and Shaw Road, Grantham

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

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 Anglian Water.

·       No comments received from Cadent Gas.

·       No comments received from Gardens Trust.

·       No comments received from Grantham Town Council.

·       No comments received from Historic England.

·       No comments received from Lincolnshire County Council (Education).

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

·       No comments received from Ministry of Defence (Defence Infrastructure Organisation).

·       No comments received from National Highways.

·       No comments received from NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.

·       No comments received from SKDC Environmental Protection.

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

·       Clarification was sought on whether the access road was being adopted or not and how this would affect any long-term maintenance of the road.

·       Whether there were any risks of future ransom scenarios.

The Officer confirmed that if the road was adopted, Lincolnshire County Council would be responsible for it. However, in this case, the road would be privately maintained by the Council as the developer. The Council would be held responsible for the road, subject to the payment code providing security that it would be maintained appropriately.

·       Whether any play equipment could be included within a grassed area of the site.

The Assistant Director of Planning and Growth clarified the proposed application was a material minor amendment to the original scheme.

·       A query was raised in relation to the bund and whether any form of landscaping and planting would take place.

It was confirmed a soft landscaped bund as opposed to a soil bund had been proposed.

Final 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 planning permission S22/2308.

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:

a.    Proposed Site Plan (Ref: 2860/P101/Rev H)

b.    Bungalow – Plots 1 and 2 (Ref: 2860/P200/Rev E)

c.     House – Plots 3-6 (Ref: 2860/P201/Rev C)

d.    House – Plots 7-8 (Ref: 2860/P204/Rev A)

e.    Apartments – Plots 9-21 (Ref: 2860/P202/Rev C)

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

Archaeological Investigation

3)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

Proposal: Remove the bell turret from the building intact using a crane and to take it off site to a suitable joinery workshop facility to be deconstructed, assessed, repaired and then remounted on the building at a later date.

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

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

Proposal: Remove the bell turret from the building intact using a crane and to take it off site to a suitable joinery workshop facility to be deconstructed, assessed, repaired and then remounted on the building at a later date.

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

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

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.

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

·       Whether the bell turret had a bell inside that could be heard.

The Conservation Officer confirmed a bell was inside, however, it was silent and had no clapper or rope inside the bell.

Final Decision:

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

Time Limit for Commencement

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

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

Approved Plans

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

of approved plans and reports:

i)        Site Location Plan received 23 June 2025

ii)        Heritage Statement received 23 June 2025

iii)       Design and Access Statement received 23 June 2025

Unless otherwise required by another condition of this permission.

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

During Building Works

3        Within 3 months of any alterations to the bell turret, a record of the dismantled bell turret shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure a full record of the fabric of the turret is maintained and appropriate methods are utilised in replacing fabric in accordance with Policy EN6 and DE1 of the adopted South Kesteven Local Plan.

4        Prior to any repairs to the bell turret, a methodology for the proposed replacement of deteriorated material shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

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

5        Before any of the works to the refurbishment of the turret and building hereby permitted are begun, samples of the materials (including type of timber and lead, colour of any paintwork) to be used in the construction shall have been submitted to and approved 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.

Before the Development is Occupied

6  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

There were none.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 16:40.