Agenda item

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 the site could facilitate 7 dwellings, the Planning Officers felt the layout of the site could be improved.

·       A Member noted that a previous application on the site had been rejected. The Planning Officer responded that there had been a sufficient change of circumstances given that the Manthorpe Road development had been permitted.

·        A member pointed out that connectivity to the Manthorpe Road estate would depend on a third party who were not part of the application.

·       In reference to section 6.1516 of the report, clarification was sought about the nature of the contaminated land classification. The Planning Officer confirmed that this was the standard classification given on land previously used for agricultural purposes.

Final decision

Given some Members safety concerns about the access point to the site, it was proposed, seconded, and AGREED, following the Chairman’s casting vote, to DEFER the item, pending further information about the safety of the access point and connectivity of the site including details of the proposed public footpath on Belton Lane.

The meeting adjourned at 11.07, and resumed at 11.18.