Issue - meetings

The Chairman introduced application 146801, to erect 108 dwellings with access to be considered, on land off Eastfield Lane, Welton. The application decision had been deferred from the previous meeting to allow for a site visit to take place to consider the access to the site and impact on the local area. The Planning Officer presented the indicative site plan showing the corner of Eastfield Lane and photographs of viewpoints from the site from the North, South, East and West perspectives. He explained there were no material considerations for Members to be aware of since the previous meeting.

The Chairman thanked the Officer for his presentation and advised the Committee there were five registered speakers.

Councillor Mike Powell, Chair of Welton-by-Lincoln’s Planning and Development Committee addressed the Committee and stated that Welton had been inundated with development to satisfy housing need for the next decade, and planning policy should consider the density of building form, desirability, and preserve the prevailing character and setting of the area. He referred to the Welton Neighbourhood Plan, and quoted the character of area K, Welton East and Welton’s community objective CO2 to integrate new housing that maintains the rural character. He expressed safety concerns and showed photographs of car accidents that had occurred on Eastfield Lane.

Mr Steve Catney, the agent for the site, acknowledged the Planning Officer’s technical presentation and explained he had sympathy with residents, and stressed that due diligence and planning consideration had taken place. He explained that the ransom strip could not be enforced, the access was not required from the West, and Highways implications had been considered in the application report. The safety requirement for visibility was 215m, and the visibility for the site was 330m.

Mr Chris Thomas thanked Members for conducting a site visit and explained that he had approached the Central Lincolnshire Plan team who had responded it was impossible and inappropriate to define a specific density in the Local Plan. He objected to the application and urged Members to consider the density of the site and the local vernacular.

Mr Ian Turvey expressed his concerns relating to the safety of the roads and stated that the site would bring an increase in traffic. He shared that development traffic would need to negotiate the sharp bends. He explained that access was preferred to the West of the site as agreed by the Highway authority and he felt this should be considered, and the proposed passing bays were contrary to planning and transport policy.

Councillor Mrs Diana Rodgers addressed the Planning Committee in her capacity as a local ward member for Dunholme and Welton. She expressed flooding concerns with the increased sewerage, drainage, and impact of the weather on the site. It was hoped that West access would be considered, in addition to the East access, to provide a through route. She urged members to refuse the development site with due regard to the flooding and traffic concerns.

The Planning Officer responded to comments made and considered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110