Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman opened the meeting and explained that, due to ongoing IT issues, the presentation could not proceed as planned. To address the situation, a short adjournment was necessary.

NOTE: The meeting was adjourned at 6:32pm and reopened at 6:37pm.

Up to 15 minutes are allowed for public participation.  Participants are restricted to 3 minutes each.

There was no public participation.

NOTE: Cllr Smith arrived at the meeting at 6.38pm.

Meeting of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday 2 April 2025, previously circulated.

A Member raised a point regarding the absence of a Chairman at the Planning Committee meeting held on Wednesday 2 April 2025 during which the Committee resolved to proceed without a Chairman. Appreciation was expressed for the Democratic and Civic Officer’s efforts in managing the situation.

It was acknowledged that the minutes from the meeting on 5 March 2025, which related to application WL/2024/00446 - Land North of Corn Close, Fiskerton,had been circulated and approved at the 2 April 2025 meeting. However, the Member noted that, upon reviewing the debate and corresponding with the Planning Manager ten days prior to the current meeting, the resolution concerning construction traffic did not appear to have been fully reflected in the record.

The Member clarified their understanding of the discussion at the time, stating that the Committee had agreed that all construction traffic, materials, and workforce should access the site via the runway at the rear. It was expressed that this position should be clearly documented within the minutes.

Further reference was made to the response provided by the Planning Officer to the Parish Council, with specific mention of comments under Condition 8. While differing interpretations existed, the Member wished to ensure that the Committee’s views were accurately recorded.

The Planning Manager apologised for not having responded sooner, explaining that the matter had been under review. It was noted that the proposal regarding construction traffic had been introduced by a third-party speaker, with the Member of the Committee subsequently reinforcing the point. The Committee’s formal resolution on the night had focused on the creation of an additional permanent vehicular access to the site, rather than specific arrangements for construction traffic. However, a condition had been included requiring the submission and approval of construction traffic routing, which would provide an opportunity to address concerns.

The importance of capturing the Committee’s perspectives was acknowledged, and it was noted that this could be considered further when the relevant condition was discharged and the application returned to the Committee for further discussion.

In response, the Member reiterated their view that construction traffic arrangements had been a significant aspect of the original debate and emphasised the benefits of ensuring site access via the designated runway. It was suggested that this approach would minimise disruption to the surrounding village.

Having been proposed and seconded, it was

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday 2 April 2025 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Members may make any declarations of interest at this point but may also make them at any time during the course of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made.

Note – the status of Neighbourhood Plans in the District may be found via this link

https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/my-services/planning-and-building/neighbourhood-planning/

It was reported that the draft Planning and Infrastructure Bill had reached Committee stage and had been referred to a Public Bill Committee for detailed scrutiny. The Bill was being examined, and a report to the House was expected by Thursday 22 May, with further updates anticipated at the next Committee meeting.

Regarding the Central Lincolnshire Design Code consultation, which had closed at the beginning of April, it was noted that over 300 responses had been received. The Central Lincolnshire team would review the submissions before progressing to the next stage.

No significant updates on neighbourhood plans had been identified for the month, and no further matters had been raised.

The Committee considered application WL/2025/00206, which sought permission for the removal of the remaining structure of the former Forge building and the erection of a single dwelling at the site, on land at Old Blacksmiths Forge, Hemswell.

The Officer provided an update on the application, photographs showed the building’s condition in 2020 compared to April 2025, with only the east and south walls remaining. Foundations from a 2004 permission had been laid but could not be implemented, leading to the current application.

The proposed design broadly reflected the building’s previous appearance. The layout included a main dwelling to the south, and a single-storey offshoot. Stone reuse was required under Condition Seven. Floor plans confirmed a three-bedroom dwelling. Site photographs depicted views from Brook Street, surrounding areas, and access to fields beyond the northern boundary.

The Chairman thanked the Officer for her presentation and stated that there was one registered speaker in relation to this application and invited Mr Clover, as Agent, to address the Committee.

A statement was read by Mr Clover in support of application WL/2025/00206 According to the Agent, the site contained remnants of the former Forge, foundations for a previously approved extension, and a detached garage. Though located within the Hemswell Conservation Area, the structures were not listed. The 1985 Hemswell Conservation Area Appraisal had identified them as buildings of interest, but subsequent changes had altered the site’s character.

Mr Clover clarified that previous approvals included a 2004 permission for conversion and extension, which remained extant due to the completion of the garage. However, a structural survey in 2006 found conversion unfeasible, leading to the cessation of works. When the Applicant purchased the site in 2019, they intended to implement the existing permission but later discovered it was impractical. Building Control confirmed the Forge’s poor condition required demolition. Reports, including a January 2024 appraisal, indicated that deterioration had begun over 15 years earlier.

Mr Clover explained the Council had long been aware of the building’s decline. While its loss was regrettable, demolition and reconstruction were deemed the only viable solution. The proposed dwelling aimed to respect the site’s historical significance, mirroring the original Forge from Brook Street while incorporating a contemporary rear extension. Salvaged stone would be reused in construction.

Extensive pre-application discussions with Officers had led to design refinements, including height adjustments and removal of solar panels. These amendments contributed to the Planning Officer’s recommendation for approval. Redevelopment was presented as the only feasible approach to preserving the area’s character. No adverse impacts on heritage, amenity, or highway safety had been identified, and the Committee was respectfully asked to support the Officer’s recommendation for approval.

The Chairman thanked Mr Clover for his comments. Following confirmation from Officers that no further remarks were to be made, the debate was opened to Members.

Members expressed general support for the application in principle. Concerns were raised regarding the off-site biodiversity net gain provision. It was stated by a Member of the Committee that reliance on off-site biodiversity credits could  ...  view the full minutes text for item 215.

There are no Determination of Appeals to note.

There were no Determination of Appeals to note.