Agenda item

The Senior Development Management Officer introduced planning application 140743 for 6no. detached dwellings. He stated there were no updates to the application and presented a brief summary of the history of the site.

The Chairman stated there were two speakers for this application and invited the first speaker to address the Committee.

Councillor Sharron Brylewski made the following statement on behalf of the Parish Council.

“This is an ambitious project and the developer we feel has made changes when necessary. The fact that many reclaimed bricks from the original site are being used again would reflect the age, heritage and overall historical importance of the site. None of the surrounding residents had anything but positive comments to make about the plans. Also, feedback from a public meeting suggested a very positive reaction, even though they have changed slightly over time.

Seven years on and the site has deteriorated massively and we fear if the plans are rejected again the site would obviously get worse. It is now, and has been from the start, a magnet to youths who have systematically broken windows, set fires, and generally caused damage to the property, which in turn has led to residents’ complaints.     

Although not a perfect design, from people who know more than we mere mortals, the phrase ‘blinkered by science’ comes to mind. Perfection to every individual is perceivably different, so difficult to quantify. 

“One of the basic rules of the Universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn’t exist. Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.”  Professor Stephen Hawking.

We have shown the plans to a planning officer from another District and in his opinion the plans are better than others that have been submitted before.   I know the following will not influence the planning application decision, but Roy Bowser was a well-respected man who gave a lot to our village. It would be a fitting tribute to his memory to have this development come to fruition. The time is right to give the Village a boost to moral during this difficult period.

Something to look forward to, and be proud of, a rebuilt historically important part of our Village. Let it be remembered that Cherry Willingham is a large village with a diversity of housing, both old and new. This development, we envision, will add another opportunity for diversity, as well as enhancing our Neighbourhood Plan. In fact diversity seems to be the key word here. We are not a ‘pretty village’, we are living in a semi-rural community with housing of all types, but mainly detached properties, so this development fits in well with what attracts people to come and live in Cherry Willingham.         

The residents and Parish Council feel this development, will raise the bar in terms of its design and layout, and again enhance the mission statements set out in our neighbourhood plan. 

The resilience of the residents of this Village over the last few months has been nothing short of inspirational. They have been patient, but something positive is needed to galvanise their ambition and to see this development through. Mindful of all its complexities, we the Parish Council and the residents of Cherry Willingham are on a ‘mission’ and I personally trust and respect their integrity.

Thank you for listening to this statement.”

The next speaker, Mr Howard Roe, Applicant, was invited to speak.

“Good Evening Mr Chairman, ladies, and gentlemen of the committee,

Over the past 11 months both I and Cherry Willingham Parish Council have worked together to design a scheme that we believe will both enhance the village as well as giving quality homes for people to live in.

At a general meeting at the end of October the plans were shown to over 70 members of the community and when put to a show of hands there was majority approval and no objections to the proposed development.

Tennyson Homes are local family builders who build quality homes. Wherever possible, we use reclaimed materials to help the homes blend into the local surroundings. Our previous developments in North Kesteven, East Lindsey and Lincoln City all speak for themselves in quality and design and I would ask that the members of the committee give us the chance to develop a site the village can be proud of in West Lindsey.”

The Chairman thanked both speakers and confirmed there was no further comment from the Senior Development Management Officer. The Chairman highlighted that the condition of a site was not sufficient reason to approve an application and based on policy, there was little support for the suitability of the application.

There was some support amongst Members that the proposed development would be an improvement on the existing state of the land, however it was again reiterated that any development should be in line with National and Local Planning Policies, which, as per the Officer’s report, this proposal was not.

The Officer’s recommendation was moved and seconded and, on voting, it was agreed that planning permission be REFUSED.