Agenda item

The Chairman introduced the first application of the evening, application number 146729, to raise the ground to 5.90m AOD and increase the width and depth of the existing pond at 33 West Bank, Saxilby, Lincoln. The Committee heard of two updates since the report had been published, one being a further comment from a resident raising similar flood drainage concerns, and also additional information on the deliveries. Should the application be approved, there would be 47 days of vehicle movements for delivery of the materials on to the site, with deliveries spaced over a period of time to lessen the impact.

Following a presentation on the application, the Chairman explained there were six registered speakers, and he invited the first, Councillor Liz Hillman, Chair of Saxilby Parish Council, to address the Committee.

Councillor Hillman explained local and Parish Council objections to the application, based on concerns regarding the potential impact of flooding in the area, the traffic movements and the associated impact on the road and other road users, as well as environmental issues related to emissions, and flood risk. She detailed what the Parish Council believed to be the anticipated traffic movements in relation to this application and stated the existing damage to the road, caused by flooding and excessive heavy goods vehicle movements, would be exacerbated much to the detriment of other residents and road users.  With regard to flooding, Councillor Hillman stated there had been severe flooding across the road and into gardens, with a multi-agency meeting arranged involving the Environment Agency, Canal and River Trust, Anglian Water and Lincolnshire County Council. The proposed traffic management plan was welcomed, however there was local scepticism as to whether it would be adhered to, leading to potential issues with mud and debris clogging drains, thereby further worsening drainage issues in the area. It was felt that the proposed works and associated vehicle movements would worsen the impact of the existing issues. Councillor Hillman concluded her address to the Committee by requesting that Councillors undertake a site visit, in order to view the location of the proposed work, prior to making any decision.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Hillman for her time and invited the second registered speaker, Mr Giles Cook, the applicant, to address the Committee.

Mr Cook highlighted that the application adhered to planning policy and had received no objections from statutory bodies. He stated there was a robust drainage system designed that would prevent any further flooding around the site and surrounding areas, and there had been no objections from the Environment Agency or the Lead Flood Authority. He explained that a comprehensive ecological report had been prepared, giving a biodiversity net gain of 12.63% and would allow wildlife to flourish. He brought attention to the traffic management plan which had been submitted and approved by the Highways Agency. With regard to the low-lying level of the land, Mr Cook stated it was clear to see the ground levels were much lower than the surrounding land, with Ordnance Survey maps pre-dating 1904 showing the site at normal ground level. The current level of the site, rendered the land unusable for a significant part of the year. The construction of a new dwelling on the site had aimed to ameliorate the previously unused site, remove the dilapidated outbuildings and create a forever family home. The Committee were requested to base any decision on the facts of the application and the positive impact the improvement works would have on the area for years to come.

The Chairman thanked Mr Cook and invited the three registered objectors, Mr Hotchkin, Mrs Buchanan and Mr Crowther, to address their concerns to the Committee.

Mr Hotchkin explained he was representing the residents of West Bank, as there was widespread concern for the impact on their properties should the application be approved. He stated that the land had always been at a lower level than surrounding areas, and had maintained a healthy wildlife habitat, without the need to increase the land level. In relation to flooding, he stated that the owner had needed to use water pumps to drain the land into the canal, which residents felt was proof there was no natural drainage in place. This then raised concerns as to where the water would be displaced if land levels were subsequently raised, with residents feeling their properties would be flooded. Mr Hotchkin stated that the land worked as a natural habitat without any work required to it, and requested the Committee to consider the flood implications of the application.

Mrs Buchanan then addressed the Committee, raising concerns regarding the integrity of the road, which she felt had not been addressed in the response from the Highways Agency. She highlighted the existing damage to the road and grass verges as vehicles were having to mount the bank in order to pass each other. The impact of vehicle movements anticipated should the application be approved would only add to those existing issues, having a detrimental effect on all those living along the road. Mrs Buchanan stated that the amount of vehicle movements in itself would prove disruptive, and would only exacerbate difficulties for residents.

Mr Crowther addressed the Committee as the final registered objector, who raised concerns regarding possible breaches of planning permissions on site. He summarised comments from previous speakers, stating that the number of objectors to the application indicated the level of concern from local residents regarding the two main areas of concern, those being the risk of flooding in neighbouring properties and the detrimental impact on an already damaged road.

The Chairman thanked all speakers and invited the final registered speaker, Ward Member Councillor Jackie Brockway, to address the Committee.

Councillor Brockway stated that she wished to oppose the application for a number of reasons, as previously raised by residents. She highlighted the history of the land, having been indicated as marsh land on Ordnance Survey maps dated back to 1885, with marshland naturally being lower lying than other areas. Additionally, she suggested that the biodiversity of marshland would be significantly different to that of grassland. In relation to flooding, Councillor Brockway highlighted instances of flooding in the neighbouring properties, echoing previously expressed concerns that if the land level was increased, this risk of flooding would increase. She concluded her statement by asking the Committee to consider why there had been such an expression of objection from local residents and called to support the request for a site visit, that Committee Members could understand for themselves the difficulties faced.

The Chairman thanked all speakers and invited a response from Officers. It was highlighted that the scheme included a positive land drainage scheme, which had been submitted and accepted by the Lead Local Flood Authority, and there was no objection from the Environment Agency to this application. On a temporary basis, there would be 47 days of heavy goods vehicles moving along West Bank, however Highways Agency had not raised any objections. With regard to comments suggesting breaches of planning, that was not for the Committee to consider in relation to this application, it would be for the Enforcement Team to consider.

The Chairman invited comments from the floor. There was significant discussion regarding concerns about the flood risk and vehicle movements. Members appreciated there had been no objections raised from statutory consultees, however there was some concern as to whether there had been sufficient consideration given to the specifics of the site.

A Member of the Committee proposed that the application be deferred in order for a site visit to be undertaken, so that Members might understand fully the existing land levels, the proposed raised land levels and how this might compare with surrounding areas. This proposal was duly seconded.

On taking the vote it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the application be deferred for a site visit to be held, to afford Members a greater understanding of the land levels and potential impact of the application.