Agenda item

The Chairman introduced the fourth application of the meeting and invited the Officer to present. The Officer provided a presentation and confirmed that there were no updates to report. The application had been brought before the Committee as it represented a departure from parking standards and Policy S49 of the Local Plan. Otherwise, it would likely have been determined under delegated powers.

The proposal sought permission for the creation of three residential units while retaining a reduced retail unit on the ground floor. The scheme also included repair works to the building to restore it to a suitable standard. The Officer presented existing and proposed floor plans and elevations, noting that the retail unit would front onto Lord Street, with three flats located across the ground and upper floors. Photographs were shown to illustrate the current condition of the building, which had been vacant for some time.

The Chairman thanked the Officer for his presentation and invited the only speaker on this application, Mr Matt Deakins as Agent, to address the Committee.

Mr Deakins stated that the Officer’s report had comprehensively covered the key points. He emphasised that the building had been long vacant and was in a poor state of repair. His client had made efforts to acquire the western portion of the building, which was under separate ownership, in order to deliver a comprehensive redevelopment, though these efforts had not yet been successful.

It was noted that the building was a heritage asset within the town centre and had been identified within the Townscape Heritage Scheme. The applicant intended to submit a funding application under this scheme, subject to timing.

Mr Deakins explained that the retail unit had been vacant for approximately five years, with the upper floors unused for several decades. He described the internal condition as extremely poor, with limited access to parts of the building. The proposed scheme would reduce the size of the retail unit, which was considered more marketable, and introduce three residential units, bringing the upper floors back into use.

The lack of on-site parking was acknowledged as the reason for the application being considered by the Committee. However, it was noted that the site had never had parking provision and was located within a pedestrianised area of the town centre, with access to public transport and amenities. Cycle storage and external storage facilities had been incorporated into the scheme.

The Chairman thanked Mr Deakins for his statement and invited Members to comment.

A Member expressed appreciation to the agent for the detailed explanation and welcomed the proposal, noting that the building had been in a poor state for many years. It was considered a significant improvement for the town centre.

Further support was expressed by another Member, commenting that the site’s location within a pedestrianised zone made parking concerns less relevant. The building was described as being in unacceptable condition, and the proposed development was seen as a substantial improvement. It was noted that many properties in Gainsborough were being brought up to standard, which was welcomed.

A further Member also expressed support, stating that both the developer and Officer had done a commendable job. The photographs demonstrated the building’s poor condition, and the proposed scheme was expected to result in a significant visual improvement.

The Chairman added that the development was a welcome transformation of a long-standing eyesore. Interest in acquiring the adjacent property was noted, and it was suggested that this could potentially address parking concerns, as the neighbouring site (a former public house) included space to the rear.

With no further comments the proposal to accept the Officer’s recommendations was duly seconded and voted upon. It was therefore agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

Conditions stating the time by which the development must be commenced:

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: To conform with Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

Conditions which apply or require matters to be agreed before the development commenced:

2. No development or conversions works shall take place until a level 2 Historic Building Record of the buildings has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure the preparation and implementation of an appropriate scheme of archaeological mitigation and in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

3. No conversion works shall take place until details showing the areas of masonry to be demolished and setting out the method of ensuring the safety and stability of the building fabric identified to be retained throughout the phases of demolition and reconstruction have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such details are to include structural engineering drawings and/or a method statement. The work shall be carried out in full accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To ensure the use of appropriate materials in the interests of visual amenity and the character and appearance of the listed building and its surroundings to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S53 and S57 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.

4. No conversion works shall take place until details of the following external materials including the colour finish to be used have either been inspected on site or submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority:

• Sample of brick type and size, bond, texture and mortar for openings to be bricked up;
• Type, size, material and finish of the proposed skylight;
• Joinery details for the timber external door (north elevation) at a scale of no less than 1:20, including materials, glazing bars, method of opening, colour and finish, as well as frame and surround;
• Paint finish and colour for all external joinery (please see informative);
• Sample panel of pointing.

The development must be completed in strict accordance with the approved details and retained as such thereafter.

Reason: To ensure the use of appropriate materials in the interests of visual amenity and the character and appearance of the listed building and its surroundings to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S53 and S57 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.

Conditions which apply or are to be observed during the course of the development:

5. The works shall follow the schedule of works as detailed on drawing RD:5749 – 04 dated January 2025 (Proposed Floor Plans and Details) unless otherwise approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure the development proceeds in accordance with the approved plans and to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S53 and S57 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.

6. With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the following drawings:

• Proposed Site and Location Plans: RD:5749 – 07 dated March 2025
• Proposed Elevations/Sections: RD:5749 - 06 dated March 2025
• Proposed Floor Plans and Details: RD:5749 – 04 dated January 2025
• Proposed Floor Plans: RD:5749 – 03 Rev A dated 27/03/2025

The works shall be carried out in accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and in any other approved documents forming part of the application.

Reason: To ensure the development proceeds in accordance with the approved plans and to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S53 and S57 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.