Agenda item

The Chairman introduced the second application of the evening, number WL/2025/00960 seeking permission for rear extension to agricultural building at Oak Tree Meadows, Kettlethorpe Road, Fenton, Lincoln, LN1 2ER. On receiving a presentation on the application by the Planning Officer, the Committee was advised that an amendment to condition five was to be included, it would now read “The extended building hereby approved shall be used for purposes incidental to the agricultural use of the site only.”.

The Chairman noted there were two registers speakers, and invited the first, Councillor Catherine Turner, to address the committee.

Councillor Turner explained she was representing the Parish Council, and stated that over the years, residents had lost faith in those involved with the development of the site. She stated there were ongoing issues and a lack of transparency in the intentions for the site. She respectfully requested that the existing building be completed prior to work commencing on the extension. There had been several concerns raised regarding the continued presence of a static caravan on the site, with residents and the Parish Council worried that the site was being planned to be used as a caravan site. It was questioned whether the incomplete work on the original building could be conditioned for completion, citing a lack of clarity from the applicant as to the long term plans for the site. Councillor Turner also requested that any decision from the Committee be presented in plain English and detailed the relevant legislation in order for residents to understand the outcome.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Turner for her comments, and invited the second speaker, objector Mr Richard Elliott, to address the Committee.

Mr Elliott stated his belief that the planning process had been exploited, highlighting the siting of a static caravan, coupled with the lack of progress with the original build, and what residents believed were clandestine connections to water and sewerage, it was suggested that the applicant was not honest with the intentions for the site. He reiterated the request from the Parish Councillor that completion of the original building be mandated prior to extension work commencing. He also stated that Anglian Water and the Highways Agency needed to be fully appraised of works undertaken to connect to water and sewers, and damage to the roads caused by said works. Mr Elliott raised concerns regarding the deduction that the site was to be used as a camping and caravan site, requesting that the applicant engage with the local community in order to rebuild trust and alleviate their unease. In concluding, Mr Elliott restated the residents’ objections to the proposals and requested that if permission be granted, it be conditional on the completion of the existing building.

The Chairman thanked Mr Elliott and invited a response from Officers. It was explained that to enforce the completion of the building would fail the six tests as to whether a condition was proportionate and enforceable. It was highlighted that the relevant condition was for work to be commenced within three years, which had occurred, not for work to be completed.

Members of the Committee expressed understanding of the residents’ frustrations, and it was commented that the spirit of the process appeared to have been circumnavigated, however, there were not material considerations to indicate refusal of the application.

With regard to the static caravan and suggested connections to mains water, it was suggested that be taken up with the water board and planning enforcement officers. It was also requested that any application for the site to be used for camping or caravanning return for a committee decision. It was confirmed that the static caravan was there under permitted development rules, however an application for more could be returned to the committee.

In consideration of the potential risk of flooding, a Member of the Committee proposed a site visit. With no seconder, the proposal fell.

In response to concerns regarding the permanence or otherwise of the static caravan, it was suggested that an additional condition could be included, which would remove permitted development rights to use land as a recreational caravan / campsite. This was duly accepted by Members.

Having had a proposer and seconder, the Chairman reiterated that the proposal was to grant permission, subject to conditions, with the previously stated amendment to condition five, and the additional condition six. The proposer and seconder confirmed this, Members indicated their agreement, and the Chairman took the vote.

It was agreed that 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:

None.

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

2. 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 and documents: D02 Rev PL1 dated 02/09/2025 (Site Location (Red Line) and Proposed Block Plan) and D01 Rev PL1 dated 02/09/2025 (Proposed Floor Plans and Elevations). 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 of the Central Lincolnshire Local.

3. The materials used in the development shall match those stated on the application form and drawing No. D01 Rev PL1 dated 02/09/2025 (Proposed Floor Plans and Elevations). For the avoidance of doubt the external walls and roof shall be clad in steel box profile sheets in dark green to match the existing agricultural building granted under planning permission 144120.

Reason: To ensure the use of appropriate materials to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S53 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.

4. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the mitigation measures outlined in the submitted Flood Risk Assessment received 5 November 2025.

Reason: To reduce the risk and impact of flooding on the approved development and its occupants in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S21 of the Central Lincolnshire Local.

Conditions which apply or relate to matters which are to be observed following completion of the development:

5. The extended building hereby approved shall be used for purposes incidental to the agricultural use of the site only.

Reason: To establish the scope of the permission and in the interests of safeguarding the character and amenity of the area to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S53 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.

6. Notwithstanding the provisions of Class C of Schedule 2, Part 5 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), or any Order revoking and re-enacting that Order, the building hereby permitted shall not be used by members of certain recreational organisations for the purposes of recreation or instruction and the erection or placing of tents on the land unless planning permission has first been granted by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To establish the scope of the permission and in the interests of safeguarding the character and amenity of the area to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S53 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan