Agenda item

NOTE: The Lead Officer left the Council Chamber at 6.45 pm.

The Officer advised Members of a correction to the report at page 27 within the Residential Amenity section. Reference to "Beech House" should instead read "Beck House", being the property located to the north of the application site adjacent to the proposed access.

Members were further advised that, since publication of the agenda, a neutral representation had been received from North Kelsey Parish Council. The Parish Council had raised concerns regarding the proposed access from West Street, suggesting that improved access may be achievable from Occupation Lane. Concerns were also expressed regarding the absence of detailed service plans and the scale of the proposed gym, garage and ancillary storage building in relation to a single dwelling.

An objection had been received from a neighbouring property on West Street. Concerns related to the scale of the proposed development, its location in relation to the developed footprint of the village, highway safety associated with the proposed access, the impact on Beck House, the size of the proposed storage building and the potential impact on protected species arising from the demolition of the existing stable building.

The Chairman welcomed the applicant to address the Committee. It was argued that concerns relating to the proposed access should carry limited weight, as prior approval had previously been granted for demolition of an existing garage to facilitate the access arrangement. The applicant emphasised the size of the site, its proximity to village services and facilities, and the relationship of the proposal to surrounding residential development.

The applicant advised that the proposal was for a single self-build dwelling for family occupation and highlighted the limited number of objections received. Reference was made to the proposed ancillary buildings and the need for secure storage of equipment and vehicles.

The applicant further drew comparisons with other residential developments approved within North Kelsey and questioned the assessment that the site lay outside the developed footprint of the settlement. It was also explained that the proposal accorded with Policy NS24 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan relating to self and custom build housing and the applicant indicated a willingness agree additional conditions restricting occupation accordingly.

In conclusion, the applicant requested that the Committee approve the application. With no reply from Officers, the Chaiman opened to Members of the Committee to discuss.

During discussion, Members considered the Officer assessment that the site lay outside the developed footprint of North Kelsey and whether the proposal represented an appropriate location for development. Reference was made to the site's relationship with the existing built form of the village, its proximity to local facilities and services, and comparisons drawn by the applicant with other properties and developments within the settlement.

The Chairman expressed the view that a site visit would assist Members in assessing the site's position in relation to the settlement and understanding how the proposed development would relate to the character of the surrounding area. Clarification was sought from the Legal Advisor regarding the reasons for a site visit and, following further explanation, it was confirmed that Members could reasonably seek additional information regarding the site's relationship to the developed footprint and the appropriateness of the location.

The Officer advised that the principal considerations for the Committee were whether the site fell within the developed footprint and whether it represented an appropriate location for development.

A Member of the Committee supported the proposal for a site visit, drawing comparisons with a previous application where an inspection of the site had assisted Members in understanding the relationship between the proposal and the surrounding settlement. Another Member indicated that a site visit would assist in obtaining a fuller understanding of the site and its surroundings.

With no further comments, and having been proposed, seconded and voted upon, it was therefore agreed that application WL/2026/00514 be DEFERRED to enable a site visit to be undertaken.