The Chairman introduced application number 136826 highlighting that it was a hybrid planning application seeking full planning permission for theconstruction of a new 220 berth marina with reinstated flood defences, chandlery, workshop, cafe/bistro, showers and toilets; access road, footpaths and cycleways; erection of a new cycle/footbridge connecting the site to the Water Rail Way south of the River Witham; erection of footbridge across the proposed access channel; construction of a new surface water pump house; change of use of land to public open space/meadow area with heritage interpretation information on display; and outline planning permission for up to 155no. dwellings and business units totalling 663sqm with access to be considered. The Principal Planning Officer corrected a couple of typographical errors regarding the number references in the conditions and had nothing further to add.

The Chairman explained that Councillor Palmer had intended to speak as Ward Member however was unable to attend. He explained there were two registered speakers and invited the first speaker, Councillor Paul Moore, Parish Councillor for Cherry Willingham, to address the Committee.

Councillor Moore thanked the Chairman and stated that, in consideration of all aspects of the proposed development, the Parish Council did give tentative support to the application. He continued that there had been drop in sessions held in order to gauge the community opinions and they had also received written comments. The general consensus was that the plans were supported however there were concerns about the proposed housing. It was accepted that the proposed conditions could alleviate the concerns of the parish. Councillor Moore explained that the location of the proposed housing was a departure from the local plan and sought reassurance that it would not set a precedence for other developments to also work outside of the local plan. With regards to the number of proposed dwellings, Councillor Moore asked Officers to clarify that it was the minimum required to make the marina viable. He explained that the community accepted there was a need for the housing to enable to marina development however stated that they did not want the focus of the development to be the housing element. He also wanted to clarify that the support was for the concept of the marina development and not just the specific planning application. Finally, Councillor Moore highlighted that the planned cycle bridge was the main component of the proposed development which ensured the support of the community. He sought reassurance that the development would be conditioned to ensure the bridge remained a key element and that the proposals would be designed in such a way as to ensure an integrated and cohesive development. He concluded by confirming that, subject to these assurances, the Parish Council was in support of the application.

The Committee was then addressed by Mr Phil Scrafton, agent for the applicant, who thanked Members for their time. He explained that significant time had passed since the initial planning permission had been granted however the original plans had been deemed unviable and had led to close review of the venture. This had identified the need for housing to be built alongside the marina development although it was recognised that the entire plan needed to match with the surrounding areas as to avoid creating a separated and detached neighbourhood. He explained that there had been constant communication with local people and recognised that the support for the proposition was based on the understanding that the benefits be provided as detailed in the plan. He explained that there had been three scenarios presented to the community regarding housing options, numbers of dwellings and whether affordable housing should also be considered and the clear feedback had been that the number of dwellings should be kept to the minimum required in order for the marina to be viable. This had also been discussed with Officers and led to the planning application before Committee on this date. It was also confirmed that the strict caveat of providing the amenities would be honoured and there was already strong interest from local businesses wanting to be located in the area once completed. Mr Scrafton concluded by thanking the Committee again and stating that they were committed to providing the development as promised to the community.

The Chairman thanked both speakers and asked the Principal Planning Officer to clarify the details of the S106 agreement. She confirmed that the S106 agreement had already been signed which was unusual for an application not yet granted permission. She explained that it was very clear that the benefits of the development must be in place before any houses were occupied and that the conditions were stringent to ensure the amenities were delivered. The Chairman added that affordable housing options had not been viable because of contributions to the bridge and access for local people and that the developer had listened to the thoughts of the community. He clarified that although he had been speaking on local media about the application, he had not voiced an opinion either way and it was for the Committee to determine. He stated that the overall development would be a positive for the area and that details of the proposal, such as the access bridge and the increased amenities for local people would be beneficial to all in the area. From the Chair, he proposed to accept the Officer recommendation for the application and opened the discussion to Members.

There was widespread support from Members although the request that the amenities be prioritised over the housing element of the development was reiterated. The application was praised for being adventurous and bringing something to the district that was different and beneficial all round. A Member of Committee enquired about the objection from the drainage board and the Principal Planning Officer clarified that the objection had been withdrawn and apologised for not updating the report. It was also queried why the site had not been allocated as a marina site in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan. The Development Management Team Leader explained that the application at the time had simply been for a marina which, as a specialist infrastructure, would not have fit in with the CLLP categories looking at housing options and suchlike.

There were further concerns as to whether the construction of the bridge in particular could still be enforced if the site development passed to another party and it was confirmed that the conditions of the application went with the permission not the owner, meaning therefore that it would stand regardless of who was running the development. There was another query regarding the difference between residential and non-residential moorings in the marina and how this would be enforced. It was explained that residential moorings required planning applications in their own right and therefore would be possible to monitor details of the moorings.

With no further comments it was seconded and voted upon unanimously that permission be GRANTED subject to conditions as set out in the report and S106 agreement for open space and NHS contribution.

Note:              The meeting was adjourned at 7:02pm.