Agenda item

The next item on the agenda was introduced, planning application number 138477, for change of use of land for the siting of 32no. holiday lodges, 1no. warden's lodge with adjacent site supply shed-shop, pond and associated site landscaping on land off Brigg Road & Grasby Wold Lane Grasby. The Senior Development Management Officer provided the Committee with updates in relation to a further objection received from Councillor Strange regarding delaying the application until the traffic speed restrictions had been implemented, however, it was confirmed that the County Council had approved the speed limit to be reduced to 40mph on the road in question and although there was no definite time scale for this being implemented, public notification would be along the road from May or June 2019 and the operational date would be after that.

The Chairman informed the Committee there were three speakers and invited the first, Councillor Mrs Forbes of Grasby Parish Council to address the Committee.

Councillor Forbes explained that the main concerns about the proposal were regarding the traffic implications, surface and foul water drainage, the use of the lodges and the impact on the local ecology. She accepted that the speed limit on the road was to be reduced but explained that the entrance to the site was on the brow of a hill where visibility was not ideal. She also explained that the development of the lodges would put additional strain on water systems that were already struggling, both fresh water with low water pressure in existing dwellings and foul water treatment systems being at capacity already. She suggested that the development would require an additional septic tank to be installed on site. With regards to the use of the lodges, Councillor Forbes explained that they had heard the lodges would be used for accommodation for offshore workers, rather than as a holiday lodge park. She highlighted that this use would be different to that detailed in the application. For her final point, Councillor Forbes commented on the ecology of the area and the risk to the biodiversity including bat activity. She requested that the application be delayed to allow time for the second ecological survey to take place in the summer. She highlighted that it was a fabulous opportunity for all parties to work together to forge a development that was advantageous in all ways and requested that the proposal be delayed.

The second speaker, Mr Greenwood, spoke to the Committee as the applicant for the proposal. He thanked all present for the opportunity to speak and for the guidance received with his application. He explained the nature of the family business and stated that they wanted to create a thriving and attractive holiday park in the Wolds. He highlighted that the amended layout had left approximately 25% of the site undeveloped in order to protect the biodiversity and the grassland in part of the site. Mr Greenwood highlighted that there had been an independent highways inspection commissioned which had found no problems with the proposed access and they had also re-sited the pathway. He offered to work with the Parish Council in terms of traffic calming measures and highlighted the potential benefit to the local businesses with increased footfall in the area. He once again thanked the Committee for their time and concluded his speech.

The Committee then heard from Councillor Strange who concurred with all that had been said by Councillor Forbes earlier in the meeting. He suggested that, whilst it was a positive that the County Council had agreed to reduce the speed limit, the application should be postponed until such a time as the speed limit had taken effect. He noted that the road onto which the site would open was fairly narrow and known for speeding traffic, he hoped that some kind of traffic calming measures could be introduced as well as the reduced speed limit. Councillor Strange also supported the comments regarding the need for additional sewerage and drainage options and concluded his comments by thanking the Committee for their time.

The Senior Development Management Officer clarified that Anglian Water had raised no objections to the application and there was capacity for additional foul water. There was a condition which clearly defined the park would be for holiday accommodation and amendments had been made following the detailed involvement of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. In addition, the Highways Agency hadn’t raised any objections to the entrance location even when the road had been at national speed limit.

The Chairman invited comments from the Committee Members and there was discussion about the environmental impact and traffic concerns. There was agreement that the reduction in the speed limit would be a positive for the area and the Officer recommendation to approve the application was moved.

A Member of Committee stated the site was currently an environmental asset to the area and the concerns raised were too significant to overlook. He moved a proposal to refuse permission as contrary to LP7, LP13 subsection b, LP21 and LP55.

In discussing the drainage issues, a further proposal to defer the application was moved however, on discussing with Officers the comments from Anglian Water and the responses received from the County Council, it was clarified that there were no objections and the move to defer was withdrawn.

The Vice Chairman noted that the application gave reassurance that there had been significant negotiations with the wildlife trust and the planning department and, in view of the planned speed reduction, he was satisfied the main concerns had been addressed. He therefore seconded the proposal to approve the application.

A Member of Committee commented further on the ecological impact of the proposed development and seconded the motion to refuse permission.

The Chairman asked the Committee to vote on the proposal to refuse permission, with 3 votes in favour of refusal and 5 votes against refusal, the motion was not carried.

The Chairman then asked the Committee to vote on the proposal to grant planning permission. A Member of Committee moved for a condition to be added regarding drainage of the site, and, on clarification from the Senior Development Management Officer that this was already in place, the suggestion was withdrawn.

With 7 votes in favour and 3 against, it was agreed that permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report.

NOTE:           Councillor T. Smith requested that his vote against the application be recorded.