The Planning Committee of South Holland Council is scheduled to consider a range of planning applications, including proposals for new housing developments and electricity infrastructure. The committee will also receive an update on recent planning appeal decisions.

Electricity Line Applications

Two applications concerning Section 37 Overhead Line Works for existing 400 kV electricity lines are scheduled for discussion. These applications relate to works in the vicinity of the Spalding Tee-Point, Surfleet Seas End, and Moulton Seas End. The reports detail that these works are necessary to connect the Outer Dowsing Offshore Windfarm to the National Electricity Transmission System, following the windfarm's consent. The council is acting as a consultee in this process, providing its views to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who will ultimately determine the applications. Concerns raised in the reports include the potential loss of Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land, landscape and visual impacts, and construction impacts. Mitigation measures proposed include a Soil Management Plan, a Construction Environmental Management Plan, and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan. The council's recommendation is to raise no objection, subject to the Secretary of State's consideration of the outlined concerns and the imposition of appropriate planning conditions.

Development for 80 Dwellings in Crowland

A significant item on the agenda is a full application for the development of 80 dwellings, including access, landscaping, drainage, open space, and associated infrastructure, at Land East of Normanton Road, Crowland. This is an amended scheme following discussions between officers and the applicant. The proposal includes 60 open market dwellings and 20 affordable dwellings, with a mix of shared ownership and affordable rent units. The site is an allocated housing site within the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan.

Concerns have been raised by various consultees, including the Environment Agency regarding flood risk, and Lincolnshire County Council's Historic Environment Officer regarding potential archaeological remains. Anglian Water initially objected due to insufficient capacity at the Crowland Water Recycling Centre, but this objection has since been withdrawn following reassessment. The council's Highways department has raised no objection, subject to planning conditions and Section 106 contributions. The report details significant developer contributions requested for healthcare, education, and open space provision. There are also discussions regarding a contribution towards community facilities sought by Crowland Parish Council. The proposal is considered to comply with the development plan and national policy, with the planning balance favouring the development due to its contribution to housing supply and the provision of affordable housing.

Gypsy Traveller Plot at Holbeach St Johns

The committee will consider a full application for the use of a site as a Gypsy Traveller plot on a retrospective basis at Ravens Gate, Holbeach St Johns. The report outlines that the site is located in the open countryside, outside the development boundary. Relevant policies from the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan and the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites are considered. Concerns raised by objectors include the unsustainable location, poor access to services, highway safety, and potential impacts on neighbouring amenity. The Environment Agency has no objection, subject to conditions regarding caravan anchoring and finished floor levels. The proposal is assessed against criteria including the principle of development, need for traveller accommodation, sustainability of the location, character and appearance, residential amenity, highway safety, flood risk, and biodiversity net gain. The report concludes that the proposal is acceptable in principle and complies with relevant policies, subject to conditions.

Change of Use in Long Sutton

A full application for a change of use from a former gift and interiors shop to a ground floor and hair and beauty salon on the first floor, to a solicitors' office, including alterations and the insertion of rooflights, at 4 High Street, Long Sutton, is also scheduled for discussion. The site is located within the historic core of Long Sutton and the Conservation Area, in proximity to several listed buildings. The report notes that the proposed uses fall within the same Use Class (Class E), meaning the change of use could potentially occur under General Permitted Development rights. The proposal is considered to be consistent with the town centre strategy and would retain a town centre use in an appropriate location. The Conservation Officer has raised no objections, subject to conditions regarding the detailing of window frames, brickwork, and the exclusion of a timber screen. The proposal is considered to have no adverse impact on the character or appearance of the area or on heritage assets.

Planning Appeals Update

Finally, the committee will receive an update on recent planning appeal decisions. The report details that since the previous report, six appeals have been dismissed, three have been allowed, and one has been invalidated. The overall success rate for the council's planning decisions at appeal since April 2017 is noted as 74.65%.