The Planning Committee of South Holland Council was scheduled to discuss several planning applications, including proposals for new housing developments, electricity line works, and a change of use for a commercial property. The committee was also set to receive an update on recent planning appeal decisions.

Electricity Line Works Applications

Two applications were scheduled for discussion regarding Section 37 Overhead Line Works for 400 kV lines in the vicinity of the Spalding Tee-Point, Surfleet Seas End, and Moulton Seas End. These applications, H22-0245-26 and H22-0246-26, relate to the connection of the Outer Dowsing Offshore Windfarm to the National Electricity Transmission System. The reports indicated that these works are necessary to connect the windfarm by 2030, in advance of other planned infrastructure.

The reports detailed potential impacts on the landscape and visual amenity, acknowledging that the area is already dominated by energy infrastructure. Mitigation measures proposed included a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP), a Soil Management Plan (SMP), and a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). Concerns were also raised regarding the permanent loss of Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (BMVAL) due to pylon foundations, though temporary losses during construction were to be reinstated. Ecological considerations included proximity to designated sites, with mitigation through a LEMP. Heritage impacts were considered minimal, with temporary indirect impacts during construction.

The recommendation for both applications was that the District Planning Authority had no objection, subject to the Secretary of State's consideration of concerns regarding BMVAL loss and construction impacts, and the cumulative impact of the Weston Marsh Substation application. It was also recommended that mitigation measures be secured by planning conditions.

Gypsy Traveller Plot Application

An application, H09-1109-25, was scheduled for a full application for the use of a site as a Gypsy Traveller Plot on a storage yard at Ravens Gate, Holbeach St Johns, Spalding. The report noted that the site is located in open countryside, outside the development boundary, and is within Flood Zone 2.

Relevant policies included those from the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), particularly concerning traveller sites in rural areas. The report highlighted previous planning history on the site, including refusals for industrial uses and an approval for storage in connection with hiring synthetic ice rinks and marquees.

Consultee responses included no objection from the Environment Agency, subject to conditions on caravan anchoring and finished floor levels. The Ecologist requested a mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain. Concerns raised in public representations included the site's countryside location, poor access to services, highway safety issues due to a 60mph speed limit and lack of footways, and potential noise and privacy impacts.

The report considered the principle of development, the approach to traveller sites and need, sustainability of the location, character and appearance, residential amenity, highway safety, flood risk, and biodiversity net gain. It noted that the site could be adequately served by infrastructure and that the scale of development was modest. The report also addressed the site's location within Flood Zone 2, stating that the Sequential Test was passed and the proposal complied with Policy 4 of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan. Biodiversity net gain was to be secured through off-site units.

The recommendation was for the application to be approved, subject to conditions including those related to flood risk, biodiversity net gain, and the occupation of the site being limited to persons meeting the definition of a Gypsy or Traveller.

Housing Development Application

A significant application, H02-0759-25, for the development of 80 dwellings with access, landscape, drainage, open space, and associated infrastructure at Land East of Normanton Road, Crowland, was scheduled for discussion. This application was brought before the committee due to the extent of objections received and the considerations it raised.

The proposed development included 60 open market dwellings and 20 affordable dwellings, meeting Nationally Described Space Standards. The site is an allocated housing site within the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan (SELLP), with a notional capacity of 70 dwellings. The application sought permission for 80 dwellings, representing a 14% increase on the indicative capacity.

The site is located within Flood Zone 3, classified as danger for most/danger for all by the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). The Environment Agency initially objected due to an inadequate flood risk assessment, but later withdrew their objection subject to conditions regarding finished floor levels and flood resilience construction. Anglian Water initially objected due to insufficient capacity at the Crowland Water Recycling Centre (WRC), but subsequently withdrew their objection, stating the WRC could accommodate the flows.

Concerns were raised by residents and Crowland Parish Council regarding the strain on local infrastructure, including school places and healthcare facilities, increased traffic, noise, flood risk, and the exceeding of housing targets set out in the Local Plan. Lincolnshire County Council requested financial contributions for education and healthcare facilities, and the Parish Council sought a contribution towards a new community building and sports pavilion.

The report detailed considerations including the principle of development, affordable housing mix, layout and design, impact on residential amenity, highway safety, flooding, drainage, developer contributions, and biodiversity. The principle of development was considered acceptable due to the site's allocation within the SELLP. The proposed density was deemed appropriate. The report addressed highway safety concerns, noting no objection from Lincolnshire County Council Highways, and detailed proposed parking arrangements. Flood risk mitigation measures, including raised finished floor levels and demountable defences, were considered acceptable. Biodiversity net gain was to be achieved, with conditions requiring a Biodiversity Gain Plan and Habitat Management and Maintenance Plan. Archaeological considerations led to a recommendation for further investigation, secured by condition.

The recommendation was for the application to be approved, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure financial contributions and affordable housing provision.

Change of Use Application

An application, H11-0056-26, for a change of use from a former gift and interiors shop to a ground floor hair and beauty salon and a first-floor solicitors' office, including alterations and the insertion of rooflights, at 4 High Street, Long Sutton, Spalding, was scheduled for discussion. The site is located within the Long Sutton Conservation Area and is in proximity to several Grade II listed buildings.

The report considered the principle of development, noting that the proposed uses fall within Use Class E, and that a change of use within the same Use Class could occur under General Permitted Development Order provisions. The proposal was considered consistent with the SELLP's spatial strategy and the vitality of town centres.

Design and heritage considerations were central to the assessment. The report noted that the alterations to the principal elevation were considered minor and unlikely to significantly harm the building's appearance or the character of the Conservation Area. The infilling of coach doors was considered to have a minor detrimental impact, outweighed by practical benefits. The proposed rooflights were considered a typical feature within the Conservation Area. The Conservation Officer raised no objections, subject to conditions regarding materials, window detailing, and the exclusion of timber screens.

Impacts on residential amenity were considered minimal, with proposed opening hours of 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Highway safety and parking were assessed, with the town centre location allowing for the use of public car parks and sustainable transport modes. Flood risk was considered, with the site located within Flood Zone 2, but outside any identified hazard zone within the SFRA. The proposal was deemed exempt from mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.

The recommendation was for the proposal to be approved, subject to conditions relating to materials, window detailing, and operating hours.

Planning Appeals Update

An update on recent planning appeal decisions was scheduled to be provided. The report indicated that since the previous report, six appeals had been dismissed, three allowed, and one invalidated. The overall success rate for the council's decisions at appeal since April 2017 was noted as 74.65%.