The Planning Committee of South Holland Council was scheduled to discuss an application for an agricultural worker's dwelling in Donington, and a proposal for a drive-through coffee shop and car wash in Spalding. The committee was also set to receive an update on recent planning appeal decisions.

Agricultural Workers Dwelling in Donington

A full application was scheduled for discussion regarding the erection of an agricultural worker's dwelling at Land at Gibbet Fen, Fen Road (A52), Donington. The proposed dwelling is intended for permanent occupation by an agricultural worker associated with the management and operation of an approved poultry farm on the site. The report indicated that the applicant had provided financial projections, an agricultural dwelling appraisal, a flood risk assessment, and biodiversity net gain information. The report noted that the site is located within Flood Zone 3, and that the proposal would be assessed against policies concerning spatial strategy, development management, design, flood risk, the natural environment, and vehicle parking. The report also highlighted that the proposal was no longer being considered as a self-build dwelling, and therefore was subject to statutory Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. The report recommended that planning permission be refused, stating that while a functional need for a worker was identified, an essential need for permanent on-site residence had not been sufficiently demonstrated, contrary to national policy and the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan.

Drive-Through Coffee Shop and Car Wash in Spalding

The committee was scheduled to consider a full application for the implementation of a drive-through coffee shop, vehicle and cycle parking (including EV Charging), landscaping, and a car wash unit at Land off King's Road, Spalding. The report detailed that the site is within the settlement limit of Spalding and is previously developed land. The proposal included 10 standard car parking spaces, 2 disabled spaces, and 6 EV charging spaces, along with soft landscaping and tree planting. The report outlined that the site is within Flood Zone 3, and the application included a Flood Risk Assessment and a Surface Water Drainage Strategy. The proposal was also to be assessed against policies relating to the retail hierarchy, town centre vitality, sustainable transport, and biodiversity net gain. The report recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions. These conditions included requirements for the development to be carried out in accordance with approved plans, a biodiversity gain plan to be submitted and approved before commencement, a detailed scheme of construction management, the finished floor level of the building to be set at 4m ODN, and specific hours of operation for the drive-through unit and car wash facility.

Planning Appeals Update

An update on recent planning appeal decisions was to be presented to the committee. The report indicated that since the previous report, three appeals had been dismissed, and four had been allowed. The report provided a table detailing the appeal information, including the appeal site, officer, outcome, and decision date for each case.