The Planning Committee of Boston Borough Council met to reconsider planning application B/23/0379 for a residential development on land east of Gaysfield Road in Fishtoft. The committee had previously resolved to approve the application at a meeting on 6 June 2025, but following legal advice, the application was brought back for a fresh decision. After hearing from public speakers and discussing the issues, the committee voted to approve the application subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement¹.

Planning Application B/23/0379 - Land East of Gaysfield Road, Fishtoft

The main item on the agenda was planning application B/23/0379, concerning land east of Gaysfield Road, Fishtoft. The application sought full planning permission for a residential development of 89 dwellings with associated infrastructure, drainage, and open space. Councillor Helen Staples, a ward member, had called the application in for committee determination. The committee voted to approve the application subject to conditions and the signing of a Section 106 agreement.

Nick Atkinson, Development Management Leader, presented the report, outlining the site's location and planning history. He noted that part of the site was allocated for housing in the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan (SELLP), while the remainder benefitted from two extant planning permissions. He addressed key considerations such as housing density, design, drainage, highway safety, and impact on the nearby Fishtoft Manor, a listed building.

Public Representation

The committee heard from several public speakers. Ian Scott, speaking in objection, raised concerns about the adequacy of the proposed sustainable drainage system (SuDS) and the accuracy of housing density figures. Fiona Beddoes, representing the applicant Gleeson Homes, spoke in support, highlighting the company's commitment to affordable housing and the benefits of the scheme. Councillor Helen Crawford, Chair of Fishtoft Parish Council, raised concerns about the impact of the proposed access road on the safety of children using the adjacent Scout Hut and field. Councillor Helen Staples, ward member, spoke in objection, expressing concerns about the scale and density of the development, flood risk, and the lack of local amenities.

Committee Discussion

Following the public representations, the committee discussed the application in detail. Key issues included:

Housing Density

Members queried whether the proposed density was appropriate for the site and in keeping with the character of the surrounding area. Officers responded that the density was consistent with other modern developments in the area and that the site also included land covered by extant planning permissions.

Flood Risk and Drainage

Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the proposed drainage system and the potential for surface water flooding. Officers reiterated that the drainage strategy had been reviewed by the Lead Local Flood Authority and Witham Fourth Internal Drainage Board, both of whom had raised no objections.

Impact on Scout Hut and Field

Members expressed concern about the safety of children crossing the new access road to access the Scout field. Officers confirmed that a tactile pedestrian crossing had been included in the plans and that further discussions could be held to explore additional safety measures.

Sustainability

The limited public transport and local services in Fishtoft were raised as a concern. Officers noted that Fishtoft was designated as a Minor Service Centre in the Local Plan and was considered a sustainable location due to its proximity to Boston.

Decision

Following the discussion, Councillor Stephen Woodliffe moved to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation, subject to conditions and the signing of a Section 106 agreement. The motion was seconded by Councillor Stuart Evans and carried with eight votes in favour and two against.

The approved conditions included requirements for a detailed surface water drainage scheme, flood mitigation measures, highway improvements, and a construction environment management plan.

Other Matters Discussed

Apologies for Absence

Councillor David Middleton, Chair of the Committee, noted apologies for absence from several councillors, including Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader, who was substituted by Councillor Andy Izard.

Declarations of Interest

Standing declarations of interest were received from councillors who were also members of the South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee and the Internal Drainage Boards. Several members declared that they had been lobbied in relation to the application but confirmed that this would not affect their impartiality.

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 6 May 2025 were approved as a correct record.

Public Questions

No public questions had been received.