Three apartment conversion at Former Butchers Processing/Production Unit, Navenby, Lincoln

The site and its setting

The former butchers building is on Gas Lane, behind the High Street, within the village and immediately beside the conservation area.

“The application site comprises a large, detached red brick building formerly used as butchers preparation unit for the former Odlings butchers, located on Gas Lane, Navenby. The site is located to the north of Gas Lane, to the rear of no. High Street, and features access to the west of the building into an area of car parking.”

“The site is located within the built-up area of Navenby which is identified as a ‘Large Village’ under Policy S1 of the Spatial Hierarchy of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan (adopted 2023). Following the 2016 review of the Navenby Conservation Area the site was removed from the Conservation Area and now sits immediately adjacent to the High Street character area.”

Officer report

Earlier permission and changes

Permission for three apartments was granted in 2025, but construction retained the asymmetrical roof, used composite cladding, added a fire escape window and moved the heat pump.

“On 31 st October 2025, planning permission was granted under delegated powers for the conversion of the building into 3 no. apartments (ref: 25/0347/FUL), including external alteration to the building to install new windows and doors, and changes to the roof of the building to create a symmetrical roofline. The planning permission was granted subject to conditions.”

“Condition 2 of the permission requires the development to be constructed in accordance with the materials details which are shown on drawing 1442-8 FP GA02 Rev E, or in accordance with such alternatives as may be agreed in writing with the district planning authority.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, considering the changes acceptable in context, with no undue harm to character, heritage, landscape or neighbouring residents.

“Whilst it is noted that a number of objections have been raised by local residents and the Parish Council in relation to the materials used (and design changes generally), it is considered by Officers that the changes made have do not have an unduly harmful impact upon the character and appearance of the locality when considered in the context of the pre-development condition of the site, and also in the context of the approved scheme.”

“This is reflected in the comments received from the Council’s Conservation Officer, who advises that the changes have a limited impact on the approval and have no greater impact on the setting of the Navenby Conservation Area, thereby preserving its existing character.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Parish Council objected strongly, while the Conservation Officer, ecology officer, environmental services, highways, Ministry of Defence and drainage board raised no objection or comments.

“Environmental Services No comments/objection Lincolnshire County Council Highways and SuDS Support…”

Officer report

Local objections

Three written representations objected that the materials were inappropriate and would harm the conservation area and the character and appearance of the area.

“The grounds of objection/concern raised are summarised as follows: Visual Amenity and Heritage Impact • The development has an inappropriate change in materials. • The development will adversely affect the setting of the adjacent Conservation Area. • The development will adversely affect the character of the area…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A Parish Council representative, the agent and the Local Ward Member addressed the committee and answered questions or raised local concerns.

What members debated

Members discussed the appearance of the cladding and roofing, local feeling, the approved scheme and whether material planning reasons justified refusal.

“The Committee discussed the distinction between comparing the development against the previously approved scheme and assessing whether the revised development caused planning harm in its own right. Officers advised that the key issue was whether the changes resulted in harm to the setting of the Conservation Area and that both planning and conservation officers had concluded that they did not.”

“During the debate, Members acknowledged the strength of the local feeling and the objections received from residents and the Parish Council. However, a number of Members concluded that, whilst they did not favour the revised materials, they were unable to identify material planning reasons or policies that would justify refusal.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted seven in favour, three against and one abstention on a proposal to grant permission in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“It was therefore proposed and seconded that planning permission be granted in accordance with the Officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted in accordance with the officer recommendation, subject to conditions controlling materials, the heat pump enclosure, alterations, ecology features and approved plans.

“That planning permission be granted in accordance with the Officer recommendation, subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes