Two custom-build homes at Land Off Lincoln Road And Spring Lane, Leasingham, Sleaford

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for two custom self-build two-storey homes with double garages, with access and layout considered and other matters reserved.

“Outline planning permission is now sought for the erection of 2 custom self- build two storey dwellings with double garages. The application includes means of access and layout for consideration with other matters reserved (namely landscaping, appearance and scale). In relation to the former the site boundary extends up to Spring Lane including part of the private drive to…”

“The submission is accompanied by a preliminary ecological appraisal, flood risk assessment and outline sustainable drainage strategy, tree constraints plan and construction management plan.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is rough grassland beside Leasingham Beck, the A15, a play area and former bowls green, with access through a private road to Spring Lane.

“The main body of the application site comprises just under 0.3ha of rough grassland located on the west side of Leasingham. Whilst appearing relatively flat, the southern part of the site sits slightly lower.”

“It abuts Leasingham Beck to the immediate south, with some remaining hedgerow along part of this. To the west is the A15 which sits slightly above. There is an informal access to this, the gate set back from the road but this appears to have only been used very infrequently, historic images showing the area largely overgrown.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The land formed part of a permitted nine-home scheme, previously refused over great crested newt impacts, and the larger site is now under construction.

“Official 1.4 The application site formed part of a larger 3.5ha site granted planning permission (ref: 20/0577/FUL) in December 2020 for the construction of 9 houses accessed from Spring Lane. Of these 7 were detached custom-build and 2 were a pair of semi-detached houses as affordable housing, secured by s106 agreement.”

“The permission was subject to a number of conditions including for all construction traffic to enter and leave the site using a temporary construction access from the A15 (condition 4), submission of, approval and compliance with a detailed surface water drainage scheme (condition 5) and the widening of Spring Lane for a distance of 40m from the site entrance prior to first occupation (condition 6).”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the site was within the settlement’s developed footprint, highway impacts were acceptable, and homes and access could remain in Flood Zone 1.

“Official 3. The proposal satisfies the requirements of Policy S4 of the CLLP and Policy 1 of the LRNP by virtue of the number of units proposed and a location within what can reasonably be considered the developed footprint of the settlement. In principle, the proposal would retain the core shape and form of the settlement taking into account the adjacent development. The principle considerations relate to matters of access and drainage/ flood risk.”

“The applicant has submitted a management plan for the construction phase including avoiding deliveries during school/ nursery peak times and the use of a banksman to guide construction vehicles, which is considered appropriate and proportionate. A more detailed plan can reasonably be secured by condition.”

Officer report

Responses to the proposal

The parish council and five objectors raised concerns about Spring Lane, traffic, pedestrian safety, flooding, drainage, construction access and maintenance.

“Official The issues raised can be summarised as follows: • Spring Lane is a very narrow lane with soft verge and stream on one side used by children and residents daily to access the park, football pitches and nursery. • Safety impacts for pedestrians using Spring Lane. • Ability of Spring Lane to accommodate construction traffic.”

“Official addition of 2 further properties strengthens these concerns. Environmental and Infrastructure – Spring Lane is bordered on one side by a street which flows into the village watercourse and also forms part of wildlife corridor. There is no pedestrian footpath and it is only wide enough for one vehicle. The land is prone to flooding during heavy rainfall as experienced several times in the winters of 2019 and 2023/4.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The local ward member and strong community advocate raised concerns about Spring Lane’s width and safety, drainage, flooding and the need for a site visit.

Members’ discussion

Members considered drainage, flooding, pedestrian and highway safety, access, foot and cycle travel, banksman enforcement and whether independent highway advice was needed.

“Members debated the application in detail, considering the Officer’s report, presentation and statements from the Local Ward Member/Strong Community Advocate. During the debate, several Members of the Committee raised concerns about the proposal including: • The impact of the application on existing drainage and flooding matters and whether the proposed mitigation measures, planning conditions and the drainage plan would be sufficient and successfully implemented.”

“In response to questions from the Committee, the Principal Planning Officer advised that: • Spring Lane was a highway adopted and maintained by Lincolnshire County Council that was already in use and provided access to a number of differing points.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted five for, two against and three abstentions on granting permission in line with the officer recommendation.

“It was therefore proposed and seconded that planning permission be granted in line with the Officer recommendation that Authority to Deal and approve be given to Officers, subject to the signing of a unilateral undertaking to secure the plots as custom self-build in relation to the exemption from Biodiversity Net Gain.”

Minutes

The decision

Authority was given to approve the application subject to a unilateral undertaking securing the custom self-build plots and the listed planning conditions.

“That Authority to Deal and approve be given to Officers, subject to the signing of a unilateral undertaking to secure the plots as custom self-build in relation to the exemption from Biodiversity Net Gain.”

Minutes