Two dwellings at Memorial Lawn, Mareham le Fen

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for two dwellings, with all detailed matters reserved and an indicative plan showing two plots and shared access.

“This is an outline application for2 dwellings with all matters reserved. An indicative block plan has been submitted which shows the site equally divided into to two halves with a proposed central shared access, a turning space for each and a centrally sited dwelling in each plot. There is a path between the dwelling to the west and the bowling green behind the site.”

“It is the intention of the applicant, the Mareham-le-Fen Village Hall and Memorial Lawn Charity, to use the proceeds of the sale of the land to fund the installation of new play equipment in the village, which already has the benefit of planning permission, (S/114/203/23).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was a lawn beside Main Street in the centre of the village, next to the bowling green, homes, a bus stop and a listed pub.

“The site is located towards the centre of Mareham Le Fen which is defined as a large village in the Core Strategy of the East Lindsey Local Plan. It is within Flood Zone 1 - Low Risk and to the south side of Main Street, which runs in an east to west direction. The site is a square shaped lawn and borders the road.”

“Set back to the rear of the lawn is a timber pavilion which belongs to the bowling green behind. Opposite are residential dwellings. To the west is a bungalow separated from the site by a footpath which links the roadside path to the bowling club at the rear. There is a bus stop to the front of the site. There is a Grade II listed pub to the west of the site across the road, The Royal Oak.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The application site had no planning history, while nearby approvals included replacement homes, bowling facilities, a new village hall and play equipment.

“S/114/00155/10 - Excavation of land to provide an enlarged wildlife pond, provision of a decked area and embankments, construction of a path and erection of a pedestrian field gate and construction of a pedestrian access within the curtilage of a listed building. Approved 17 August 2010. Application form describes ‘existing use’ of the site as part of the ‘village green’ and the redline to the application site covers the whole field.”

“S/114/01787/12 - Erection of a detached building to use as a village hall to provide a hall, kitchen, w.c.s, meeting rooms and store rooms to include vehicular car parking area and fencing to a maximum height of 1.2 metres. Approved 17 December 2012. Redline to application site, includes the whole field.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the village location was suitable and proposed play-area funding would offset the loss of allocated recreation space.

“However, the applicant argues that over time, and as a long-term project, alternative facilities have been provided in the village. The applicant argues that the charities long term project for the old village hall was to be replaced by a new, larger and purpose-built community centre and this has been achieved.”

“Therefore, it is considered that the loss of this allocated recreation site has been replaced over time by a combination of the provision of the dedicated bowling club, the new village hall and its associated recreation grounds and the planned play area. That said, it is noted that the village hall was already constructed by the time of the Local Plan adoption and the bowling green was well advanced.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish council supported the application reluctantly, while highways raised no objection subject to advice about access, parking, visibility, turning and layout.

“Mareham le Fen Parish Council regrets the loss of green land, open space, sports and recreational space in the village. Having weighed the arguments the council reluctantly decided that the benefits could outweigh the loss of the land. The size of the plot subject to this planning application will only support ground-level single story bungalows in the opinion of the council.”

“LCC HIGHWAYS AND LEAD LOCAL FLOOD AUTHORITY – The principle of development is acceptable, however, it is noted that condition 4 to move the bus stop on application S/114/01098/22 would conflict with the access on this application. As this is an outline application with all matters reserved, access and layout have not been considered.”

Officer report

Who spoke

One speaker supported the application and another spoke against it before members asked questions about possible alternative use of the land.

Members’ debate

Members noted private ownership, alternative recreation including a new play area, compliance with recreation policy, the memorial status and the site’s infill character.

“- Members debated the planning merits of the application, noting that the site was privately owned and alternative recreational provision including a new play area had been made elsewhere in the village. It was considered that the proposal complied with Policy SP26 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.”

“- Following a query on whether the site was an actual memorial or was in name only, the Deputy Development Manager responded that it was a World War 1 memorial and that a commemorative plaque had been moved from the Memorial Hall to the new Village Hall.”

Minutes

The vote

Members carried approval in line with the officer recommendation by nine votes to none, with no abstentions.

“Following which, the application was Proposed and Seconded for approval in line with officer recommendation.”

“Upon being put to the vote, the proposal for approval in line with officer recommendation was carried subject to conditions and a further condition relating to a Section 106 agreement securing funding for the play area.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions and an additional legal agreement securing funding for the play area.

“That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes