81 homes at Scotter Road South, Scunthorpe

What was proposed

The application proposed 81 low-cost detached and semi-detached homes, with roads, open space, play space, drainage, landscaping and a new Scotter Road access.

“The westernmost field is used for agriculture and open storage associated with the adjacent garden centre, and the easternmost field is used for agriculture. To the south and west of the site lies agricultural land. The site is roughly rectangular, with the exception of an irregular boundary in the north-west corner. The site is level and features boundary hedgerow and small areas of trees. Vehicular access to the site is from the east, off Scotter Road South.”

“- 8 two-bedroom homes (Cork) - 52 three-bedroom homes (Tyronne, Wexford, Renmore, Calry, Keady and Millford) - 17 four-bedroom homes (Broadale, Longford and Dublin). All new homes will be low-cost houses for sale. Each house will have two off-road parking spaces (in some cases one space will comprise a garage) and front and rear gardens.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to the signed habitat assessment, a Section 106 agreement and conditions, because the allocated site would deliver homes and infrastructure despite biodiversity and tree impacts.

“The proposal is seeking to secure a financial payment towards off-site BNG, although this is pre-mandatory and not a statutory requirement, and has been subject to viability appraisal which indicates this payment cannot be met at the time of determination of the application, although a review of the viability is set to be required following the completion of 50 units.”

“Acknowledging the above, officers recognise that the proposal would lead to minor/moderate impacts to existing levels of biodiversity and removal of tree/habitat; however, given the need for housing delivery and infrastructure across the Lincolnshire Lakes APP and wider development plan area, this level of harm is not considered to be significantly adverse to demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme, which include providing affordable new homes to the local…”

Officer report

What residents said

Seven public representations raised concerns about ecology, piecemeal development, housing mix, access, accidents, air quality and flooding.

“North Lincolnshire has an ageing population which means it is important that more homes are constructed at an adaptable standard to give greater choice and the opportunity for older people to remain in their homes, whilst supporting and encouraging the provision of specialist and older person housing when appropriate. Humberside Police (Crime Reduction Officer): (28/10/2023) Offers support for Secured by Design Award for the development's security features.”

“Seven letters of representation have been made by members of the public which, in summary, raise concerns over ecological impacts, including loss of habitats and impacts on species; the piecemeal nature of the development; the housing mix and need proposed; and access, speed and accidents on Scotter Road. Further concerns have been raised in relation to a reduction in air quality and the potential for increased flooding within and outside the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillors J Davison and L Foster spoke about foul drainage and road safety, while remaining supportive in principle subject to extra conditions.

The vote

Councillors approved the motion to grant permission subject to the Section 106 agreement and added conditions.

“That, subject to the Section 106, planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the officer’s report, with the addition of the following conditions –”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted in line with the officer recommendation, with extra requirements for a signalised all-way junction and changes supporting a 30mph speed limit.

“No above-ground works shall take place until details showing changes to all signage and carriageway markings along Scotter Road and adjacent roads to facilitate the implementation of a 30mph speed limit, including suggested timescales, have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. Once approved, these shall be provided in accordance with the approved details and timescales.”

Minutes