38 homes and retail unit at Land West Of Swallow Lane, Wootton

The site and surroundings

The site is grade 1 agricultural land outside Wootton’s development boundary, surrounded by homes and hedgerows, with access from Swallow Lane.

“Wootton is identified as a rural settlement within the Core Strategy and a smaller rural settlement in the North Lincolnshire Settlement Survey 2019. Wootton’s overall hierarchy position is 38. Wootton has a population of approximately 545 with 237 dwellings. Only the access lies within the development boundary. The site is grade 1 agricultural land and is currently farmed with a potato crop. It is within flood zone 1 and is therefore at low risk of flooding.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Earlier residential proposals were refused or withdrawn, while permission for 38 homes, a retail unit and open space was allowed on appeal.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 7/1995/0622: Residential development – refused 13/11/1996 PA/1996/2046: Residential development 5 dwellings – refused 13/02/1997 PA/2020/546: Outline planning permission to erect up to 90 dwellings and two retail units, with public open space incorporating new green infrastructure, SuDS features, a local equipped area for play (LEAP), woodland planting and biodiversity enhancements, with appearance, landscaping, layout and scale reserved for…”

Officer report

Objections from residents

The parish council and 35 public comments objected over building height, character, access, traffic, drainage, flooding, ecology, affordable housing and amenity.

“PARISH COUNCIL Objects to the application, making the following comments: • height of proposed buildings (scale) – out of character, dominate the landscape, loss of amenity to neighbouring properties, overshadowing impacts, reduced privacy and visual intrusion • access via Swallow Lane (access) – inadequate and poses significant safety and traffic concerns; increased vehicle movements, construction traffic concerns, and increased accident risk and disruption to local…”

“…conflicts with the NPPF and Planning Practice Guidance, which prioritise gravity-fed systems and flood risk avoidance; independent drainage assessments are required • the removal of affordable housing is unjustified and contrary to national and rural housing policies, undermining local housing need and community sustainability; affordable housing should be reinstated • given these material changes from the scheme approved under reference…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An applicant representative supported the scheme, and Councillor R Hannigan praised engagement but raised concerns about local amenities and retail.

The committee’s decision

The committee carried a motion to grant planning permission in accordance with the officers’ recommendation.

“It was then moved by Councillor C Ross and seconded by Councillor C Patterson –”

“That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained in the Planning Officers report.”

Minutes