Civil engineering contractors' yard at 2 Carr Lane, Thealby

The site and its history

The site is outside Thealby’s development boundary, beside homes, and the proposal followed earlier permissions and a planning enforcement investigation.

“SFRA flood zone 1 ASSESSMENT Site description and proposal Retrospective planning permission is sought for change of use of land to a civil engineering contractors’ yard, including storage of heavy plant, the erection of a storage building, above-ground refuelling tank, wheel-wash area, hardstanding and external lighting at Overhall Contractors Ltd, land at the rear of 2 Carr Lane, Thealby.”

“The planning history of the site confirms that the use of the site has generally evolved over the years; however, it is important to note that the original builders’ yard and storage facility was a small-scale business that has expanded over the years to a point where the original business has now exceeded the capacity suitable for the site’s original intended use. This proposal is a retrospective planning application for a further expansion of the builders’ yard.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the countryside location was unjustified, the development harmed rural character, and impacts on nearby homes were not sufficiently assessed.

“…and DS14 of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan, and the relevant provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework. Whilst the previous recommendation contained three reasons for refusal, the drainage reason has now been satisfactorily resolved and is no longer a matter of concern.”

“By reason of its location, nature and scale, the proposal is considered to constitute inappropriate and unsustainable development which would fail to respect the character and distinctiveness of the countryside. On balance, it is considered that the benefits of the proposal do not outweigh the harm identified. The development is therefore contrary to policies RD2, DS1 and DS11 of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan, and CS1, CS2 and CS3 of the North Lincolnshire Core Strategy.”

Officer report

What the applicant said

The applicant said the retrospective proposal covered lighting and storage changes, improved fuel arrangements, extra plant storage and increased vehicle movements.

Members’ concerns

Councillors expressed concern about increased vehicle movements and supported visiting the site before deciding the application.

“Councillor C Ross was concerned at the increase in vehicle movements and suggested that the committee visit the site.”

“Councillor J Davison was also concerned and supported a site visit.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillors moved and seconded a deferral to allow members to visit the site, and the motion carried.

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

“That the application be deferred and considered at a future meeting to allow members to visit the site.”

Minutes