Twelve flats at Land Off Burghley Street, Bourne

The site and its setting

The site was a long, narrow parcel in a residential part of Bourne, partly within the conservation area and beside listed buildings.

“The application site is located within Bourne in a predominantly residential area. The site is approximately 3365m2. It is located directly to the rear of 31, North Street which is currently occupied by the British Red Cross with a residential flat over.”

“Part of the site to the west includes the drive which passes between two residential properties on Burghley Street. To the north of the site is a parcel of land also accessed from Burghley Street, between 7-9 Burghley Street and Clare Court. From a visual inspection this land appears to be used for vehicle parking. To the south of the site are the residential garden areas of the adjacent dwellings on Burghley Street and beer garden/curtilage of the adjacent public house.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a legal agreement, finding the housing benefits outweighed concerns and that the proposal caused no unacceptable harm.

“The proposed development would result in the provision of 12 residential flats, of which 4 would be affordable units. These would be located on brownfield land in a sustainable location and therefore the benefits of residential development at this location are afforded substantial weight.”

“To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement securing the necessary financial contribution towards healthcare provision, education and affordable housing.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The public speaking session included a district councillor, a councillor’s statement read aloud and the applicant’s agent.

What members debated

Members debated substandard access, delivery vehicles, fire-engine access, sprinklers, lighting, pedestrian safety, visibility, overdevelopment and possible mitigation.

“Concern was raised around delivery vans entering and leaving the site alongside the inability of a fire engine being able to access the site.”

“It was noted the fire brigade had stated fire safety failed to meet minimum standards and sprinkler systems should be mitigated. It was queried whether sprinklers could be condition and how the Council could enforce it post occupation. • Further concern was raised on the substandard access and visibility between 9 and 11 Burghley Street, it was felt mitigation was needed for pedestrian and vehicle safety.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused permission because the cramped layout created an unacceptable risk of conflict between vehicles and pedestrians and failed to provide safety for all users.

“The proposed site layout would appear cramped and contrived resulting in an unacceptable risk of conflict between vehicular access and pedestrian movements leading to a risk of safety for all users contrary to Policy DE1 of the adopted South Kesteven Local Plan.”

“The development proposed would conflict with the development plan when taken as a whole, and material considerations are insufficient to indicate that the decisions should be otherwise than in accordance with it, including the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the Framework.”

Minutes