Pennine Way bridge removal at Poplar Farm, Grantham

“Description of the proposal 2.1 The current application is a Section 73 application seeking to remove Condition 21 (Pennine Way bridge) and vary Condition 36 (Off-site highways works) of the implemented outline planning permission S08/1231.”

“Reason: To ensure an appropriate form of development in accordance with highway requirements and standards and in the interests of safety of users or the public highway, and safety of users of the site.” The primary objective of the current application is to remove the obligation to build the Pennine Way bridge. However, the Illustrative Master Plan and Design Code which has been approved pursuant to Condition 3 of the outline planning permission is to remain unchanged.”

“Description of the site 1.1 Outline planning permission for the Poplar Farm development was granted in June 2011 (PA Ref: S08/1231) for a proposed “mixed use urban extension comprising up to 1800 dwelling, community facilities (including a primary school, community centre, retail use classes A1, A2, A3 & A5, doctors surgery and elderly person’s accommodation) and associated open space (including new playing fields, facilities and changing rooms, children’s play areas,…”

“South Kesteven Local Plan Review 2021 – 2041 (Regulation 18 Draft) 5 Representations received 5.1 Please note that this section includes an officer a summary of the consultation responses and full details are available to view on the Council’s Planning Portal under the application reference S24/2218: Active Travel England 5.2.1 Active Travel England recommends this application is deferred for the reasons detailed in this response.”

“Lincolnshire County Council (Highways & SuDS) 5.8.1 Recommendation for refusal. This Section 73 application is to vary the conditions requiring the Poplar Farm development to deliver the Pennine Way Link Road at 750 houses. The applicant has submitted supporting information which suggests that the Pennine Way Link Road Bridge (PWLRB) is not now required.”

“Following discussions, it was proposed, seconded, and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning and Growth to refer the application to the Secretary of State with a resolution to REFUSE planning permission; and In the event that the Secretary of State did not call-in the application, the Assistant Director – Planning and Growth was authorised to REFUSE planning permission for the following reasons:”

“(1)The removal of the obligation to deliver the Pennine Way Link Road bridge would significantly and demonstrably undermine permeability and active travel connectivity between the site and the surrounding area, without a suitable alternative point of connection.”