The Planning Committee of South Holland Council was scheduled to discuss several planning applications, including a significant housing development in Crowland, and proposals for electricity line works. The committee was also set to receive an update on recent planning appeal decisions.

Development for 80 Dwellings in Crowland

A major item on the agenda was the full application for the development of 80 dwellings, with associated access, landscaping, drainage, open space, and infrastructure, at Land East of Normanton Road, Crowland¹. This site is an allocated housing site within the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan². The proposal includes 60 open market dwellings and 20 affordable dwellings, with a mix of shared ownership and affordable rent properties. The report pack detailed extensive consultation responses, including objections from Crowland Parish Council regarding infrastructure strain and concerns about traffic and flood risk. The Environment Agency³ initially objected due to an inadequate flood risk assessment, but later withdrew this objection following amendments. Lincolnshire County Council's Education department requested a significant financial contribution to mitigate the impact on local schools. Anglian Water⁴ initially objected due to insufficient capacity at the Crowland Water Recycling Centre, but subsequently withdrew its objection. The report also detailed extensive discussions regarding site levels and flood risk mitigation, with proposed finished floor levels to be raised significantly to address flood depths of up to 2 metres.

Electricity Line Works Applications

Two applications concerning Section 37 Overhead Line Works were scheduled for discussion. These related to existing 400 kV lines in the vicinity of the Spalding Tee-Point, Surfleet Seas End, and Moulton Seas End⁵⁶. These works are required to connect the Outer Dowsing Offshore Windfarm to the National Electricity Transmission System. The council was consulted in its capacity as the local planning authority, with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero⁷ determining the Section 37 consent. The reports highlighted concerns regarding the permanent loss of Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land⁸ and landscape and visual impacts, although mitigation measures were proposed. The council was asked to indicate whether it had any objections or wished to be heard at a public inquiry.

Gypsy Traveller Plot Application in Holbeach St Johns

The committee was also scheduled to consider a full application for the use of a site as a Gypsy Traveller plot on a storage yard, retrospectively, at Ravens Gate, Holbeach St Johns, Spalding⁹. The report detailed relevant planning policies from the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan and national guidance, including the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites¹⁰. Consultee responses included no objections from the Environment Agency, Ecologist, Environmental Protection, and Lincolnshire County Council Highways. However, representations from the local MP and other members of the public raised concerns about the site's location in the open countryside, access, highway safety, and sustainability. The report assessed the principle of development, character and appearance, residential amenity, highway safety, and flood risk.

Change of Use Application in Long Sutton

A full application for a change of use from a former gift and interiors shop to a ground floor hair and beauty salon, and a first-floor solicitors' office, including alterations and the insertion of rooflights, at 4 High Street, Long Sutton, Spalding¹¹, was also on the agenda. The site is located within the Long Sutton Conservation Area¹² and in proximity to several listed buildings. The Conservation Officer had no objections, subject to conditions regarding the detailing of new windows and the infilling of coach doors. The report considered the principle of development, design, heritage impact, residential amenity, highway safety, and flood risk.

Planning Appeals Update

An update on recent planning appeal decisions was to be provided, detailing appeals dismissed, allowed, and part-allowed since the previous report¹³.