The Planning Committee of South Holland Council met on Wednesday 8 January 2025, approving several planning applications including a new leisure complex and extra care housing. The committee also granted permission for a gypsy traveller plot and two new dwellings, alongside a micro energy storage facility.

Castle Sports Complex Redevelopment

Permission was granted for a significant redevelopment of the Castle Sports Complex in Spalding. The approved plans include the demolition of the existing swimming pool building to make way for a two-storey extension with a basement. This will provide new and upgraded indoor leisure and health facilities, including two swimming pools, plant areas, and changing rooms. The development also encompasses reconfiguration of the existing building for enhanced sports and physical activity facilities, the creation of a new 3G artificial turf pitch (ATP), an informal outdoor games area (IOGA), other outdoor play areas, an informal running trail/track, a health and well-being garden, and an outdoor splash pad. Supporting infrastructure, such as additional car parking and landscaped areas, will also be provided.

During the debate, concerns were raised about the suitability of the access on Albion Street for coaches and the availability of single-sex changing rooms. However, members ultimately viewed the project as a really good investment in the local area and an appropriate site for this use. The decision was made subject to amended conditions, including a correction to a revised plan reference, the removal of a reference to retail, and the deletion of a condition related to the extra care housing application.

Extra Care Housing Facility at Castle Sports Complex

Outline permission was also granted for an extra care housing facility of up to 70 units at the Castle Sports Complex, Pinchbeck Road, Spalding. This development will replace the existing swimming pool building and include related support infrastructure, such as a substation, car parking, and landscaping areas, with all matters reserved for future approval.

Members debated the application, noting the great need for this sort of facility within South Holland. However, concerns were raised about the shared entrance with the leisure centre and the adequacy of parking provisions for the extra-care housing. Officers clarified that this was an outline application, and these details would be addressed in a future reserved matters application. The committee also discussed the requirement for a 10% biodiversity net gain¹. The permission was granted subject to amended conditions, including the removal of a condition related to biodiversity net gain for this specific application and corrections to references in ground investigation reports.

Gypsy Traveller Plot in Sutton St James

A full application for a proposed gypsy traveller plot at Second Field South of The Stables, 88 Baulkins Drove, Sutton St James, was approved. The development includes a mobile home, tourer, stable block, and day room.

During the discussion, members raised concerns regarding the development's drainage management scheme, its sustainability, and potential pollution risks, noting that the site was not compliant with Policy 30 of the Local Plan². A recent planning appeal on an adjacent site was also mentioned as having influenced the consideration of flood risk assessments. Officers confirmed that the permission was for the specific development proposed and would not allow for additional caravans. The committee agreed to grant permission subject to conditions outlined in the report, with additional conditions for a landscaping scheme with boundary treatments and a prohibition on the burning of manure on site. Condition five was also amended to be a pre-commencement condition. Councillor Brewis recorded his vote against the application.

Residential Development in Weston

Permission was granted for a reserved matters application for the erection of two dwellings at Off High Road, Weston, Spalding. The development is based on outline approval H22-1070-23.

Members commented that the development would be high-quality and would fill an empty space on High Road. An additional condition was added to extend the hardstanding adjacent to the road to prevent gravel from the property drives spilling onto the road.

Micro Energy Storage Facility in Crowland

A full application for the construction and operation of a micro energy storage facility at Land at Crease Drove, Crowland, Peterborough, was approved. Members expressed sympathy for residents overlooking the industrial site, noting that a phone mast had recently been approved for the same location. Permission was granted subject to the conditions outlined in the report.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee noted a report providing an update on recent planning appeal decisions. There were no other planning updates or urgent items raised.