Councillors unanimously refuse plans for ‘traditional village’ scheme near Lincoln

Plans for a 33-home development in a village near Lincoln have been rejected by West Lindsey District Council.

Applicants Jackson & Jackson Developments submitted proposals for the “traditional” village development in Scothern in March 2015.

The plans for the site off Main Street, renamed The Paddock, would have seen 33 new homes constructed – each with a different layout and size, and space for two self-build plots.

However, councillors on West Lindsey District Council’s planning committee dismissed the proposals, questioning the sustainability and height of the development, its effect on the village school and citing the number of objections from local residents.

Councillor Owen Bierley said: “I’ve read the application very carefully and there are things in it that I do like. For example, the variety of different house types and sizes and also the element of self-build and custom-build houses.

“However, I’m afraid that looking at the indicative house types, they don’t remind me in any way of Scothern – they could be anywhere and are completely inappropriate in that location.”

The designs for the new 35-home development. Image: Stem Architects

Dominik Jackson, of Jackson & Jackson Developments, said that he was “very surprised” that the application was rejected.

He said: “From a technical perspective we ticked all the planning boxes. We have already implemented all the changes suggested through the villagers’ and planning officers’ feedback.

“We will definitely be coming back to the proposal.”

133 homes deferred

At the same meeting, councillors postponed a decision for 133 homes on agricultural land in Saxilby, to allow for a site visit.

As previously reported, applicants Leverton Farms Ltd propose to build the homes on a site to the north of the village, and have applied for a half hectare extension of the cemetery at Saxilby Parish Church to take into account an increase in population in the village and surrounding areas.

The proposals include the construction of up to 100 properties to be put on the market, plus 26 social rented homes, and and seven “intermediate” houses, bridging the gap between renting and the open market.

The size of the homes would range from two bedrooms to four and five bedroom houses.

The applicants’ plans for the site. Photo: JHWalter LLP

The applicants said: “The proposal will constitute an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development that can contribute to the growth objectives of West Lindsey, Central Lincolnshire and the national government and contribute to a five year deliverable land supply for Central Lincolnshire.”