November 4, 2015 9.50 am This story is over 100 months old

Controversial plans for 160 houses in Lincoln village thrown out by councillors

Clear refusal: A proposal for 160 new homes in Navenby has been comprehensively rejected following heavy criticism from villagers.

A proposal for 160 new homes in Navenby has been comprehensively rejected following heavy criticism from villagers.

The application received over 260 objections and was the main focus for councillors on North Kesteven District Council’s planning committee meeting on November 3, which saw members of the public pack out the council’s offices in Sleaford.

The plans, by joint applicants Lindum Group Ltd and Linden Ltd, would have seen the homes built on greenfield land at Top Farm, off Green Man Road in the village.

At a passionate meeting, all but one of the councillors voted against the development, with just a single abstention and no votes in favour of the plans.

Councillors argued that the development was not sustainable and did not take into consideration environmental and conservation concerns.

Councillor Laura Conway, from the Lincolnshire Independents, suggested refusal of the plans, adding that “this application does not take into account the character of Navenby.”

Navenby Parish Council was also strongly opposed to the plans, stating that the application “will overload the services and infrastructure.”

Other concerns raised by objectors included the density of the development and the impact it would have on local transport and bus services.

Following the meeting, Councillor Marianne Overton said: “I am very happy that common sense has prevailed in this case. The application was very dense and far to urban in design for the village of Navenby.

“There was not enough thought into the diverse nature of the community with no accommodation for the elderly or disabled. It would have put far to much pressure on the village facilities.”

A final decision on the development now lies with the Planning Inspectorate, with a site visit potentially planned for early in the New Year.