June 29, 2017 9.23 am This story is over 81 months old

Drama as council committee chair in deciding vote grants permission for 300 homes in Middle Rasen

The chair of the West Lindsey District Council planning committee has voted to grant permission for controversial plans for 300 homes in Middle Rasen. Councillor Ian Fleetwood was given the casting vote after councillors on the committee were split equally on whether to approve the plans. The outline plans consist of a residential development of…
Councillor Ian Fleetwood was given the casting vote for the plans

The chair of the West Lindsey District Council planning committee has voted to grant permission for controversial plans for 300 homes in Middle Rasen.

Councillor Ian Fleetwood was given the casting vote after councillors on the committee were split equally on whether to approve the plans.

The outline plans consist of a residential development of up to 300 homes, along with areas of landscaping, public open space and associated infrastructure.

The development submitted by applicant Rebecca Archer will be built on land at Caistor Road in Middle Rasen.

Four councillors voted in favour of the plans, with another four rejecting the proposals.

There was one abstention.

Councillor Fleetwood said: “We’ve heard comments from either side and we’ve also heard via the committee that there is, in the report, very little reasoning whereby we can actually refuse this application.”

However, Councillor Jessie Milne said: “I could not in any way support this allocation. I travel into Market Rasen a lot. I find it horrendous trying to get in and out of the George Street junction. It’s an absolute nightmare.

“It’s just not the suitable place for it.”

Councillor Owen Bierley, vice chair of the committee, supported the application.

He said: “I do look at things that will benefit the community, particularly in this case the commitment to 20% of affordable homes. Those come with criteria which say that those benefit people in Market Rasen and the surrounding area before anyone else.

“This application is not from a national developer who would need to look at a map to find where Market Rasen was.

“This is built by a local builder and I would imagine by default would in its way create local employment.”