July 24, 2018 3.38 pm This story is over 67 months old

Swineshead plans approved despite amenity concerns

New homes approved

Plans to build 18 homes in Swineshead have been granted by councillors.

The plans for land to the rear of Westminster Terrace, on South Street, included three affordable dwellings, a public open space and a new road, designed as a cul-de-sac.

The new homes will consist of both detached and semi-detached chalet bungalows and welling houses.

The public space will include a children’s play area.

Agent Mr C. Wicks told Councillors: “We have a proposal which will enhance the village and retain Swineshead’s existing facilities and its status within the borough.”

The plans do, mean the loss of an 18th Century house in the village, though the report said it is not a listed building and is not within the Swineshead Conservation Area.

Mr Wicks told councillors the loss of the house would not affect the street scene and was not worthy of listed status. No application has been submitted to make the building such either.

Councillor Skinner questioned why Boston Borough had not been consulted as the ‘custodians of the borough’s heritage’ but was told the consultant architect had not considered the building architecturally significant.

Objections to the plans were received from 14 nearby properties, with concerns including privacy, the loss of visual amenity, damage to neighbouring properties during construction and the impact of increased traffic and parking.

Councillor Jonathan Noble said he was concerned about the loss of agricultural land, the impact on neighbouring properties, significant changes to the village and the effect on amenities, the distance between plots and vehicular access.

He was backed by Councillor Brian Rush who said he would never approve of building on agricultural land.

Councillor Alison Austin had sympathy for the objectors but said: “As we all know, you don’t have a right to a view.”

None of the statutory consultees had any objections, however, some added conditions on, while Lincolnshire County Council’s education board asked for £50,974 which will go towards an additional maths classroom at Thomas Cowley High School in Donington.

Councillors granted the application as long as 18 conditions and a section 106 for the three affordable houses and education donation were made.