September 7, 2018 10.28 am This story is over 66 months old

First phase of 240 Louth homes approved, despite traffic and flood concerns

The first phase of plans to build 240 homes off Grimsby Road, in Louth, have been approved by councillors despite concerns over flooding and traffic.
The first phase of the Westfield Park development in Louth has been given the green light by councillors

The first phase of plans to build 240 homes off Grimsby Road, in Louth, have been approved by councillors despite concerns over flooding and traffic.

The Westfield Park Development, to be accessed off Howard Fields Way, will see a total of 80 homes built along with associated garages, estate roads and landscaping build.

It is planned to be built-in five phases, with the first phase building closest to the entrance and landscaping the rear of the plot.

Councillors at East Lindsey District Council were on Thursday told the first phase would also see the widening of the entrance to Howard Fields Way, and footpaths on the property.

Speakers from Louth Town Council and nearby residents strongly objected to the application, raising concerns including the traffic of more than an estimated 1,200 additional vehicles, the effect on infrastructure, the flood risk from the property and the overlooking of existing properties.

Michael Starsmoore representing residents, told councillors all the original points from outline still stood, he added there were concerns over flood risk, the effectiveness of mitigation measures, drainage, existing footways, and changes to the houses.

Councillor David Hall from Louth Town Council said the authority also still held its views from when the application went to outline permission.

He told councillors: “This development will generate up to 1,200 vehicles which will attempt to exit though one exit onto Grimsby Road. This point is at the brow of the hill and is dangerous.”

He said the traffic would add to existing congestion problems at the junction of North Holme Road and Grimsby Road.

Road safety would be an issue he said, adding that the new entrance would change the character of the entrance to the town.

In the report before councillor Anglian Water said it felt not enough had been done to tackle the issues it had previously raised.

The architect for the plans Richard Likupe told councillors he believed the work which has gone into the plans would mitigate ‘most of the issues’ including overlooking issues.

He said the plans present a ‘veritable opportunity’ to the area.

He was backed by his engineer Stephen Daykin who said the flood water drainage system was in line with national guidelines and had been tested and is ‘more than competent’.

He said water company Anglian Water had plans for a ‘strategic approach’ to tackle Louth as an overview and that the planners were in talks with the company.

Councillor Terry Aldridge said he sympathised with the concerns of residents but that he could not see any material reasons for objecting to the proposals.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from coverage every week, as well as insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.