November 13, 2018 4.12 pm This story is over 64 months old

‘Lacklustre’ 174 Bourne homes decision delayed

“Like a maze”
The Elsea Park masterplan in Bourne which is earmarked for housing developments.

Councillors have delayed giving final backing for 174 homes in Bourne after describing the designs as “lazy”, “lacklustre” and “like a maze”.

Taylor Wimpy submitted the plans which would see the development built on Elsea Park, off the A151 near the town.

South Kesteven District Council initially gave outline approval for the site back in 2001.

But, members of the authority’s Development Management committee raised concern over the plans.

Councillors said the designs lacked the more than one access to the cycle path, was at risk of flooding and looked nothing like the original masterplan.

The 174 home plan for Bourne.

They added that the development only had one entrance and exit.

Councillor Ashley Baxter said the proposal was “lazy” and had not been thought through.

“We have got nothing more than a barracks,” he said.

“I cannot see how it has improved at all, it seems like a lazy layout drawn by people who drive cars.”

The developer said that the application would provide “much-needed” homes for Bourne and that it would benefit the wider community.

Meanwhile, Councillor Judy Stevens said the plans were “lacklustre” and would not benefit anyone.

“I personally do not think it is good enough for anywhere,” she said.

“I do not think it was what we were driving for, we should be driving for something that is fit for purpose.

“It should be something that the community is proud of.”

Vice-chairman, Councillor Ian Stokes, said the site was “like a maze” as it only had one entrance.

“There is only one way in and one way out,” he said.

“I cannot understand why there is not a second exit.”

But agents for Taylor Wimpey argued that the applicant had “worked hard to make the designs something good enough for South Kesteven”.

Councillors voted to defer the application so that the design, access and relationship to the masterplan can be looked at again.

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