October 9, 2019 10.25 am This story is over 66 months old

Council approves 120 Bracebridge Heath homes, despite local dispute

The scheme had been previously deferred following concerns
The amended layout of the development.

Councillors have told developers of a 120-home proposal and Bracebridge Heath Parish Council to work closer together to solve their disputes as they approved the plan.

Linden Homes wants to build the development off Canwick Avenue and Westminster Drive in the village.

Outline approval for the scheme was given in 2015, however, North Kesteven District Council’s planning committee deferred the proposal in July following concerns over density, house designs and integration of affordable housing.

On Tuesday, councillors praised the work Linden Homes had put into revising the scheme, including improved public space and foot and cycle path provision.

Ward member Councillor Lindsey Cawrey said: “The place-making is much better and sits much more comfortably in an urban environment.

“This application, while not perfect, and not to everyone’s liking, is a very good example of planning process when done properly.”

However, there was dispute from Bracebridge Heath Parish Council.

Councillor Sue Manders described the houses as “tacky” and in “poor relation” to nearby houses. She criticised a travel plan which she said was “inaccurate”.

She called for even more work to be done to “get it right”.

Debate centred mainly around an access to a nearby recreation ground.

The developer said it had organised for a “potential” connection which could be opened by the parish council in the future.

The original plans for 120 homes in Bracebridge Heath near Lincoln

However, Councillor Manders said certain factors had not been considered including a nearby hospital cemetery. She said there had been discussion over a route, however, was critical no funding had been offered.

Councillor Terry Boston likened the argument to Brexit “where the two parties need to just get together to do something solid.”

“It’s a simple thing to do, not to blame each other,” he added.

He, and others, called for both sides to work closer to negotiate a solution.

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