July 7, 2020 3.57 pm This story is over 44 months old

Petition forces Lincoln councillors to revisit 50-home development

Councillors approved the plans in principle in June
An artist's impression of how the area would look.

A 118-signature petition collated in 24 hours has forced planning councillors to look again at a scheme to build almost 50 homes on recreation land in Lincoln.

City of Lincoln Council’s planning committee delegated authority to its assistant director of planning to grant an application by Birchwood Area Community Land Trust to build 49 new homes on Jasmin Road.

The proposals, approved in principle on June 17, were submitted on behalf of Birchwood Big Local, however consultation ended two days later and in that time the petition was submitted along with six further objections.

It means councillors will now have to look again at the plans next Wednesday (July 15).

The objections included concerns over the capacity of local services, the safety of children travelling through the site, loss of green space and increased traffic.

How the site would be lid out under the plans.

The petition, which was created using social media “in less than 24 hours,” said: “Many people did not know that there were further plans for the development.

“We strongly object to the building work going ahead.”

One objector, Rebekah Bushnell said: “The field is the only suitable place on the estate for children to play safely away from roads.

“The local amenities are already stretched to breaking point with no money being secured for further infrastructure to support these new dwellings.”

Lincoln Civic Trust and three neighbours had also objected to the plans prior to the previous committee.

The trust took ownership of the site – part of Jasmin Green – from the council in 2017, and said remaining undeveloped land will be kept open with two areas planned for play spaces.

The build includes 28 bungalows, five dormer bungalows and 16 two-storey houses, which would be classed as affordable with some designated specifically for those aged 55 and over.

Birchwood Big Local has been consulting on plans since 2015.

One nearby resident had written in support of the proposals.

Officers continue to recommend approval and say the principle of development is “acceptable” as the site had been given approval for residential development at outline stage.

“The proposal is appropriately designed to sit well within its context whilst respecting the amenity of adjacent neighbours,” they said.