Plans for up to 185 homes in Holbeach are likely to be approved for the second time, despite objections from local councillors and the MP.
The application for land off Battlefields Lane South was first submitted back in 2009, but the permission to start work expired after three years.
Developer Cicero Estates is seeking to renew the application and finally get the project off the ground.
The development would include 139 homes for the market and 46 social or affordable homes, and is recommended to be approved at next week’s planning meeting.
The application says: “Our objective is to positively transform this infill site into a vibrant and thriving place to live that will complement the existing surrounding settlement.”
A report by council officers says there isn’t any good reason to turn the application down.
However, South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes has made his objection to the plans known, saying: “I share my constituents’ concerns about the impact this scale of development will have on the local infrastructure, especially as planning permission has already been granted for an additional 900 homes for Holbeach.”
The housing estate would connect Kings Road and Battlefields Lane South. | Photo: Cicero Estates
He added: “Any developer seeking to develop to this extent must be made to make a substantial financial contribution, not only for potential home owners on the site, but also for the existing residents who will be adversely impacted by the proposal.”
An agreement would require the developer to make a contribution of £1.1million for local education, and £120,000 to the NHS.
Councillor Tracey Carter said she also had “serious concerns” about flood risk on the sites.
“We are having considerably heavier rainfall in recent years and a number of areas very close to this proposed site experienced horrendous flooding and disruption recently,” she said.
“This will only be worsened by more fields being used for building, removing the natural drainage they offer.”
The homes would be raised by one metre to mitigate the flood risk.
Council officers had previously warned about the housing estate creating a link between Kings Road and Battlefields Lane South in case it became a “rat run”.
However, it’s now considered this connection would improve the local road network, and would likely be part of the development.
The final decision will be made at South Holland District Council’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday, May 18.
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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