May 12, 2022 1.30 pm This story is over 37 months old

Almost 200 Holbeach homes set for approval despite MP’s opposition

It was previously given permission more than 10 years ago
The new road will stretch between Kings Road and Battlefield Lane South in Holbeach. | Photo: Google Street View

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.