October 6, 2022 12.30 pm This story is over 29 months old

Councillors approve Lincoln village development ‘with regret’

There were fears it would create “a tremendous amount of traffic”

The Cherry Willingham site will hold up to 144 homes | Photo: Taylor Lindsey Homes

Councillors have reluctantly given approval to a large housing development in Cherry Willingham despite concerns over congestion.

Questions have previously been raised over plans for up to 144 homes, which are to be built off Rudgard Avenue.

A planning meeting in September heard that they would be “squeezed in”.

However, West Lindsey District Council were told they were likely to lose an appeal if they tried to shrink the number of houses.

The planning committee visited the site in person after concerns over crowding and access.

The outline application from Taylor Lindsey Homes includes 33 two-bedroom semi-detached and terraced houses, 58 three-bedroom homes, 33 three-bedroom detached and 20 four bedroom detached houses.

The developer has also promised to improve the access junction.

The homes will be accessed off Rudgard Avenue in Cherry Willingham | Photo: Taylor Lindsey Homes

Councillor Dr Ian Lacey of Cherry Willingham Parish Council told the committee: “We are happy for the village to play its part in meeting housing allocations. However, we believe that 144 homes is excessive.

“The single entrance onto a bend on an existing road will likely lead to congestion.

“97 homes (as it is designated in the local plan) would be a considerable improvement.”

Councillor Jessie Milne said the development would create “A tremendous amount of extra traffic, which is a concern”.

Chair Councillor Ian Fleetwood was told by council officers that a condition to reduce the number of homes was on shaky legal ground.

It was pointed out the council had lost a similar case in Nettleham.

Councillor Fleetwood recommended the application be approved “with regret”.

Five councillors voted in person, and several who hadn’t attended the visit abstained.