Stefan Pidluznyj, Local Democracy Reporter

Councillors have delayed making a decision on plans to transform a Spalding town centre private car park into apartments for the over 55s.

South Holland District Council unanimously voted in favour of deferring Taylor Pearson Development’s proposals for the site on Drapers Place at a meeting in Spalding on Tuesday, April 10.

The four-storey building would have 35 apartments, 15 car parking spaces, balconies and roof terraces.

Access to the courtyard development would be from Francis Street and Drapers Place.

A further means of access for servicing/emergency vehicles and a number of car parking spaces would be created from The Crescent.

Derelict buildings considered to be of no value on the site of the car park would be demolished as part of the proposed development.

The applicant said that the site had suffered from vandalism and graffiti, which meant it was not used as much as a private car park.

They added that its redevelopment will have the potential to reinvigorate and enhance the surrounding area.

However, an overdevelopment of the site, car parking and waste collection concerns were raised by councillors at the meeting.

Councillor Roger Gambba-Jones, committee chairman, said: “I find it quite an extraordinary proposal and would find it amazing that anyone would want to live there.

“At worst the parking situation could be chaotic.

“I’m uncomfortable with an outright refusal at this stage. A sensible planning approach is a deferment.

“There’s a concern about mass and bulk of the development and insufficient parking.”

Councillor Bryan Alcock, Independent member for Crowland and Deeping St Nicholas, said: “The main issue is the parking. It’s going to push the parking problem around the town. I just think with the lack of parking and difficulties with refuse collection, it doesn’t seem to fit in.

Councillor Laura Eldridge, Conservative member for Long Sutton, said: “I think it’s 100% overdevelopment.

“I am concerned with regards to congestion and I think the development is a bit big.”

Councillor Peter Williams, UKIP member for Spalding St Paul’s, added: “The car parking does not add up. We could be looking at 70 people for 15 car parking spaces.”

Councillors have unanimously given the go-ahead for 35 new homes and apartments in Holbeach.

South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee approved Jelson Homes’ plans for the estate on land off Northon’s Lane at a meeting in Spalding on Tuesday, April 10.

The development north-west of the town centre will see a mix of apartments and houses built on the site which currently has several largely vacant industrial buildings.

Eight affordable houses or apartments will be built and a new road will be constructed through the estate.

The developer has committed to providing open spaces and has agreed to pay an education provision of £188,035.

Councillors delayed making a decision on the application in November 2017 after concerns were raised about bin collection points and private driveways.

Four objections to the development were also lodged by residents concerned about drainage on the site and how local services would cope with more houses.

Councillor Christine Lawton, Conservative member for Spalding Wygate, said: “I welcome the affordable housing. The one and two bedrooms are very welcome. The developer has been very reasonable regarding this.”