Agenda and minutes

There were no substitutes.

The following member declared a personal interest –

Member: Councillor T Mitchell

Minute Number: 2761a

Nature of Interest: Member of CPRE, The Countryside Charity

The following members declared that they had been lobbied –

Member: Councillor D Southern

Minute Number: 2761a (PA/2024/513)

Member: Councillor T Mitchell

Minute Number: 2761a (PA/2024/513)

Member: Councillor F Foster

Minute Number: 2760 (PA/2024/1166)

Resolved – That the minutes of the meetings held on the 27 November 2024, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the Chairman.

An objector stated that there were a number of concerns about the development, along with several factual inaccuracies in the report.  The objector stated that these included risks around privacy, lack of sunlight, and landscaping. The objector stated that it remained unclear how the boundary would be managed, so concerns around overlooking remained.  The objector felt that the risks could be minimised by greater use of bungalows.

A second objector expressed similar concerns, stating that more bungalows on the site would lead to an improved offer.  The objector felt that this proposal would create an isolated ‘island’ of generic housing on a current greenfield site, with no facilities or amenities. Further concerns were raised about gating, and the risk of trespass.

A third objector stated that there were concerns that this proposal could lead to an increased risk of anti-social behaviour, and that similar schemes had resulted in vandalism, drug taking etc. due to the lack of natural surveillance or lighting.  The objector raised concerns about accessibility to the site, which was situated down a narrow farmer’s track, with regular access to farm vehicles. 

The agent for the applicant stated that outline permission had already been granted, and that they had worked closely with the planning department to put together an attractive development, with a play area, open space, and biodiversity gains.  The agent stated that the proposal exceeded industry norms, and there would be no loss of privacy or natural lighting.  The agent concluded that the proposal had largely been shaped by residents, and was intended to provide attractive housing for local people.  In addition, the proposal would help the council to meet its house-building targets.

Cllr T Foster highlighted the expertise of the objectors, also raising concerns about the impact on wildlife and boundaries, noting that no drainage survey had been submitted. Cllr Foster’s view was that the application would go ahead, but this needed to be in line with the expectations of the council and local residents, and that the application required significant refining.

Cllr Davison stated that the site visit had illustrated that Ings Lane was wholly unsuitable as an access route, and that construction vehicles would inevitably lead to significant disruption to residents and local businesses. Cllr Grant agreed with this conclusion, stating that there was a need for the developers to consider access issues.

Cllrs Wells stated that it would prove difficult to widen the access lane, which Cllr Southern agreed with.  Cllr Bell stated that he believed the application remained flawed, including around the number of affordable properties.

It was then moved by Cllr J Davison and seconded by Cllr C Patterson –

That the application be refused for the following reason.

The proposed development would have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the area, as well as an adverse impact on the residential amenity of the occupiers of neighbouring dwellings. The proposed development is therefore not in accordance with policies DS1 and RD2 of the North Lincolnshire Local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2760.

An objector addressed the Committee, stating that the application fell outside of the development boundary.  The objector stated that application would increase the risk of flooding, and would also take trade away from the town centre, increasing traffic congestion.  The objector also stated that the proposal would reduce the views of the nearby church, and lead to various issues with parking, road safety, and accessibility issues for those attending the surgery.

A second objector also stated that the proposal was outside of the development boundary, stating that there was no need for another supermarket in the town.  Road safety issues were also raised by the objector, who stated that there would be risks to those with wheelchairs, prams or pushchairs if the development went ahead.

A third objector echoed the concerns about road safety, stating that the nearby A161 was very busy, yet narrow, and that the proposed access points were potentially dangerous.  The objector felt that the S106 contribution was wholly inadequate.  The objector concluded that developers shouldn’t be allowed to build on land that is important to the social history of the area.

A fourth objector stated that they were a business owner in the town centre, and that they wished to raise concerns that accessibility routes may not be maintained.  Epworth was reliant on its independent shops, and this proposal would damage their long-term sustainability.

The applicant addressed the committee, stating that the over-riding aim was to improve facilities and amenity for the residents of Epworth.  The applicant stated that they had worked closely with planning officers, and that there was a great deal of support for the proposal amongst residents.  The applicant stated that many residents faced a 24 mile round trip to access a larger supermarket, and that there were serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of the current garden centre.  It was claimed that the proposal would attract residents into Epworth, and ensure long-term, improved services for local people.

The agent for the applicant stated that they had worked with all parties to identify and meet the needs of the community.  The agent stated that a large proportion of the site was either previously developed, or brownfield, and that the proposal would help retain existing jobs, and lead to a large number of other employment opportunities for residents.  The proposed health surgery was designed and supported by the local NHS, ensuring future sustainability and accessibility for residents.   The proposal had attracted a great deal of support from residents and the town council, and that substantial investment was planned to address the concerns about road and pathway safety.

The heritage lead stated that Historic England had not objected to the proposal, and there would be no detrimental environmental impact.  The public rights of way would be retained and protected, and the views of the church would not be affected.

The GP Practice Manager stated that they fully supported the proposal, as it would provide modern, accessible facilities for residents, including a large increase in clinical  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2761a

The agent for the application stated that the proposal was relatively modest and intended to improve the amenity of the residents.  There were no overlooking concerns, and there were no objections from the parish council or neighbours.

It was moved by Cllr M Grant and seconded by Cllr M Bell –

That planning permission be approved, with the following additional conditions –

PA/2024/1256 – conditions/reasons:

1.

The development must be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason

To comply with section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2.

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

- Existing & Proposed Plans - DWG No. 2080 01.

Reason

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

3.

Notwithstanding the approved plans (condition 2 above), before the window is installed, drawings to a scale of 1:5 fully detailing the new window, including cross-sections for frame, mullions, sills and glazing unit, shall be approved in writing by the local planning authority and installed completely in accordance with the approved details.

Reason

To ensure that the building is in keeping with its surroundings in the interests of visual amenity, in accordance with policies DS1 of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan and CS6 of the North Lincolnshire Core Strategy.

4.

All new external and internal works and finishes, and works of making good to the retained fabric, shall match the existing original work adjacent in respect of methods, detailed execution and finished appearance unless otherwise approved in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason

To ensure that the building is in keeping with its surroundings in the interests of visual amenity, in accordance with policies DS1 of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan and CS6 of the North Lincolnshire Core Strategy.

Motion Carried

The agent for the application stated that the proposal was related to PA/2024/1256.  The agent stated that the proposal was relatively modest and there were no overlooking concerns or other concerns identified.

It was moved by Cllr M Grant and seconded by Cllr M Bell –

That planning permission be approved, with the following additional conditions –

PA/2024/1256 – conditions/reasons:

1.

The development must be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason

To comply with section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2.

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

- Existing & Proposed Plans - DWG No. 2080 01.

Reason

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

3.

Notwithstanding the approved plans (condition 2 above), before the window is installed, drawings to a scale of 1:5 fully detailing the new window, including cross-sections for frame, mullions, sills and glazing unit, shall be approved in writing by the local planning authority and installed completely in accordance with the approved details.

Reason

To ensure that the building is in keeping with its surroundings in the interests of visual amenity, in accordance with policies DS1 of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan and CS6 of the North Lincolnshire Core Strategy.

4.

All new external and internal works and finishes, and works of making good to the retained fabric, shall match the existing original work adjacent in respect of methods, detailed execution and finished appearance unless otherwise approved in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason

To ensure that the building is in keeping with its surroundings in the interests of visual amenity, in accordance with policies DS1 of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan and CS6 of the North Lincolnshire Core Strategy.

Motion Carried

There was no urgent business for consideration at the meeting.