The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Controversial plans to build 86 homes off Roman Road in Moulton Chapel have been recommended for approval by planning officers despite opposition.
Larkfleet Homes’ application to build eight two-bed, 35 three-bed, 38 four-bed and five five-bed homes is due to go before South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday (January 15).
The firm originally asked to build 99 homes on the land north of Roman Road and has halved the education and NHS financial contributions as a result with 12 affordable properties (14 per cent) on site, which is below the council guidance of 25 per cent.
South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes led the objections stating the homes, alongside 58 granted planning permission south of the road, would “dramatically increase the population of the small village” and that residents “did not want to see large scale development at the detriment of the character of the village.”
Moulton Parish Council argued the number of dwellings still exceeded what is proposed in the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan and expressed concerns the affordable housing levels and financial contributions had been reduced.
Councillors Andrew Woolf and Nigel Pepper and an unspecified number of local residents objected.
Moulton Chapel Primary School also objected saying that funding for a new classroom would be “essential” should the development go-ahead.
In the report to the committee recommending permission is granted, planning officer David Gedney states: “The proposal would not materially harm the rural character or appearance of the area.”
It continues: “A viability assessment has been carried out, which concludes that a viable scheme is 12 affordable properties with half of the education and NHS financial contributions.”
Recommended conditions include an archaeological evaluation having to be carried out before building commences.
