Ann’s thanks for planning support

A Holbeach woman has thanked the community for their support after planners allowed her to continue to add to the £27,000 she’s raised for charity.

Ann Gregory has been granted a ‘lawful use certificate’ so she can continue to sell goods from her Boston Road South home for Jerry Green Dog Rescue.

The retiree, who is a carer for her husband Mac who has Parkinson’s, was left stunned when told a complaint had been made about the sales she’s been having since 2020.

Her story led to swathes of support and incredible donations from people so she could afford the application.

The dog lover eventually applied for the certificate on the advice of the planning officers who recommended South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee approve it at a meeting last week on the condition she only sells three days a week from 10am to 4pm excluding Sunday and Bank Holidays.

A delighted Ann was selling the next day and said: “It’s such a relief. I’ve been having trouble sleeping because of it and the night after the meeting I slept like a baby.

“I can’t thank everybody enough.

“People have been absolutely incredible.

“There’s been so many amazing donations. People who have been just putting bags of money through the door, strangers giving me money in the street or calling out of nowhere and so many messages of support too.

“I’ve had people coming up to the house as well just to say congratulations.

“A special thanks must also go to Coun Tracey Carter who has been amazing and supportive from the moment I first contacted her.

“I’m now looking forward to giving Jerry Green Dog Rescue their next cheque.”

Speaking on Mrs Gregory’s behalf at last week’s meeting Coun Tracey Carter said: “To me, the report is clear; it does not constitute a material change in the officer’s view.

“It would appear to create no significant adverse impact on the neighbouring dwelling. Having visited the establishment myself I can confirm all items are kept neat and tidy within the grounds and located predominantly in the car port.

“There’s little or no risk the conditions will ever be contravened.”

A number of pictures were shown to the committee of parking on the road outside Mrs Gregory’s property, though the meeting was told they were mostly taken when Boston Road South was closed and one, Coun Tracey Carter said, included the vehicle of another unnamed councillor who had visited Mrs Gregory when she wasn’t selling to talk about the application.

“That’s a perfect example of the photos being mis-leading,” Coun Carter said. “I think it’s fair to say a number of the pictures were taken when this came to public attention as so many people were so unhappy about the initial complaint.

“That complaint increased the number of visitors for a short period as people came to the house to offer support.

“Things have settled, the road is now open, and from what I’ve seen there’s no issues or concern in relation to the parking.”

Highways officers raised no objections and stated that even though some cars were pictured on markings around the school, none pictured contravened traffic regulation orders.

Not all councillors agreed with the planning officers.

Coun Christine Lawton said: “I can’t see how it’s not a material change of use. That’s a private driveway and house, not for the sale of goods.

“I recall in Gosberton some time ago we stopped a man selling fruit and veg on his front garden, and I don’t see any reason why this is different.”

It was also asked if others selling goods from driveways might have to apply for lawful use certificates.

Planning chairman Coun James Avery said: “This has come before us as a specific set of circumstances and we won’t go out looking for people that are selling things through their front door.

“In my mind there’s little difference between this and a private resident holding a car boot sale.”