The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Plans for a self-build, zero carbon home have been given the green light.
The four bedroom home off Glenside North in Pinchbeck was passed by South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee last week despite officers recommending it be refused.
They argued that it was on greenfield site and in open countryside and away from local amenities.
But a number of councillors argued that it was between two existing properties and would enhance the settings.
They also argued that the zero carbon initiative provided ‘exceptional’ design to warrant granting permission outside of the limits of development and highlighted the applicants Mark Thomas’s pledge to sign a Section 106 agreement that anyone living at the property had to have an electric car.,
Mr Thomas said: ” “Our proposal allows us to be in the village of Pinchbeck which we live while allowing us to build a home designed to meet our current and future needs.
“We are registered on South Holland’s self-build register, but have found finding plots a serious challenge.
“We understand there’s currently 86 individuals and four groups on the register. To date the district has only given approval for six which is a shortfall of 80 to meet council obligations.
“Policy says when there’s a deficit, significant benefit should be weighed towards self-build homes.
“We appreciate its a subjective but we propose a building that is high in quality and design, is sympathetic to the local area and includes careful landscaping.”
Councillors agreed and passed the plans.
Coun Jack Tyrrell argued: “Shouldn’t these homes be in the countryside. We wouldn’t be putting this in any other area.”
Coun Henry Bingham added: “You go down the lane and you’ve got all different years of housing all the way along.
“If we don’t have different houses built we’re going to be a one-size fits all society
