Homes bid on former shoemaker site in centre of Moulton kicked out

A bid to demolish an over 100-year-old building next to Moulton Mill and the village’s parish church and replace it with three homes has been refused.

South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee had been recommended to pass the plans for the former Sundaes Sandals workshop site behind Moulton Butchers on The Chase after conservation officers said the late 19th/early 20th century building ‘does not appear to be of any architectural or historic interest’.

But there were 10 objections from members of the public and three letters outlining objections from South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes who lives nearby.

The objections included over-development, concerns over the style of the homes in a conservation area and the access from the small cul-de-sac on to High Street.

Coun Anthony Casson, told Wednesday’s (November 10) deciding meeting of the committee: “It’s a very small site. It was previously in for four homes on the site but in my opinion it should only be for two.

“It’s an incredibly narrow entrance and the parking spaces are full and if anybody wants to go down there won’t have any turning room, so would have to back out on the road near the shops.”

“Highways have not said anything because it’s a private road,” Coun Jack Tyrell, said of The Chase. “They’re only interested in you coming in and out and only seeing it as one vehicle. It’s going to be chaotic.”

Several councillors praised the proposed designs of the terraced homes but the committee voted to refuse the application on the grounds of over-development and poor access despite there being no objections from statutory consultees, including from the Highways authority.

“This is not a pretty site at present,” said Coun Christine Lawton. “Tiny cottages around a medieval church are not unusual. If these were 18th century workman’s cottages we’d think they’re architectural little gems and we’d be fighting to save them.

“The thing is 18th century workmen didn’t own two cars per household, which for me is the problem.”