The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
In the Voice of July 28, I read with raised eyebrows of two planning decisions, one good and one questionable, that show what a state the council is in and indeed how it allows itself to appear to bend to vested interests.
On the one hand we have the far-sighted approach to the granting of planning permission for a new eco home on Glenside North, West Pinchbeck.
A home that will showcase what can be done to improve the energy use of our homes. But why did the applicant have to pledge that anyone living in the home have to only use an electric car? As an electric car owner myself, they are not always suitable for everyone’s need.
Contrast that decision with the number of homes being built which although having south facing roofs aren’t fitted with solar panels and battery storage which could be stipulated as a requirement for development.
And finally, the Silverwood Garden Centre decision.
A planning u-turn on property owned by a councillor over a building that should have been demolished as part of the grant of planning permission in 2016.
It wasn’t, but in 2020 he applied for a change of use to make it into an office or storage space which was granted. Now because his workers have worked at home the office isn’t used as such and planning has been changed so that it becomes part of the home again.
So in six years he has got planning permission for a new home, ignored the demolition order, changed use to office and then not used it as such then had it nicely handed back to him to be included in his dwelling.
I am sure Coun Tyrrell works very hard for the good of his residents.
However, the two instances above, to which can be added developers reneging on the number of social houses they can ‘afford’ after planning permission has been granted, show what a mess the planning department is in.
An open, fair and forward looking attitude to future needs does not always appear to be evident in many planning decisions.
That will hold back the development of the district and feed public apathy many of whom feel the council only cares about itself.
John Fisher
Spalding
