New village hall and 120 homes

Outline permission for a new village hall and 120 homes in Deeping St Nicholas has been granted by councillors.

South Holland District Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of allowing development on the land off Littleworth Drove at its meeting on Wednesday, January 10.

Speaking on behalf of the developer Kier Homes, Lewis Smith told the meeting: “The application has undergone a number of changes in relation to comments and objections received from local residents.

“Following meetings with the parish council, ward members and other parties it was revealed there is a greater need for a village hall with car parking.

“Village halls provide a central hub for many communities and there’s nothing to stop a village shop being created in the hall if demand exists.”

The council received 36 objections and one from Coun Jim Astill on concerns the new estate could be used as a rat run.

The application was amended so it would be only accessible from Littleworth Drove and Coun Astle told the meeting: “Originally I was against on the basis of the detrimental impact on a number of residents in terms of traffic but as that’s been removed I’m happy to support development on this site.

“There’s a sizeable education contribution and a third of the site is affordable housing.

“A number of residents I’ve spoken to are disappointed that the shop has been replaced by a village hall.

“A number of residents’ preference is for a combined facility but that can be sorted out at the next stage.”