‘Tree of Life’ bid could be felled as planners recommend refusal

Plans for a ‘Tree of Life’ war memorial and museum have been recommended to be felled due to a bid to house a caretaker on site.

Harold Payne is looking to create a ‘Tree of Life’ memorial designed by pupils from University Academy Holbeach, and somewhere for his memorabilia to be displayed on land at the Anglia Motel he owns on the A17.

But his plans also include a two storey accommodation block for a caretaker.

Veteran charity fundraiser Harold says that it was to keep the items safe as he’s been hit numerous times by thieves in recent years.

But because the settlement is outside the boundaries of Fleet Hargate, officers are recommending the application be turned down when it goes before South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee on February 8.

In a report to the committee, officers felt the need for someone to live on the site was “not considered necessary” and so therefore goes against planning laws.

“There is no essential requirement for someone to be on the site at all times for operational/managerial reasons and security could be addressed by means of the installation of a remote security system.

“Moreover it is considered that the residential element would not meet the sustainable development needs of the area in terms of economic, community or environmental benefits due to the environmental harm that the development would cause.”

Harold was left angered by the decision and has taken out an advert in this week’s issue of The Voice to raise support, (see page eight).

“I’ve been hit by people taking things like iron gates from memorials,” he said. “It would be such a huge shame if we can’t provide this memorial to our armed forces representatives.”

The Planning Committee meeting takes place on Wednesday, February 8.