Sutton Bridge 123 homes resubmitted

More than 120 homes in Sutton Bridge which were refused by South Holland Council are back before councillors again next week – but officers still believe they should be refused.

The authority’s planning committee will examine Loyd Homes’ plans for 123 homes, including 34 classed as “affordable”, on land next to Nightingale Way on Wednesday.

A previous plan for 129 homes on the site was refused in January 2021 due to fears around flooding on the site as well as the site being outside the boundaries of the local plan and showing no necessity for them.

The plan was previously withdrawn at the last minute from the council’s May planning committee.

Officers on Wednesday will tell councillors that the proposal continues to fail to meet tests for flooding and that, while 76 of the homes already have reserved matters approval, it is not considered the extra housing is necessary.

“The local planning authority has acted positively and pro-actively in determining this application by assessing it against all material considerations.

“Furthermore, of concern with the application have been identified and discussed with the applicant.

“However, the issues are so fundamental to the proposal that it has not been able to negotiate a satisfactory solution and, due to the harm… approval has not been possible.”

The plans had been objected to by Sutton Bridge Parish Council, along with a number of residents, with concerns raised around the access to farmland, the visual impact of the properties and the impact on local infrastructure.

Documents submitted to the district council by the applicant say it does not think the proposals conflict with flooding policies.

It said data shows that the application is “at no greater flood risk than the allocated site”.

“The majority of the proposed development is on land already accepted by the LPA as being appropriate for development in flood risk terms,” it adds.

“The provision of a net additional 49 dwellings will make an important contribution to this overarching strategic objective.

“Especially in the absence of the allocated site making progress.

“In addition, the delivery of affordable housing in the context of a major undersupply both district-wide and at Sutton Bridge will be an important sustainability benefit.”