Sutton St James in 'desperate need’ of affordable homes

A parish council has withdrawn its support for a new housing development after builders have dumped the affordable homes element.

Sutton St James Parish Council says the village is in ‘desperate need’ of affordable homes and has lodged objections to Scenic Homes plans to build 30 new homes in the area.

The application has been recommended for approval - subject to developers paying £32,000 towards an extension of University Academy Long Sutton - by members of South Holland District Council’s planning committee.

A report to Wednesday’s committee meeting states that the parish council initially supported the application with affordable housing and education contributions but is now objecting.

The council commented: “The village is in desperate need for affordable housing be they rental or shared ownership properties.”

NHS England had also submitted a request a contribution of £19,800 from the developer, which has not been included.

Members of the public also submitted objections over concerns over a blind bend and provision for swifts.

The applicant states in the report that the parish council’s position was ‘disappointing’ and that it is frustrating that financial education contributions are determined by Lincolnshire County Council with no ‘obvious local benefit’.

It also states: “The parish council is aware of the needs of the village and in this instance they have approached the applicant to seek financial assistance towards improving the existing pre-school facility.”

The report states that the site was allocated within the local plan for residential development and approval had been given in 2019 for 27 dwellings. It also states that a viability assessment found that including the 25% requirement for affordable homes would ‘not result in a viable development scheme’.

A mixture of two, three, four and five bedroom houses are planned along with bungalows.

The report also states: “The access would join the existing highway at a point where there is sufficient clear sight lines achievable.”