Sutton Bridge Parish Council debates plan to convert grot spot Bridge Hotel into flats
A debate was aired over the parking arrangements for plans to convert a grot spot hotel into 15 flats — amid calls to not ‘make things difficult’ for the development.
Sutton Bridge parish councillors had previously taken a majority vote to write to Rob Bridgewater and Jamie Sandford of API Investments regarding the Bridge Hotel and their proposal which includes 12 car parking spaces.
Some 28 villagers attended the most recent meeting — including business owner Pippa Burrows of Pippa’s Pantry and resident Barbara Almey, who has voiced her concerns over the fact that councillors have commented on South Holland District Council’s planning portal to say ‘that there is insufficient parking identified for the size of the development’.
Barbara Almey said after the meeting: “We have been described as a deprived area so why make things difficult?
“If we can't allow somebody to repurpose the hotel we are never going to move forward.
“We are going to be stuck and there seem to be so many negative thoughts with regards to this development.”
However, Coun Chris Brewis said: “The parish council didn't object but raised attention to the inadequate parking which I think we are quite right to.
“We have got to bring this to their attention at the start.
“I don't want the very same people coming to us afterwards saying why didn't we draw attention to it.”
Coun Brewis had commented on SHDC’s planning portal that he has ‘difficulty seeing how 15 units have sufficient on-site parking, as parking seems to be for less vehicles. There needs to be sufficient parking on site for vehicles for 15 households, which probably means at least 30 spaces’.
A letter of response to the parking query was read out at the meeting — and that said that the parking allocation will remain at 12 spaces.
Barbara Almey said: “The builder's stance is that is it and that is how it is going to be.
“Youngsters will be able to stay in the flats rather than moving away.
“I don't want to think I live in a deprived area but a lot of people come into Sutton Bridge and they are saying what on earth is that derelict building.”
Pippa Burrows, who runs Pippa’s Pantry in the village, has previously said that she would dearly like to see the hotel transformed.
*At the meeting a new vice chair was voted in following the resignation of Ann Billings who has been on the council since May 2023.
Coun Sue McLaughlin will take on the role, supporting chairman Coun Mary Middleton.
Coun McLaughlin said: “I was gobsmacked when I was put forward as vice.
“A big part of my role is to support the chair, Mary, that is how I see the role and we get on as people as well.
“It is an honour to be asked to do something like that.”
Having been on the parish council for 12 months, Coun McLaughlin, who is involved in the WI, is keen to progress plans for the new pavilion and multi-use games area (MUGA) and improve the children’s play area in the Memorial Park.
She said: “I was asked if I would think about doing it so I am putting my money where my mouth is. and I hope in a little way I am making a difference.
“You get voted on and do your little but I never had any intention of rising through the ranks.
“We've got this beautiful park and if we put the amenities around it as well it brings people together and brings a community spirit alive.”
The new pavilion and MUGA would mean modernised facilities and the opportunity for villagers of all abilities to use them.
She added: “You want pride in your village.
“We are trying so hard to make the village more appealing.
“As vice chair I hope in a little way I am making a difference.”
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Efforts are being made to improve visitors’ first impressions of a village - with a special feature planned for a busy roundabout.
Concerned residents in Sutton Bridge have expressed that the entrance to the village from Norfolk is a letdown and ruining what should be a picturesque gateway into Lincolnshire.
Coun Jack Tyrell, South Holland District Council’s portfolio holder for environmental services, has been ‘fishing around for a boat’ to secure on top of the A17/Bridge Road roundabout. He has found the perfect vessels and was given the green light by Lincolnshire County Council.
He said: “I have found two wooden long boats that are both perfect.
“I wanted something as people came over the bridge entering South Holland and lit up all year round and at Christmas.
“They look very tidy but I will pick them up and take them to the Men’s Shed.”
Lincolnshire County Council will assist with the project by tidying up the roundabout and providing a source of electricity.
Coun Tyrell said: “The idea is that they are pushed into concrete and as there is a mast on top it can be used to put the lights on.
“We have had permission to work on the roundabout and clean it.”
The idea has been two years in the making and Coun Tyrell is keen to improve the area, also having installed a new disabled toilet block in West Street, Long Sutton.
