Councillors are set to look at plans for 81 homes in Kirton in Lindsey – and an objector has raised concerns about the proposed layout.
The Strategic Land Group has applied on behalf of three individuals for full planning permission for 81 homes on land off Ings Road, at the western edge of the North Lincolnshire town. There is already outline permission for up to 90 homes, so the principle of development is not at stake.
The design and layout of the scheme is, though, and Michael Orridge has spoken to Grimsby Live about his concerns. An adjacent resident, he particularly wants a proposed play area and public open space moved.
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Mr Orridge, a chartered architect, described the layout as “fundamentally flawed”. He is to be one of several speakers at the planning committee, and the town council has also objected.
“I’ve got concerns of its location,” he said of the play area. It is proposed to be off a development loop road behind the existing Lane End. He said as outlined by the National Design Guide, it is designated good practice for play areas and public open space to be easily accessible for new and existing residents. “You’d have to walk the long way around a square,” of about 175 metres, he said of access for existing residents.
“If it was moved near the front of the site, you’d have a much shorter distance, and a softer approach into the development.” The development’s access will be via Ings Road, which Mr Orridge said is quiet and not used by much other than tractors and traffic related to a sports site “It makes sense in my opinion that it’s located there as prior design guidance suggests.”
He is also concerned by layouts showing a through path in the open space with the play area, going to the end of Lane End, which is a private cul-de-sac. “The through path ends abruptly at the boundary fence of Lane End, which just seems a silly solution, considering you’ve got a footpath to nowhere.”
He also wants fencing of an open space gap between the rear of 1-5 Lane End and plots 78-81 of the development to prevent it becoming an unofficial cut-through. His last concern is a desire for less removal of an Ings Road hedgerow, which he is led to believe is historic.
If approved, the development will comprise 43 two-bed houses, 31 three-bed and seven four-bed homes. Twenty per cent, or 17 homes, would be affordable housing.
An application document by Strategic Land Group states the development has been laid out “in a form which responds wholly to the shape and constraints of the site”. It also contends it is compliant with local and national policy guidance, including the National Design Guide. The play area is proposed with nearby homes to overlook it, providing natural surveillance, states the same document.
The kids’ play area will include a small see-saw, jumping discs, a little wooden chicken to ride on and a combination of a hut and slide. “A pedestrian link is provided through this space onto Lane End, helping to integrate the proposals with the surrounding development,” it is said of the through path. It is also argued the layout is well-designed, and it represents a highly sustainable form of development.
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Newett Homes Ltd obtained the outline permission on appeal in 2021, after North Lincolnshire Council had refused it. It was also awarded full appeal costs to be paid by the council as the planning inspector found it had behaved unreasonably.
A separate planning application for the site is still pending. This was made by Newett, the three individuals and Strategic Land Group. The latest 81 homes application is to ensure the live status of the outline permission, which expires after three years with no progress. Both propose the play area in the same spot.
Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe