Revised plans for 127 homes at Navenby recommended for approval

Council officers are recommending committee members approve a revised housing development scheme which was rejected by a planning inspector.
NavenbyNavenby
Navenby

Linden EB and Lindum Group had originally put forward a joint application for 160 homes on farm land and paddocks at Top Farm north of Green Man Road in Navenby.

The applicants appealed to HM planning inspectorate claiming North Kesteven District Council was taking too long over considering the proposal but this was dismissed by the inspector in May.

The NKDC planning committee had also resolved that it would have rejected the scheme if the matter had come before them, on the grounds of its density, scale, layout (including insufficient car parking provision), absence of bungalows, design, detailing and over development on prominent parts of the site, harming the character area which is immediately adjacent to Navenby’s Conservation Area and at a gateway to the village.

The current application was submitted last November, prior to the decision being reached on the appeal and was initially for 137 dwellings.

Officers in their report to the planning committee due to consider the matter on October 18, negotiations have continued with the applicants addressing the issues raised. The layout has now been reduced to 127 dwellings and a further round of consultation has been undertaken with both statutory bodies and neighbours.

A total of 44 affordable 1 to 4 bedroom homes are included in the scheme with access from Green man Road and the A607 which forms its western boundary.

Two main areas of public open space are provided within the site, a natural drainage system of ditches and building materials are to be more in keeping with surrounding properties.

There had been 148 letters of objection from residents plus the parish council to the original plan. Another 41 objections have been received on the revised design layout claiming the changes do not go far enough. The parish council pointed out that it believed the site would still be overdeveloped and made some recommendations to have bungalows on the edges of the site.

The county council highways department has requested £3,500 for a speed sign scheme and £5,000 to suport the local bus service. The council also required £146,593 for an additional classroom at Navenby Primary School to cope with increased demand.

Planning officers recommend approval subject to these conditions and £173,370 towards recreational space facilities within village.

The committee will meet at 5pm on October 18 at NKDC offices in Sleaford.