12-10-24 PLAN MINS
MINUTES OF THE LOUTH TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE
HELD IN THE OLD COURT ROOM, THE SESSIONS HOUSE, LOUTH
ON TUESDAY 10th DECEMBER 2024
Councillor P. Starsmore (PS) (in the chair).
Present Councillors: Mrs. E. Ballard (Mrs. EB), J. Baskett (JB), J. Drake (JD), H. Filer (HF), G.E. Horton (GEH), D. Hobson (DH), Mrs. J. Makinson-Sanders (Mrs. JMS), D. Moore (DM), Mrs. K. Parsons (Mrs. KP), Mrs. P.F. Watson (Mrs. PFW)
Councillors not present: Mrs. EB, M. Barnes (MB), L.M Cooney (LMC), D.E. Wing (DEW)
Three members of the public, The Town Clerk, Mrs. L.M. Phillips and the Town Clerk’s Assistant, Miss S. Chitauro were also present.
Public Forum
• A member of the public addressed the Council with his concerns about the proposed astro-turf pitch on Wood Lane. He said that the current grass pitch was a vital green space for Louth and told the Council that there was a judicial review to be undertaken in 2025 regarding the proposed astro-turf pitch. He said that the Save Wood Lane group would approach the Council for financial support for the review and asked that the Council object to the planning application for the proposed pitch.
Prior to the commencement of the meeting, Deputy Mayor, Cllr. DH gave a short speech and led a minute’s silence in memory of 2024/25 Mayor, Cllr. Julia Simmons, who had sadly passed away on 9th December 2024.
P89. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. MB, LMC, DEW and Mrs. EB, who would be late to the meeting.
P90. Declarations of Interest / Dispensations
The following declarations of interest were made:
a. Cllr. EB – Planning application 2 as a client of the applicant.
b. Cllr. DH – Items 4, 5 and 8 as a member of East Lindsey District Council (ELDC).
c. Cllr. GEH – Items 4, 5 and 8 as a member of ELDC.
d. Cllr. JMS – Items 4, 5 and 8 as a member of ELDC.
P91. Minutes
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the notes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 19th November 2024 be approved as the minutes.
P92. Applications received by the Local Planning Authority
The Committee considered all planning applications received, including those listed in the schedule (PA/Schedule 12-10-24) and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED as follows:
a. N/105/01111/24 – Louth Town Council considered application reference N/105/01111/24 for Planning Permission – Creation of 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) with perimeter fencing, floodlighting, storage container, new hardstanding areas, footpath, re-surfacing of existing multi use games area (MUGA), extension of existing car park and the erection of an acoustic fence 4m in height and amended documents received: 29/11/24 – Design and Access with Planning Statement and Noise Management Plan. 28/11/24 – BNG Metric; Noise Impact Assessment; Proposed Car Park Extension; Transport Assessments; BNG Metric Cover Report; and Site Location Plan. 15/11/24 – Preliminary Ecology Appraisal; Drainage Strategy; and Aboricultural Impact Assessment. 04/11/24 – Proposed Site Plan; Proposed ATP Plan; Proposed Elevation; Floodlighting Scheme; Feasibility Study and Framework Leisure Travel Plan – at Wood Lane Playing Field, Wood Lane, Louth on 10th December 2024 and it was resolved to object on the same grounds as previously (see below) as it was felt that the amendments to the plans are not sufficient to allay the fears of residents:
– Loss of free, open, public green space
– Loss of trees
– Loss of ecological habitats
– Adequacy of drainage
– Access and highway safety
– Traffic generation
– Noise and disturbance from the scheme
– Loss of privacy
The proposed development of the Wood Lane Playing Field includes the removal of 14 trees and this coupled with the loss of the playing field, a free, public, open green space to make way for a 3G pitch and 95 new parking spaces will seriously impact the residents and the environment. It will result in the loss of availability of a much loved and much used free, public, open green space which has been enjoyed informally by all for many years in the pursuit of many activities such as football, cricket, rounders, catch, frisbee, running, picnics etc. This has allowed those who are not members of sports clubs to have an area for activities and has allowed the larger population an ability to engage in outdoor fitness on an ad hoc basis. Failure to provide these free, public, open green spaces is detrimental to the larger population who are not members of sports groups and cannot afford to be members. It does not promote inclusivity. ELDC has not proposed to replace these facilities, as per national planning policy and its loss will disadvantage many who live in the surrounding area, which is recognised as a deprived area and whose residents may not own cars or have any other access to free, public, open green space. This will lead to children being forced to find other areas to play in which will be more secluded than the Wood Lane Playing Field and which raises other concerns for their safety. The redevelopment of green spaces for building is creating a situation where there will be almost no green space within the centre of Louth. ELDC has an obligation to ensure these spaces are available to the local population to ensure its wellbeing. Further, the use of materials which have been proven to have carcinogenic properties in the 3G pitch brings health concerns which cannot be overlooked. The adoption of EU REACH by the European Commission which will see a restriction placed on the sale of the rubber infill used for 3G AGPs may also make the maintenance of these pitches difficult which raises concerns about the sustainability of the proposed 3G pitch. Furthermore, the proposals may result in reduced air quality as a result of an increase in carbon emissions caused by additional traffic and less vegetation to counteract that, increased flood risk due to displacement of surface water and a decline in biodiversity as habitats are lost. It will have a negative effect on the local ecosystem, destroying habitats and disrupting wildlife living in the local area e.g., of birds, squirrels and insects of which there are many in the vicinity. The installation of a 3G pitch and 95 new parking spaces will generate a significant increase in the amount of vehicular traffic using St. Bernard’s Avenue which turns into Wood Lane (the only access and exit road). This road already services an enormous number of residents whose abodes are located on it or just off it. It is well used currently by pedestrians as the only route for many children to and from their schools, all located off this road (Eastfield Infants’ and Nursery Academy, Lacey Gardens Junior Academy, Louth Academy Upper Campus (years 9, 10 and 11), St. Michael’s Church of England Primary School and the Limes Play and Learn nursery school) it is also a main thoroughfare dissecting the town which many use to cut from one side of town to the other and which is used as such by both vehicles and pedestrians. It already suffers from highway safety problems which can only be exacerbated by this development. The current problems are created by cars parked on-street (a necessity for many local residents as they have no driveway) and by drivers travelling along the road using excessive speed. It is also a main bus route. It is questionable that this transportation infrastructure would be capable of accommodating the increased strain placed upon it by the increase in traffic which would be generated by this development. The ensuing congestion caused by the increase in traffic and the increase in pedestrians/children walking to/from and around the new installation would greatly increase highway safety risks. The increase in traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular would also have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of residents: the danger, infringement of privacy, noise and light created being unacceptable. Noise and light pollution created by the development, which it is proposed will be operated on a 7 day a week basis from 8am to 10pm, will lead to the loss of enjoyment of previously darker skies by residents, will disrupt the sleep of nearby children and this might have a negative knock-on effect on their education and everyone’s mental condition. It is inevitable that disruption will also not cease at 10pm as users will take time to leave the car park (from which the sound of them talking and slamming doors etc., will still escape as there is no sound proofing in this area) past that time and lighting will not be switched off until staff are able to leave. The above concerns would increase stress levels for all nearby residents and this deterioration in the overall quality of life/violation of human rights is quite intolerable. The Council would like to stress that it is not against the installation of a 3G pitch in Louth. In fact, it recognises that Louth really needs this facility and would welcome it. BUT, having facilitated a public meeting for residents to voice their opinions, at which most attendees were opposed to the application, it cannot support it in this location. In view of the above and the lack of plans to re-provide both trees and free public open space the Council would urge ELDC to reconsider. The Council feels that the provision of free, public
b. N/105/01731/24 – to object on the grounds that the proposed materials are not suitable in or in keeping with the Conservation Area.
c. To support all other applications.
NB: Cllr. Mrs. EB entered the meeting at 7.38pm during discussions on Item 4 and therefore did not vote on any of the applications.
NB: Cllrs. DH and GEH abstained from voting on Planning Application 4, N/105/01645/24.
P93. Planning Correspondence
The Committee noted the following planning correspondence:
a. ELDC Planning Decisions
i. ELDC ELDC Approved – N/105/01403/24 – Listed Building Consent – 137 Eastgate, LN11 9QE – LTC supported 08/10/24.
ii. ELDC Approved – N/105/01436/24 – Planning Permission – Couplands Caravans, LN11 0YZ – LTC supported 08/10/24.
iii. ELDC Approved – N/105/0107/24 – Reserved Matters – Land Off Riverhead Road – LTC supported 27/08/24.
iv. ELDC Approved – N/105/01421/24 – Planning Permission – 50 Crowtree Lane, LN11 9LN – LTC outlined concerns 08/10/24.
v. ELDC Approved – N/105/01310/24 – Planning Permission – 12 Market Place, LN11 9PB – LTC supported 17/09/24.
vi. ELDC Approved – N/105/01311/24 – Listed Building Consent – 12 Market Place, LN11 9PB – LTC supported 17/09/24.
vii. ELDC Approved – N/105/01460/24 – Consent to Display – Drayton Motors Kia, LN11 0HQ – LTC supported 29/10/24.
viii. ELDC Approved – N/105/01509/24 – Planning Permission – 63 Crowtree Lane, LN11 0QW – LTC objected 29/10/24.
ix. ELDC Approved – N/105/01160/24 – Planning Permission – 14 Ashley Road, LN11 9DB – LTC objected 28/08/24.
x. ELDC Approved – N/105/01516/24 – Planning Permission – 125 Eastgate, LN11 9QE – LTC supported 29/10/24.
xi. ELDC Approved – N/105/01511/24 – Planning Permission – Land Adjacent to Raithby Water Treatment Works – LTC objected 29/10/24.
b. Temporary Traffic Restrictions
i. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: Lincolnshire County Council.
REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Event – RAE000435 – Santa Run.
NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Road Closure Order – Schoolhouse Lane, Kidgate (between Church Street and B1520 Upgate), Mercer Row, Market Place, Cornmarket, Eastgate (between Market Place and Church Street), Church Street (between Eastgate and Queen Street), Queen Street (between Mercer Row and Church Street), Aswell Street (between Kidgate and Queen Street), B1520 Upgate (between St. Mary’s Lane and B1200 South Street/Newmarket), Gospelgate (between B1200 Edward Street and B1520 Upgate), Westgate (between B1200 Breakneck Lane and B1520 Upgate).
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 08/12/24 – 08/12/24, 08:00 to 13:00 (restrictions to be implemented for one day as and when required during this period. Signage to be displayed on site in advance).
ii. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: Lincolnshire County Council.
REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Resurfacing after pedestrian crossing installation.
NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Newbridge Hill (between Keddington Road and Ramsgate).
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 09/12/24 – 20/12/24 (restrictions to be implemented for 10 days, 24/7 as and when required. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).
iii. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: Anglian Water.
REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Emergency – repair leak.
NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Emergency Road Closure Order – Mount Pleasant (between Mount Pleasant Avenue and Robinson Lane).
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 03/12/24 – 09/12/24 (restrictions to be implemented for 7 days as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).
iv. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: Anglian Water.
REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Emergency – repair leak.
NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Emergency Road Closure Order – Eastgate (between Burnt Hill Lane and Northgate).
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 02/12/24 – 06/12/24 (restrictions to be implemented for 5 days as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).
P94. New Footway – Wood Lane, Louth
The Committee confirmed receipt of details from Lincolnshire County Council of planned works for a new footway to be laid on Wood Lane in February.
P95. Proposed No Waiting At Any Time – Lacey Gardens, Louth
The Committee received details of the proposed No Waiting At Any Time restrictions at Lacey Gardens to enhance the safety of schoolchildren in the area. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to support the proposals.
P96. Town and Parish Council Survey
The Committee received a draft corporate response which had been compiled by the Planning Working Group as previously resolved at the meeting held 19th November 2024. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that this should form the basis of a response but that amendments should be made to include references to green spaces, grants and funding, tourism, town centre and communication and that if Councillors wished for other comments to be included these should be given to the Town Clerk by Friday 13th December in order to allow her to compile the final response and submit by the deadline (to be ratified on 14th January 2024). Councillors noted that they could also submit their own individual responses.
P97. Next Meeting
It was noted that the next scheduled Planning Committee meeting would take place on 14th January 2025.
The Meeting Closed at 8.37pm.
Signed_______________________ (Chairman) Dated_________________________