01-14-25 PLAN MINS

MINUTES OF THE LOUTH TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE
HELD IN THE OLD COURT ROOM, THE SESSIONS HOUSE, LOUTH
ON TUESDAY 14th JANUARY 2025
Councillor P. Starsmore (PS) (in the chair).

Present Councillors: Mrs. E. Ballard (Mrs. EB), M. Barnes (MB), J. Baskett (JB), L.M. Cooney (LMC), J. Drake (JD), D. Hobson (DH), G.E. Horton (GEH), Mrs. J. Makinson-Sanders (Mrs. JMS), D. Moore (DM), Mrs. K. Parsons (Mrs. KP), Mrs. P.F. Watson (Mrs. PFW).

Councillors not present: H. Filer (HF), D.E. Wing (DEW).

The Town Clerk, Mrs. L.M. Phillips and the Town Clerk’s Assistant, Miss S. Chitauro were also present.

P98. Apologies for Absence
There were no apologies for absence received.

P99. Declarations of Interest / Dispensations
The following declarations of interest were made:
a. Cllr. Mrs. EB – Planning application 9 as a board member of the property’s neighbouring Golf Course.
b. Cllr. JD – Planning application 6 as a neighbour of the applicant.
c. Cllr. DH – Items 4, 5 and 6 as a member of East Lindsey District Council (ELDC).
d. Cllr. GEH – Items 4, 5 and 6 as a member of ELDC.
e. Cllr. Mrs. JMS – Items 4, 5 and 6 as a member of ELDC.

P100. Minutes
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the notes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 10th December 2024 be approved as the minutes.

P101. Applications received by the Local Planning Authority
The Committee considered all planning applications received, including those listed in the schedule (PA/Schedule 01-14-25) and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED as follows:
a. N/105/01111/24 – Louth Town Council considered amendments to application reference N/105/01111/24 for Planning Permission – Creation of 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) etc – at Wood Lane Playing Field, Wood Lane, Louth and it was resolved to object on the same grounds as previously (see below) as it was felt that the amendments to the plans do not materially change the situation and 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 knockon 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, open green space is as equally essential as the provision of quality sports facilities.
b. N/105/01707/24 – To object on the grounds that the cumulative impact of allowing these proposals will have an extremely detrimental impact on other local residents, vehicle users and pedestrians, especially those with a disability using the Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society and its meeting hall, which are located on Pleasant Place, the very narrow street, already incredibly oversubscribed with parked cars who also block the footpath, which it is proposed will service the new access.
c. N/105/01809/24 – To object on the grounds of loss of ecological habitats, the proposal is against building regulations, it is not in keeping with the existing street scene and would have a detrimental effect on the character of the area.
d. N/105/01928/24 – To object on the following grounds: 1) Effect on listed buildings and conservation area: This internally illuminated, wall mounted, digital hoarding would be completely out of place in Louth, an unspoilt Market Town with a medieval street pattern and a plethora of architecturally notable Georgian and Victorian buildings, which wishes to retain its historic character, directly opposite to the Grade II Listed Almshouses (not mentioned in the application) and the Grade II Listed War Memorial. The proposed materials would be out of keeping with and would therefore have a detrimental impact on Louth’s Conservation Area, within which this proposal is located. It would cause a significant change to the character and appearance of a main entrance to the town located within the Conservation Area. Louth Town Council would like to see a Heritage Assessment carried out. 2) Overbearing nature of the scheme / Noise and disturbance from the scheme: This proposal with its intermittently changing and bright flashing images would cause light pollution and be a disturbance to and annoyance to the elderly residents of the Almshouses, who live directly opposite and who currently enjoy reasonably tranquil surroundings for a town centre location. It would be crass and visually invasive/intrusive. It would also be disrespectful to the town’s War Memorial which is also directly opposite, especially during sombre times of remembrance when a significant portion of the town gathers here to pay their respects to the town’s war dead. 3) Highway safety: This proposal being located immediately over a highway (Albion Place) which has no footpath and is directly adjacent to a roundabout and also on one of the main entrances/exits of the town, near to Morrison’s, where permission has recently been granted for redevelopment, which will see the stores main entrance and exit relocated to this area on the roundabout and which will significantly increase the already considerable movement of pedestrians and vehicles in this area, is dangerous and would cause a hazard to drivers and pedestrians alike as it would be a distraction, drawing and diverting the attention of all. 4) Other concerns Louth Town Council is concerned that this proposal will have no benefit to Louth; neither local businesses, nor the promotion of employment opportunities. It is administered by Carter Jonas, a national agency whose application has no regard for the locality. It would be an eyesore imposed by remote commercial interests.
e. To support all other applications.

NB: Cllr. Mrs. EB abstained from voting on planning application 9 (N/105/01929/24).

P102. Planning Correspondence
The Committee noted the following planning correspondence:
a. ELDC Planning Decisions
i. ELDC Approved – N/105/01675/24 – Planning Permission – Louth County Hospital, LN11 0EU – LTC supported 19/11/24.
ii. ELDC Approved – N/105/01630/24 – Planning Permission – Millstone Lodge, LN11 9JS – LTC supported 19/11/24.
iii. ELDC Approved – N/105/01680/24 – Planning Permission – 22 Victoria Road, LN11 0BX – LTC supported 19/11/24.
iv. ELDC Approved – N/105/01737/24 – Listed Building Consent – 137 Eastgate, LN11 9QE – LTC objected 19/11/24.
v. ELDC Refused – N/105/01520/24 – 94 Mount Pleasant, LN11 9DJ – LTC supported 19/11/24.
vi. ELDC Approved – N/105/01690/24 – Planning Permission – 94 Kidgate, LN11 9BX – LTC supported 10/12/24.
vii. ELDC Refused – N/105/01566/24 – Planning Permission – 25 Southlands Avenue, LN11 8EW – LTC objected 19/11/24.
viii. ELDC Approved – N/105/01602/24 – Listed Building Consent – 4 Market Place, LN11 9NR – LTC supported 10/12/24.
b. Temporary Traffic Restrictions
i. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: Lincolnshire County Council.
REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Carriageway resurfacing.
NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Road Closure Order – Riverhead Road (between Victoria Road and Eastfield Road); Ramsgate Road (between Victoria Road and a point 25m west). No Waiting and No Loading At Any Time Order – Riverhead Road (between Victoria Road and Eastfield Road); Ramsgate Road (between Victoria Road and a point 25m east); Riverhead (between Riverhead Road and a point 100m northeast).
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 09/01/2025 – 22/01/2025, 22:00 to 06:00 (restrictions to be implemented for 8 days 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: All events and markets 2025.
NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Road Closure Order – B1200 Lincoln Road (between A16 roundabout and St. Mary’s Lane); B1520 Bridge Street/Upgate (between B1521 St. Mary’s Lane and B1200 Newmarket); B1520 Upgate (between Newmarket and London Road); B1520 London Road (between Upgate and A16 Louth Bypass); Aswell Street; Breakneck Lane; Burnt Hill Lane; Butcher Lane; Church Street; Cornmarket; Crowtree Lane; Eastgate; Edward Street; George Street; Gospelgate; Irish Hill; Kidgate; Linden Walk; Market Place; Market Place Car Park; Mercer Row; Ramsgate; Schoolhouse Lane; Shambles; Tennyson Road; The Paddock; Upgate; Queen Street; Westgate. No Right Turn Order – from A16 Louth Bypass into the event field 250m North of B1200 roundabout; from B1520 Upgate onto Mercer Row; from Hill Terrace onto Linden Walk; from Julian Bower onto B1520 London Road; from Kidgate onto Upgate; from Linden Walk onto Newmarket; from Meridian View onto B1520 London Road; from Newmarket onto Tennyson Road; from Quarryside onto B1520 London Road; from Queen Street onto Market Place; from Tennyson Road into Linden Walk. No Left Turn Order – from B1520 Upgate onto Mercer Row; from Newmarket onto Tennyson Road; from Primrose Hollow onto B1520 London Road; from Quarry Road onto Linden Walk. 40mph Speed Limit Order – A16 Louth Bypass (between A157 roundabout and B1520 roundabout). 30mph Speed Limit Order – B1520 London Road (between permanent 30mph terminal point and a point 400m South of Louth Cricket Club entrance). A16 Louth Bypass (between A157 roundabout and B1520 roundabout). No Waiting and No Loading at Any Time Order – A157 (between A16 roundabout and a point 200m west); A16 (between B1200 roundabout and a point 1200m north); A16 (between B1200 roundabout and a point 200m south); A16/B1200 (entire roundabout); B1200 (between A16 roundabout and St. Mary’s Lane; B1200 Elkington Road; Crowtree Lane; Eastgate; Irish Hill; Market Place; Mercery Row; Queen Street; The Paddock.
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 01/01/25 – 31/12/25 (restrictions to be implemented for various nights and/or days as and when required during this period. 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 – Trinity Lane.
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 09/12/24 – 13/12/24 (restrictions to be implemented for 5 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 – Belvoir Way (between North Holme Road and a point 50m north).
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 09/12/24 – 13/12/24 (restrictions to be implemented for 5 days as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).
v. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: Lincolnshire County Council.
REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Carriageway resurfacing.
NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Road Closure Order – Wood Lane (between St. Bernard’s Avenue and Virginia Drive).
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 10/02/25 – 28/02/25 (Restrictions to be implemented for 15 days as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance. Closure times will be adjusted as appropriate to minimise disruption to the nearby school).
vi. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: Lincolnshire County Council.
REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Resurfacing of road.
NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Road Closure Order – Riverhead Road.
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 09/01/25 – 20/01/25, 22:00 to 06:00 (Restrictions to be implemented for 11 days as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).

 

c. Enforcement
i. Location: 18-20 Upgate, Louth, LN11 9ET. Nature of Investigation: Untidy building. The matter is due to be fully investigated by an enforcement officer, who will aim to visit the location within 18 working days to establish whether of breach of planning control has taken place.
ii. Location: Halifax Building Society, 15a Cornmarket, Louth, LN11 9QJ. Nature of Investigation: Installation of security wall spikes and gate without planning permission within a conservation area. A recent site inspection has confirmed that the breach of planning control has now been resolved and no further action is to be taken by the planning department.

P103. Proposed Works to Trees
The Committee considered the following proposed works to trees, and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to support the following:
a. Location: 2 Crowtree Lane. Proposals: T1 – Cherry – crown reduce to previous pruning points, approx. 3m in height. T2 – Cypressus – fell. T3 – Silver Birch – crown reduce to previous pruning points, approx. 4m. Reasons: T2 – growing too close to wall and C1. T3 – too close to house.

P104. Proposed Limited Waiting Bay – B2100, Newmarket, Louth
The Committee received details of the proposed waiting limit which had been amended from Monday – Saturday 8am – 6pm, 2 hours, no return within 2 hours, to Monday – Saturday 8am – 6pm, 30 minutes, no return within 1 hour. After a short discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to support the amendments.

P105. Proposed ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ – Linden Walk, Louth
The Committee received details of a No Waiting at Any Time proposal on Linden Walk, and, after discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to support the proposal.

P106. Next Meeting
It was noted that the next scheduled Planning Committee meeting would take place on 4th February 2025.

The Meeting Closed at 9.20pm.

 

Signed_______________________ (Chairman) Dated_________________________