03-25-25 PLAN MINS

MINUTES OF THE LOUTH TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE
HELD IN THE OLD COURT ROOM, THE SESSIONS HOUSE, LOUTH
ON TUESDAY 25th MARCH 2025

Councillor P. Starsmore (PS) (in the chair).

Present Councillors: J. Baskett (JB), J. Drake (JD), D. Hobson (DH), Mrs. J. Makinson-Sanders (Mrs. JMS), D. Moore (DM), Mrs. K. Parsons (Mrs. KP).

Councillors not present: Mrs. E. Ballard (Mrs. EB), M. Barnes (MB), L.M. Cooney (LMC), H. Filer (HF), G.E. Horton (GEH), Mrs. P.F. Watson (Mrs. PFW), D.E. Wing (DEW).

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

P127. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. Mrs. EB, LMC, HF, GEH and Mrs. PFW.

P128. Declarations of Interest / Dispensations
The following declarations of interest were made:
a. Cllr. DH – items 4, 7 and 8 as a member of East Lindsey District Council (ELDC).
b. Cllrs. Mrs. JMS – items 4, 7 and 8 as a member of ELDC.

P129. Minutes
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the notes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 25th February 2025 be approved as the minutes.

P130. Applications received by the Local Planning Authority
The Committee considered all planning applications received, including those listed in the schedule (PA/Schedule 03-25-25) and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED as follows:
a. N/105/01111/24 – 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. The Council also wished to add to its comments that having spoken to the Police it is aware that they are concerned about the impact the 4.5m fencing will have on crime in the area. They fear that antisocial behaviour/drug use will increase (the area already being a known problem spot) because it will provide a handy screen from prying eyes. The Council would also like to note that while the number of trees to be felled is now proposed to be ten, rather than fourteen, the Council feel that this will have an unacceptably negative impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity in the area.
b. N/105/00238/25 – to object on the grounds that the materials used are not acceptable in the Conservation Area and, given the property’s proximity to both the town centre and St. James’ Church which is a nationally important and Grade II listed building, it was felt that these detract from the areas character, having a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre.
c. N/105/00280/25 – to object on the grounds that 1) the access into and out of the site is carefully considered to ensure safety as its location on a bend was considered dangerous. 2) Trees planted should be of a substantial starting size (no whips) and be replanted should any perish before being established. Note: Security fencing should provide a good secure area, given local users of the site may potentially be storing items of value.
d. To support all other applications.
P131. Ossian Wind Farm Environmental Statement and Scoping Process/Planning Application S/086/00283/25
Following previous discussions, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to submit the following statement as a corporate response to the Planning Inspectorate to inform them of the information the Planning Committee felt should have been provided in the Environment Statement: Louth Town Council consider this specific development, although not directly in the Louth area, highlights a concern that it feels needs to be addressed and stated. The proposal of the pylons through Lincolnshire, additional windfarms, the associated substations, coupled with the storage facilities for Carbon Capture and Nuclear Waste are demonstrating a piecemeal approach to the degradation of the countryside of Lincolnshire. Many local residents fear this will affect the county, both in terms of tourism and food production. There is great fear that the pylons may increase potential large output solar farms taking arable land, and the coast has many sites of scientific interest and is now part of a larger nature reserve. Some honesty, and a holistic view of what Lincolnshire is expected to carry in terms of national infrastructure would be appreciated, as more people accept there needs to be some compromise here and there, but the ‘chipping’ away by small applications is slowly removing any read say the local people of the county may have.

P132. Nuclear Waste Services, Geological Disposal Facility
In light of LCC’s statement that suggested that Nuclear Waste Services would withdraw interest in the Louth area, Louth Town Council decided to take a watchful state and thanked those who completed the survey organised by Louth Town Council.

P133. Planning Correspondence
The Committee noted the following planning correspondence:
a. ELDC Planning Decisions
i. ELDC Approved – N/105/01929/24 – Planning Permission – 154 Horncastle Road, LN11 9QT – LTC supported 14/01/25.
ii. ELDC Approved – N/105/00051/25 – Section 73 Application – Land West of Keddington House, Louth – LTC objected 04/02/25.
iii. ELDC Approved – N/105/00099/25 – Planning Permission – 173 Eastgate, Louth, LN11 8DB – LTC supported 04/02/25
b. Temporary Traffic Restrictions
i. Organisation Responsible for Restriction: Lincolnshire County Council (LCC)
Reason for Restriction: Emergency – safety bollard installation.
Nature and Location of Restriction: Emergency Road Closure Order – Eastgate (between Upgate and New Street); Nichol Hill.
Period of Restriction: 13/03/25 – 13/03/25 (restrictions to be implemented for 1 day as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).
ii. Organisation Responsible for Restriction: Anglian Water
Reason for Restriction: Emergency – repair sunken fire hydrant.
Nature and Location of Restriction: Emergency Road Closure Order – High Holme Road (between Union Street and Broadbank).
Period of Restriction: 05/03/25 – 11/03/25 (restrictions to be implemented for 7 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 – dangerous cover and frame repair.
Nature and Location of Restriction: Emergency Road Closure Order – Westgate (between Westgate Place and Bridge Street).
Period of Restriction: 04/03/25 – 10/03/25 (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 – Broadbank (between Cisterngate and Spaw Lane).
Period of Restriction: 10/03/25 – 14/03/25 (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: Direct Traffic Management
Reason for Restriction: Foul and surface water connections.
Nature and Location of Restriction: Road Closure Order – Monks Dyke Road (between Almond Crescent and Millgood Close).
Period of Restriction: 07/04/25 – 11/04/25 (restrictions to be implemented for 5 days as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).
vi. Organisation Responsible for Restriction: Anglian Water
Reason for Restriction: Emergency – burst main.
Nature and Location of Restriction: Emergency Road Closure Order – Alvingham Road (between Lyndon Way and Church Lane).
Period of Restriction: 12/03/25 – 18/03/25 (restrictions to be implemented for 7 days as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).
vii. Organisation Responsible for Restriction: TLF Utilities Ltd
Reason for Restriction: BT pole renewal.
Nature and Location of Restriction: Road Closure Order – Mount Pleasant (between Church Street and Little Lane).
Period of Restriction: 11/04/25 – 11/04/25 (restrictions to be implemented for 1 day as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).
c. Appeals
i. Planning Application Reference: N/105/01520/24. Location: 94 Mount Pleasant, Louth, LN11 9DJ. Nature of Appeal: An appeal was made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) against a refusal to grant planning permission for an extension to existing dwelling to provide additional living accommodation. Decision: The Planning Inspectorate determined that the main issue would be the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the host building and surrounding area, therefore the appeal was dismissed.

P134. Proposed Work to Trees
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to support the following work to trees:
a. Location: Riverdale, Love Lane – Proposal: T1 – Cypress x 4 – Cut to give 1m of clearance over the road by cutting back to the kerb edge. Cut to give clearance over the patio area by cutting back by 1m. Reduce in height by 6.5m to leave a finished height of 10m. Manage trees at the reduced heights and spread going forward. T2 – Lime – Sever Ivy. Remove the low lateral to the west back to the main stem. Reduce in height by 3m to give a finshed height of 14.5m. Prune to keep flowing lines with no internodal cuts. T3 – Lime – Sever Ivy. Remove the low laterals to the west and south back to the main stem. Reduce in height by 3m to give a finished height of 14.5m. Prune to keep flowing lines with no internodal cuts. T4 – Lime – Sever Ivy. Remove the low laterals to the west and south back to the main stem. T5 – Lime – Sever Ivy. Remove the low laterals to the west and south back to the main stem. T6 – False Acacia – Fell to ground level to free up the crown of five other trees. Use eco-plugs to prevent regrowth and suckering. Replace with a Sweet Gum. T7 – Lime – Sever Ivy. Remove the low laterals at 2.5m to the south and east back to the main stem. Reduce the lateral spread to the south by 2m to leave a finished length of 4m. Cut to give at least 30cm clearance around the BT line. Reduce in height by 3m to give a finished height of 14.5m. In all operations, prune to keep flowing lines with no internodal cuts. T8 – Yew – Reduce the lateral spread to the north by 3m and east by 2m to leave a finished length of 5m. Prune to keep flowing lines with no internodal cuts. T9 – Holly – Reduce the lateral spread to the north by 3m and east by 2m to leave a finished length of 5m. Reduce in height by 5m to leave a finished height of 10m. Prune to keep flowing lines with no internodal cuts.
b. Location: 1 Sudbury Place – Proposal: G3 – Group consisting of 7 Lime – T1 marked on plan (Lime) fell and grind stump. Reasons: G3 – Tree is in decline with fungus, decay and die back present.

P135. Next Meeting
It was noted that the next scheduled Planning Committee meeting would take place on 15th April 2025.

The Meeting Closed at 11.10pm.

Signed_______________________ (Chairman) Dated________________________