08-27-24 PLAN MINS

MINUTES OF THE LOUTH TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE

HELD IN THE OLD COURT ROOM, THE SESSIONS HOUSE, LOUTH

ON TUESDAY 27^th AUGUST 2024

 

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

 

Present Councillors: J. Baskett (JB), L.M. Cooney (LMC), J. Drake (JD), H. Filer (HF), 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: M. Barnes (MB), Mrs. E. Ballard (Mrs. EB), J. Simmons (JS), D.E. Wing (DEW).

 

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

 

• Apologies for Absence
  Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. Mrs. EB, JS and DEW.

• Declarations of Interest / Dispensations
  The following declarations of interest were made:
  1. DH – Items 4, 5 and 6 as a member of East Lindsey District Council (ELDC).
  2. GEH – Items 4, 5 and 6 as a member of ELDC.
  3. Mrs. JMS – Items 4. 5 and 6 as a member of ELDC.
• Minutes
  It was RESOLVED that the notes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 6^th August 2024 be approved as the minutes.
• Public Meeting re. N/105/01111/24 – 3G Pitch at Wood Lane Playing Field – Notes

The Committee received and the Chairman signed the notes of the above.

• Applications received by the Local Planning Authority
  The Committee considered all planning applications received, including those listed in the schedule (PA/Schedule 08-27-24) and RESOLVED as follows.
  1. N/105/00271/24 – To object as the Council felt that conditions are imposed for a reason, these shouldn’t be changed and they should be monitored. Councillors reported that they had been approached by residents who did not feel that surveys required to be carried out by conditions attached to the approval had been carried out satisfactorily especially the archaeology survey. Reports of confusion re. signage on the site had also been received and it was thought that current signage was inadequate.
  2. N/105/00940/24 – To object on the grounds that the proposed materials are inappropriate in the Conservation Area.
  3. N/105/01111/24 – To object on the following grounds: 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 with 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, open green space is as equally essential as the provision of quality sports facilities.
  4. N/105/01160/24 – To object on the grounds that the materials proposed for use are not appropriate in the Conservation Area.
  5. To support all other applications.
• Planning Correspondence
  The Committee noted the following planning correspondence:
  1. ELDC Planning Decisions
     24. ELDC Approved – N/105/00788/24 – Planning Permission – 242 Eastgate, LN11 8DA – LTC Supported 16/07/24.
     25. ELDC Approved – N/105/00696/24 – Planning Permission – Boundary Cottage, Kenwick Road, LN11 8NN – LTC Supported 28/05/24.
  2. Temporary Traffic Restrictions
     1. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: MDR Groundworks Ltd.

REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Surface water connection.

NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Link Footway Closure Order – Link footway between Brackenborough Road and Bolingbroke Road.

PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 02/09/24 – 13/09/24 (Restrictions to be implemented for 12 days as and when required during this period.  Signage will be displayed on site in advance).

1. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: Lincolnshire County Council
   REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Event – RAE000309 – British Superbikes (BSB)

NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: No Right Turn Order – From A153 Horncastle Road onto A16 Louth Bypass.

PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 24/08/24 – 28/08/24 (Restrictions to be implemented for 4 days as and when required during this period.  Signage will be displayed on site in advance).

• ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: Anglian Water

REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Emergency – Repair leak.

NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Emergency Road Closure Order – Commercial Road.

PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 16/08/24 – 22/08/24 (Restrictions to be implemented for 7 days as and when required during this period.  Signage will be displayed on site in advance).

1. Appeals
   1. Location: 25 Queen Street, Louth, LN11 9BJ. Nature of Appeal: An appeal has been made to the Secretary of State against the decision of ELDC to refuse Planning Permission – Alterations to existing dwelling to provide front replacement and uPVC windows and door. All representations made to ELDC on the application have been forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate who will consider them when determining the appeal.  The Planning Inspectorate aims to deal with appeals within 8 weeks of the appeal start date.  For information, Louth Town Council objected in March 2024 on the grounds that the replacement of wooden sash windows with uPVC is not in keeping with and does not preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area.

• Grimsby to Walpole Project – Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Consultation
  Further to receipt of details of the above, the Committee RESOLVED to comment that it would like to reiterate (following completion of the original consultation questionnaire) that it supports the views of neighbouring parish and town councils and would like to suggest that the following should be provided in the EIA:
  Details (including the socio-economic impact) of:
  1. How the heritage views from the countryside of the Parish Church of St. James’, Louth, which has the tallest mediaeval parish church spire in England and which site has been a place of worship for well over a millennium will be effected/protected.
  2. How the open (big) skies that East Lindsey is traditionally known for will be effected/protected.
  3. How the villages and parishes both on and surrounding any proposed route will be effected/protected.
  4. How migrating birds, of which there are many species in Lincolnshire will be effected/protected.
  5. How tourism, which is the bread and butter of many Lincolnshire Parishes and Town’s, is going to be effected/protected.
  6. How is farming and farmland, as Lincolnshire is known as the bread basket of the Country, going to be effected/protected.
  7. How other local industries will be effected/protected.
  8. How the human population will be effected/protected.
  9. How the value of property in the vicinity of the development will be effected/protected.
  10. The cost in pounds and unpleasant consequences to the environment and the benefits of all possible alternatives e.g., taking the project offshore, underground, using pylons already existing.
  11. T pylons.  Could these be used to reduce the environmental impact of an overground project.

 

 

 

• Bridge Street Crossing
  The Committee discussed the above and it was RESOLVED not to support the installation of a standalone crossing facility in the aforementioned area.

• Next Meeting
  It was noted that the next scheduled Planning Committee meeting would take place on 17^th September 2024.

 

The Meeting Closed at 10.49pm.

 

 

 

Signed_______________________ (Chairman)                Dated_________________________