02-04-25 PLAN MINS

MINUTES OF THE LOUTH TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE
HELD IN THE OLD COURT ROOM, THE SESSIONS HOUSE, LOUTH
ON TUESDAY 4th FEBRUARY 2025

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

Present Councillors: Mrs. E. Ballard (Mrs. EB), J. Drake (JD), H. Filer (HF), G.E. Horton (GEH), D. Hobson (DH), Mrs. J. Makinson-Sanders (Mrs. JMS), D. Moore (DM), Mrs. P.F. Watson (Mrs. PFW).

Councillors not present: M. Barnes (MB), J. Baskett (JB), L.M. Cooney (LMC), Mrs. K. Parsons (KP), D.E. Wing (DEW).

The Town Clerk, Mrs. L.M. Phillips, the Town Clerk’s Assistant, Miss S. Chitauro, East Lindsey District Councillors D. Hall and R. Jackson, and a member of the public were also present.

Public Forum
• R. Jackson of East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) said that she had been in contact with a lady to discuss bringing the space behind the shops at Park Avenue back into use as a child’s play area.
• R. Jackson went on to inform the Council that the Louth branches of Lloyds and Natwest banks would be closing soon and that there was useful information in the Louth Post Office about the banking services that they offered.
• A lady expressed her grave concerns regarding dogs being allowed off their leads in Hubbard’s Hills.
• Deputy Mayor, Cllr. DH informed the Council that the memorial variety show in memory of Mayor, Cllr. Julia Simmons was to be held on 4th May 2025 at the Riverhead Theatre from 2.30pm.

P107. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. MB, JB, LMC and Mrs. KP.

P108. Declarations of Interest / Dispensations
The following declarations of interest were made:
a. Cllr. Mrs. EB – Planning application 3 as a client of the applicant.
b. Cllr. DH – Items 4, 5, 6 and 7 as a member of ELDC and item 7a as an acquaintance of the applicant.
c. Cllr. GEH – Items 4, 5, 6 and 7 as a member of ELDC.
d. Cllr. Mrs. JMS – Items 4, 5, 6 and 7 as a member of ELDC.
e. Cllr. DM – Planning application 7 as an acquaintance of the applicant.
f. Cllr. PS – Planning application 11 as a local resident of the applicant.
g. Cllr. Mrs. PFW – Planning application 11 as an acquaintance of the applicant.

P109. Minutes
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the notes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 14th January 2025 be approved as the minutes.

P110. Applications received by the Local Planning Authority
The Committee considered all planning applications received, including those listed in the schedule (PA/Schedule 02-04-25) and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED as follows:
a. N/105/00957/24 – to object on the grounds of 1) Loss of ecological habitats. It is known that there are shrews living in the field and other wildlife such as pheasants, bats, birds including birds of prey and the occasional deer also frequent the area. Their environs and population should be protected. 2) Adequate parking and servicing. Fanthorpe Lane is a narrow, unadopted, grass edged lane which has been maintained by the residents since it was cut in half by the A16. The character of this lane and its essential components such as the grass edge, must be protected. It should be conditioned that upon completion of the development the developer make good the road surface. 3) Design and appearance. This is an ancient trackway into Louth and the proposed houses are not in keeping with those in existence. Concern was raised about the vicinity of the proposed development to the bypass. Councillors thought that there should be a buffer zone between the bypass and any development, which has not been accounted for here, as the noise from the bypass will be intolerable for residents. Finally, this is an historic area and there should be an archaeological survey.
b. 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 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.
c. N/105/01545/24 – to comment that Louth Town Council has grave concerns about parking. While it supports the extension it would like to see Forrester Boyd provide parking or access to work, for ALL staff by alternative means so that on-street parking does not hinder emergency access in the surrounding area. It feels that the cumulative effect of proposals in this application and that for 137 Eastgate (N/105/01707/24) are such that they should be looked at in tandem by Planning Officers.
d. N/105/01645/24 – to object on the grounds of Vitality and viability of the Town Centre. It feels that with the closure or imminent closure of 3 banks in the town centre another out of town development should not be encouraged as it will not support the town centre but will assist in creating another ‘mini town centre’ on the outskirts. It feels that the proposed location on a dangerous roundabout where the volume of traffic and therefore risk will only increase, due to other already planned developments in the area and where there is no adequate footpath for pedestrian residents of the town to use to and from it, is unacceptable.
e. N/105/01731/24 – to make no comment.
f. N/105/00051/25 – to object. 1) It feels that conditions are imposed for a reason and these should not be changed or removed. 2) It noted that increasing the size of properties will thereby increase the cost to purchasers and it wondered what affordable housing will be made available in the area? 3) What s106 contribution is to be made as a result of this development? If the size of properties is increased the Town Council feels strongly that the s106 contribution should also increase, inline.
g. To support all other applications.
NB: Cllr Mrs. EB abstained from voting on planning application 3.
NB: Cllr Mrs. JMS abstained from voting on planning application 6.

P111. Planning Correspondence
The Committee noted the following planning correspondence:
a. ELDC Planning Decisions
i. ELDC Approved – N/105/01092/24 – Planning Permission – 14 Queen Street, LN11 9BD – LTC supported 06/08/24.
ii. ELDC Approved – N/105/01700/24 – Consent to Display – Milford Court, Warwick Road, Fairfield Industrial Estate – LTC supported 14/01/25.
b. Temporary Traffic Restrictions
i. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: Anglian Water
REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Water main repairs.
NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Road Closure Order – Richmond Road.
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 17/02/25 – 19/02/25 (restrictions to be implemented for 3 days as and when required during this period. Signage to be displayed on site in advance).
ii. 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: 17/02/25 – 21/02/25 (restrictions to be implemented for 5 days as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).
iii. ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTRICTION: O’Connor Group
REASON FOR RESTRICTION: Highway defect repair.
NATURE AND LOCATION OF RESTRICTION: Road Closure Order – Chequergate
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 22/02/25 – 22/02/25 (restrictions to be implemented for 1 day 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 – mains fittings repairs.
NATURE AND LOCATON OF RESTRICTION: Emergency Road Closure Order – Broadbank (between Northgate and a point 50m north).
PERIOD OF RESTRICTION: 29/01/25 – 31/01/25, 19:00 to 06:00 (restrictions to be implemented for 2 days as and when required during this period. Signage will be displayed on site in advance).
c. Enforcement
i. Location: Land South of Chestnut Drive, Louth. Nature of Investigation: Flag poles and flags in situ following expiry of temporary planning permission reference N/092/01428/19 which granted Advertisement Consent from the date 1st November 2019 to 31st October 2024. As the term for the display of advertisements has ended the flagpole advertisements that are still in situ are unauthorised. An officer has written to the owner to inform them that permission is required for advertising in this manner and has invited them to submit an application for Advertisement Consent to retain the flagpole advertisements. If an application is not applied for with in 28 days, a further visit to the location will be made to assess whether the breach of planning control is continuing.
ii. Location: Phone Link, 60 Eastgate, Louth, LN11 9PG. Nature of Investigation: Alterations to shop front to provide roller shutters. A recent site inspection has confirmed that the aforementioned breach of planning control has now been resolved. The plastic sign is class 13 approved and, as such, no further action is to be taken by the planning department.

P112. Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Appeal under S78 Against Refusal of a Householder Application
The Committee noted that an appeal had been made to the Secretary of State against the decision of ELDC to refuse planning permission – extension to existing dwelling to provide additional living accommodation at 94 Mount Pleasant Avenue. It was noted that if the Committee wished to withdraw its previous comments it was required to do so by 13th February 2025 and that there was no opportunity to submit further comments.

P113. Proposed Work to Trees
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to support the following work to trees in the Conservation Area:
a. Location: 10 Grays Court. Proposals: T1 – Sycamore – Fell. T2 – Sycamore – Fell. Reasons: T1 and T2 growing too big for location.

NB: Cllr. DH left the meeting at 7.52pm before the commencement of discussion of the proposed work to trees, therefore abstaining from the vote, and re-entered the meeting at 7.53pm after discussion and voting had taken place.

P114. Proposed Restricted Parking Zone, Louth Market Place
The Committee received correspondence from Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) regarding the proposed restricted parking zone in Louth Market Place. After consideration, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to submit comments in favour of the proposed restrictions, but to also comment that the Committee felt there were too many signs in the proposal, some of which would obstruct the town Christmas Tree.

P115. National Highways and Transport (NHT) Survey
The Committee received details of the above and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to formulate a draft corporate response in conjunction with the Committees previous submission to the 2023 NHT survey at the next Planning Working Group meeting for ratification and submission at the next Planning Committee meeting on 25th February 2025.

P116. Next Meeting
It was noted that the next scheduled Planning Committee meeting would take place on 25th February 2025.

The Meeting Closed at 8.04pm.

Signed_______________________ (Chairman) Dated_________________________