New and affordable housing for Grantham has moved a step closer with the granting of planning permission for 21 new homes to be built for South Kesteven District Council (SKDC).
The Larch Close project is part of SKDC’s housing strategy to build much needed homes across the district and will bring a mixture of one-bedroom flats and two to four-bedroom houses, each with their own parking and cycle storage.
The site, owned by SKDC and on the town’s Earlesfield estate, was previously a play area subject to occasional anti-social behaviour.
Replacement public open space planned for the north of the site is scheduled to be planted with wildflowers and native trees and would include a seating area with ornamental planting.
Prior to making the formal planning application, SKDC received face-to-face feedback from residents at public meetings as well as inviting comment by phone, email or letter. Revised proposals were submitted which were subject to further consultation with all those who had been in touch before, as well as neighbours and other interested parties.
There will be a further opportunity for anyone to comment during the upcoming planning process when any formal objections can be submitted.
Council Leader Cllr Richard Cleaver said: “South Kesteven District Council is committed to working with our partners to provide good quality affordable new homes that people want and need.
“This development shows that we are moving forward with this in a sustainable way and it is part of series of important projects across the district which are now at various stages of delivery.”
A report to Wednesday’s Planning Committee said that landscaping, orientation of the new homes, and the distance from current properties, meant that the proposed development would not give any adverse impact on the existing properties in respect of loss of privacy, overshadowing and outlook.
SKDC has already conducted various surveys across the site including a Noise Impact Assessment and an ecological survey, which influenced the final design.
The site is close to the Harlaxton 'ritual' crop marks complex and as such is an area of archaeological interest, which means the developer would have to log any finds.
The wider area benefits from convenience stores, primary and secondary schools, the meres leisure centre, and fast-food outlets within a one-mile walking distance from the site. A bus stop on the Grantham Circular route is located 300m from the site, on Trent Road, with a regular service to Grantham bus station.
The properties will be allocated to those on the Council's housing register and follow recent successful SKDC developments in Kinoulton Court and at Earlesfield Lane, both in Grantham. Meadow Close, Bourne and Trinity Road, Stamford.
Planning permission was granted subject to a series of conditions relating to deadlines, archaeology, drainage, ecology and landscaping, plus the completion of a Section 106 agreement.
