Appeal to build 123 homes in Sutton Bridge is dismissed

A developer has lost its appeal to build more than 100 homes on the outskirts of Sutton Bridge.

Loyd Homes was fighting South Holland District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for 123 homes on land north of Sutton Bridge, which would be accessed via Nightingale Way and Withington Street.

However, planning inspector Anne Jordan has thrown out the appeal on the grounds of flood risk and the site lies outside the development boundary outlined in the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan (SELLP).

In a decision dismissing the appeal the inspector states: “I have no reason to consider that the proposal is necessary in the location proposed.

“In terms of the wider sustainability benefits of the scheme, although the scheme would deliver both affordable and market housing, in the context of a healthy five year supply in the district, and an allocated site with which to provide future housing within the settlement, additional housing does not represent a development need capable of forming an exception as set out in the policy.”

The decision document states that 74% of South Holland is within an area of flood risk according to the South East Lincolnshire Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and the appeal site lies in flood zone three.

According to SELLP, developments within flood zone three require for a sequential test to be carried out to find out whether such a development could out in an area of lower risk.

The inspector also highlights that land has been allocated in the south of South Bridge for development within the SELLP.

“Taking into account both national planning guidance and section 38 of the Act, I am of the view that notwithstanding the provision of more up to date flood risk data, the allocated site should be considered sequentially preferable to the appeal site.

“Whilst there is an imperative to boost the supply of all housing, including affordable housing nationally, the additional housing that would be provided, does not provide adequate grounds for meeting a national need in an area of risk of flooding.”

Within its case, the developer highlights that the district fails to meet the identified need for affordable housing, including within Sutton Bridge.

The inspector states that the council looks to provide affordable housing via contributions from larger sites.

She goes on to say: “Therefore while I recognise that the number of affordable units delivered to date in Sutton Bridge is low, I am not persuaded that the council’s strategy for its provision is unsound.”

The inspector also states that while the development would bring some benefits it is not enough to justify an exception to the ‘policy of restraint’ in the SELLP.

She states: “I therefore find the development would conflict with Policy 1 of SELLP which seeks restraint of development outside settlement boundaries. Insofar as the development has not been found to meet the sustainable development needs of the district, the scheme would also conflict with the framework.”