Plan for 60 homes in Bourne refused amid ancient woodland fears
There were concerns the homes could harm ancient woodland
A plan for 60 homes has been refused amid concerns that the development could harm ancient woodland.
Hazelton Homes had applied to South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) to build the homes on land off Cedar Drive in Bourne.
The 2.8 hectare site is currently grassland – having previously been farmland – and forms part of a wider field extending further north and west towards the edge of Bourne Woods.
Councillors turned the scheme down – saying they were concerned about the potential impact on the character and landscape of the area.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust had strongly objected to the application, calling it an “encroachment” on Bourne Woods and warned that it would have had a “detrimental impact” on the woodland.
At an SKDC planning committee on Thursday, October 1, Coun Sue Woolley (Conservative – Bourne North and Morton), who spoke in her capacity as a county councillor, said: “Residents have long known that this site experiences standing water and drainage problems.”
She added: “Can we be certain that 60 new homes and additional hard services will not worsen existing water problems or increase risk to neighbouring properties? I do not believe that certainty has been demonstrated.”
Coun Woolley was concerned about the loss of natural habitats at Bourne Woods – a popular wildlife spot.
She added: “The woodland edge is an important habit, supporting wildlife movement and biodiversity.
“Even if the trees themselves are retained, development brings lighting, noise, domestic pets and increased disturbance.”
A statement was read out on behalf of Coun Helen Crawford (Conservative – Bourne West) who was unable to attend the meeting.
She said: “The ancient woodland and its inhabitants of the wood will be affected if this application goes ahead by noise, air and light whilst construction takes place – and it will continue as light and noise will still be emitted closer to the woods when the development is occupied.”
Coun Charmaine Morgan (Independent – Grantham St Vincents) was also critical of the application.
She said: “What we’re looking at is those 60 houses making a long-term impact on what is an ancient woodland.”
Documents submitted by the applicant described the scheme as a ‘sustainable and carefully considered residential development’ and said it would ‘deliver a balanced mix of housing, including affordable units, in a location capable of supporting growth without adverse impacts on infrastructure, landscape, or amenity’.