Seagate Homes promises to build 6 affordable homes in 21 unit development in Holbeach

Plans to build a further 21 homes in a growing town have been submitted.

Seagate Homes is promising six affordable homes if its bid to develop land off Damgate in Holbeach is given the green light by South Holland District Council.

Semi-detached and terraced homes along with a new access are proposed to be built on the parcel of land - which has not been earmarked for development within the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan. The developer says it is ‘unsuitable for agricultural use.’

Concerns have been raised recently that the infrastructure in Holbeach is unable to cope - especially as the there are no immediate plans to build a third primary school - following discussions on the latest phase of another 900 home development.

Documents submitted with the application state: “Holbeach is designated as a ‘main service centre’ and is therefore an appropriate location for new development.

“Whilst the site itself is not allocated for residential development and falls outside the settlement boundary it is immediately adjacent to consented development and represents a logical rounding off of development in a highly sustainable location. There would be no harm to countryside character.

“It is considered that the scheme strikes the right balance between making efficient use of land and contributing towards housing supply whilst respecting the existing character of the area. It offers a high-quality design and layout sympathetic to local character and the provision of much needed affordable housing. In accordance with the NPPF planning permission should be granted for this proposal as there are no adverse impacts which would outweigh the benefits of the scheme.”

Under the header of ‘economic benefit’ in the design and access report, it states: “The development represents a significant construction phase investment of circa £4million by a locally based developer with supply chain opportunities for local trades that will be involved in the build. Future residents will support the economy of the town through local spend on facilities and services.”

The report states that the development will provide four two bedroom affordable rented homes along with two three bedroom units, which will be shared ownership.

It states that the layout of the site will be ‘suburban in nature and creates an attractive layout of homes within a varied street scene’ and that each unit will have parking and waste storage space.

The application states: “The proposal seeks to make efficient use of the site. By reason of its small size and the immediately adjacent consented development it is unsuited to agricultural use.”

Fleet councillor Paul Barnes had previously raised concerns about infrastructure.

He said: “We are now seeing another application in the Holbeach / Fleet area and surely this is going to put further strain on the education and medical facilities within the area.

“I am very concerned that consideration is given to highways, drainage, and many other infrastructure Items but once again two of the vital requirements for families will be overloaded. Surely with the pressure to build new homes we must consider putting in place robust support services prior to approving all these new buildings.”

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