South Kesteven District Council approve plans for 71 homes in Morton
Plans to build 71 homes in a village near Bourne have been approved by councillors.
Members of South Kesteven District Council’s planning committee voted in favour of proposals for the land to the east of Folkingham Road in Morton, at a virtual meeting on Wednesday (November 25).
The application was submitted by Lincolnshire County Council for up to 71 properties, a new road from the A15, and some public spaces.
Coun Sue Wooley (Con), who lives in Morton, expressed concerns about the plans on behalf of some village residents.
She said some have welcomed the plans but the majority have not due to how busy the A15 road already is, which would give access to the new properties.
Coun Phil Dilks (Ind - Deeping) and Coun Robert Reid (Con - Bourne) agreed with Coun Wooley about the issues the A15 poses in Morton, and said the speed limit should be reduced to 30mph.
“It really hits you how busy it is and how thundering the lorries are that come through village in what I call the A15 corridor,” said Coun Dilks.
Coun Helen Crawford (Con - Bourne) added: “It seems to me Lincolnshire County Council fail to listen to themselves. It’s dangerous, yet they still want to put more traffic on there.”
Lynette Swinburne, agent for the application, confirmed that Lincolnshire Highways had been satisfied the road would be safe.
She said: “We’ve been back and pushed highways consultants hard to confirm we are safe, and that the access solution into the site is safe and reflects the speed of vehicles on that road.”
Should plans go ahead, the county council will contribute more than £415,000 to education with Morton Primary School benefitting from about £150,000. There would also be £30,000 to extend bus services and £46,800 towards NHS services.
Coun Wooley said the village school had nearly reached capacity, so it would need further classrooms to accommodate extra pupils.
She suggested the new homes could be bungalows, because it would help “free up the three to four-bedroom houses’ already in the village.
Of the 71 properties, 21 would be affordable homes.
Sufficient children’s play equipment would also be installed in the site within the public space.
Ms Swinburne said: “This scheme has the aims, aspirations and targets of the local plan.”
Coun Reid proposed the plans for approval and the application was approved by a majority.
