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Almost 400 homes at Barton get green light after decision overturned
Almost 400 homes will be built just to the south of Barton-upon-Humber after a decision to refuse permission for them was overturned on appeal.
Banks Property Ltd put forward outline plans for 390 new homes on 26.3 hectares of agricultural land south of Horkstow Road, Barton two years ago.
Situated between the A15 and B1218 Brigg Road, the developer estimates the new housing will create 70 full time equivalent jobs to the local economy. Last summer, councillors followed planning officer advice to refuse permission.
Read more: Almost 100 new homes approved in Messingham after drainage debate
Environmental impact concerns and its location outside the development boundary were the reasons cited. But the developers appealed and the planning inspectorate decided, in a judgment published on Friday, June 9, to grant permission.
North Lincolnshire Council accepted in the appeal it could no longer show a five year housing supply. This meant the outside development boundary point was not grounds for refusal.
Instead, the dispute at appeal focused on whether the 390 homes would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, and possible adverse effect on the Humber Estuary special protection area.
Overall, planning inspector Susan Hunt was of the view that the harms of the development to the area’s character and appearance “would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh its benefits”. She evaluated that the 390 homes will produce “moderate economic benefits”.
She believed proposed open space and walking routes would reduce recreational pressures on the Humber Estuary as well as other benefits. The planning inspector accepted the considerable local interest and opposition to the development.
“I do not underestimate the strength of feeling raised in relation to this sizeable proposal,” she said, before pointing out some issues raised were not relevant to the planning merits of the case, such as the developer’s financial motivations.
A host of concerns were raised by objecting Barton residents and the town council, including habitat harm fears, traffic and the idea it was on green belt land. In her decision, the inspector makes clear it has never been designated as green belt.
There were over 270 public comments made on the original planning application, most in opposition. Supporters cited the creation of jobs, and over half of the site being open space.
During the appeal process, there continued to be correspondence from opposing members of the public. “Barton is a small town that already struggles to provide full services to residents,” said one objector, far from the only one to mention GP appointment struggles.
The build does have a number of conditions attached, including widening of Tofts Road, and a Section 106 agreement between the council and developer. Because of the latter 20 per cent of the housing, or 78 homes, built will be affordable housing. A 30mph speed limit will be extended westwards on Horkstow Road, and there will be a formula calculated contribution by the developers to local Stagecoach bus tickets.
In fact, the promised payments by the developer run up to potentially over £4m. These include:
- Up to £3.1m for funding of primary and secondary school places necessary because of the homes
- £625,000 for the re-routing of bus services for the site and surrounding area
- Leisure contributions of £300,000 to be divided between four different elements, including £102,000 for improving football infrastructure such as at Pasture Road, and £130,000 for improvements to swimming pools
- £108,000 for new play equipment for Baysgarth Park
The site will contain a notable amount of open space, more than half the total area. Part of this will be for two play areas. A community orchard, allotments and woodland areas are all listed in planning documents as confirmed or possible pieces of the green space.
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As for the homes themselves, outline plans mean the exact make-up is to be confirmed. But Banks Property indicated in a planning document, it will be a mixture, with three bed homes making up about half of the 390.
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