PLANNING INSPECTOR'S THUMBS-DOWN FOR PROPOSED VILLAGE-EDGE HOUSING SCHEME

AN independent planning inspector has backed North East Lincolnshire Council's refusal to grant planning consent for a development in Waltham.

Peter Strawson lodged the appeal in respect of his scheme to build 16 bungalows on a farm field off Grimsby Road.

However, the inspector - Mr K. Savage - has dismissed the appeal.

In his report, he says: "The site forms part of the open countryside between Waltham and New Waltham.

"This strategic gap prevents coalescence of settlements, retains the openness of land and controls the nature and scale of urban and rural development. 

"The open nature of the appeal site, and its physical and visual connection to the wider countryside, means there would be an inevitable change to its character from its development for housing."

The inspector also noted concerns about potential flood risk and the lack of any provision for low-cost homes ion the proposed development.