Inspector approves homes despite council rejection

Nearly 250 new homes for North East Lincolnshire have been approved on appeal, after a council previously turned them down.

Cyden Homes' proposal for 249 homes on land off Louth Road, New Waltham, was rejected by North East Lincolnshire Council in November 2024 amid concerns over traffic and air quality.

However, a planning inspector said the development would not cause "unacceptable blocking" of the Toll Bar roundabout and would have an impact on air quality of less than 1%.

The development is due to be made up of 52 two-bed, 68 three-bed, 125 four-bed and four five-bed homes, as well as a public open space with children's play equipment.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the land is allocated for up to 300 homes in the council's Local Plan.

However, in November, a transport assessment advised the development would result in overcapacity of Toll Bar roundabout's north arm, which connects to the A16 Louth Road.

The proposal was rejected by councillors by six votes to five.

The inspector acknowledged the development would push capacity of the north arm of the roundabout to 107% per cent at the peak traffic time of 16:30 to 17:30 and there would be "some worsening of traffic congestion".

But he noted the junction is already at capacity and deemed the proposal's effect on traffic "relatively minor".

The inspector also contended the congestion would likely only be for short periods, at school pick-up and drop-off times.

"I do not, therefore, view the change from 100% to 107% to represent a severe impact on traffic congestion at the roundabout," he added.

Air pollution concerns were also dismissed by the inspector, who noted the area was currently well within government air quality objectives.

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