West Lindsey District Council has granted approval for a housing development in Bardney, Lincolnshire, despite flooding concerns expressed by local residents. The contentious project, which will see the construction of up to 54 new homes in the heart of Bardney backing onto Abbey Road and Wragby Road, received approval even though residents argue that the area is often waterlogged. Counsellor Ian Fleetwood also noted concerns due to nearby bungalows already being prone to flooding and cautioned that new developments should not worsen the situation.
Contrarily, the council’s planning committee has proposed that the housing project is likely to help manage flooding problems in the region. As part of the proposal, Fytche-Taylor Planning Limited, representing the estate of Margaret Lintin, has included a detailed drainage strategy and ground testing to efficiently manage water. Detailed designs and layouts of the homes will be decided at a later stage.
Councillor Roger Patterson, while acknowledging local flooding concerns, expressed confidence in existing solutions and stressed that there were no justifiable reasons to refuse the proposal.
Despite the plan’s approval, Bardney residents are sceptical about the requirement for new housing. Some residents have pointed to a surplus of unsold homes from previous developments as an indication that more housing might not be necessary. Limitations such as inadequate amenities and inefficient public transport have also been cited, which could make accommodating more residents in the village challenging. Nonetheless, the planning committee’s mandate remains focused on planning and environmental criteria, with market demand considerations falling outside its jurisdiction.
This article draws upon original reporting by www.bbc.com and was adapted for The Lincoln Post.
