I DO NOT BELIEVE that the planning application for Elsea Park could
have been further delayed. If it had not gone ahead the houses would still have
to be provided, probably next to Bourne Wood or towards Dyke village, causing
terrible traffic problems in Bourne.
The government decides on the number of houses to be built in the East Midlands,
which includes Bourne, and these are allocated through Regional Planning
Guidance (obligatory) to the county councils. Through the Lincolnshire Structure
Plan, the number to be built in each district are further allocated. South
Kesteven District Council then attempts to allocate fairly throughout its area
by means of the Local Plan, soon to be changed to Local Development Documents.
It was in the Local Plan, commenced in 1991, that the area to the south-west of
Bourne was allocated for housing development. All these stages were subject to
separate public inquiries and the Local Plan was adopted in 1995.
My recollection is that the town council approved the proposal, feeling that it
would help future prosperity and the avoidance of the town becoming run down.
The site was preferred as it was on the Peterborough side of the town, so
preventing even worse traffic problems in the town centre. Also, I well remember
one of the councillors saying that development on the north side would result in
Bourne becoming "Long Bourne". The south -west would produce a more balanced
curtilage. At that time the amount of opposition was relatively limited.
The actual planning application was very carefully presented and considered in a
sequential manner taking note of the proposed future guidelines. In particular,
these required adequate roads (approved by the Highways Authority) and good
public transport links to the main centres of employment and shopping. The
application was referred to the Secretary of State who approved it.
There was rather more opposition, much of it vociferous and encouraged by
the press, but considering the size and importance of the application, still
relatively small and certainly minimal compared with a slightly smaller site at
Stamford. In any case, account must be taken of the silent majority. The town
council recognised that the land had been allocated for housing, that it would
be a quality development and provide much planning gain, including much needed
affordable housing, a relief road, a new primary school, community hall,
increased recreational facilities, cycleways, new transport opportunities and
contributions towards further educational facilities, a library and town centre
traffic light improvement, among others.
Personally I feel that Elsea Park is a prestigious development and will
gradually over the years bring great benefit to the town of Bourne.
I fought to try and save the Bourne Hospital and totally opposed plans for
housing on the site. The decision of a planning inspector to allow housing
development on the Bourne hospital site following refusal by South Kesteven
District Council could have only been challenged by asking for a judicial
review. It was carefully considered, but taking into account the report and
reasons of the inspector, it was felt that would only result in the decision
being confirmed and there would have been a cost to the council tax payer of
£30,000-£40,000. |
