Proposed Housing and Mixed-Use Site Allocations

Object

Representation ID: 4552

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Mulberry Commercial Developments JM Limited

Agent: Iceni Projects

The proposed amendment to SKPR-334 from a strategic employment allocation under adopted Policy E1 to residential dwellings and traveller pitch provision is neither justified nor supported by a robust evidence base. The absence of up-to-date and studies on employment land demand and traveller accommodation needs undermines the soundness of the Regulation 18 consultation and prevents effective scrutiny of the evidence base.

Its reallocation to non-employment uses would weaken Grantham Southern Gateway’s strategic importance, undermine the Council’s stated vision and strategic objectives for economic development, and fail to make best use of substantial investment in infrastructure.
Concerns are also raised with regard to the positioning of SKPR-334 as a “new allocation”, failing to recognise the wider land allocated under adopted Policy E1.

The proposed traveller pitch provision on the land west of the A1 is also not appropriately located, furthermore, the provision of 20 pitches is inconsistent with established best practice guidance.

SKPR-334 cannot be considered positively prepared, justified, effective, or consistent with national policy, and are therefore unsound. It is recommended that the site should remain allocated for strategic employment uses in line with the adopted Local Plan Policy E1, and that alternative, more suitable sites should be identified to meet the District’s housing and traveller accommodation needs.