Bungalows decision will help meet needs of ageing population, says council
A planning application has been approved that will provide new-build bungalows in a village near Sleaford to help meet the needs of the area’s ageing population.
The bungalows will help to meet the requirements of a growing number of residents on the Housing Register who need adapted properties.
SKDC’s Planning Committee has agreed the council’s own application for the demolition of a former community building in Toller Court, Horbling, that has been repeatedly vandalised since closing five years ago.
Demolition of the building will allow construction of three bungalows on the site and a neighbouring grass area.
Toller Court is already a bungalow housing scheme as it was previously sheltered accommodation.
The building that will be demolished is the former resident lounge and community hall.
The new proposal is for a one-bed two-person bungalow and two two-bedroom bungalows for three people all with rear gardens. Five parking spaces will be provided for the development.
They will be affordable housing properties owned and operated by South Kesteven District Council.
Committee members heard the bungalows will be in-keeping with the properties already there and that a significant amount of green space will be retained for the enjoyment of the wider village.
SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Coun Virginia Moran said: “The building which is being demolished was never a building for the use of the village and has been repeatedly vandalised since Toiler Court ceased to be a sheltered housing complex.
“Knocking it down makes good use of the land in providing a type of accommodation that we badly need in South Kesteven for our ageing population and builds on our promise to provide high-quality affordable housing for our residents.”
A footpath popular with dog walkers, which is not a public right of way, will be re-routed rather than being lost, and no trees or hedgerows will be removed, says the council.
The committee also heard the development will result in a 10 per cent net biodiversity gain for the area.
“The idyllic village setting will be retained for the people of Horbling and the natural environment will actually be improved by our proposals,” said Coun Moran.
Previous planning permission for two two-bedroom bungalows was approved in 2020 but lapsed.