Spa Baths plancould includenew dwellings

The Spa Baths complex which is at the centre of a major re-development plan for Woodhall Spa EMN-161201-102755001

Developers behind the project have submitted an application to East Lindsey District Council seeking permission to ‘change the use’ of the site.

It includes possible provision for housing and a hot food takeaways.

At a meeting of the parish council’s planning committee, members said they were ‘surprised’ by the latest twist to the saga.

Parish clerk Amanda Bushell said: “The Parish Council discussed the number of changes of use which had been applied for, which had come as a surprise. Members expressed concern that the applicants had told the Parish Council that no dwellings would be built on the site, but they were applying for a change of use to C3 – dwelling houses.”

Robert Walker, ELDC’s senior conservation officer, told the meeting he believed that the principle use of the building would be a Spa and the other proposed uses were ‘ancillary’.

He confirmed ELDC was still keen to see the complex re-developed.

Councillors agreed to support the general application but stressed they would not support any change of use that was not integral to the re-development - notably any new homes or takeaways.

Councillors also stressed they would object to any new dwellings ‘outside of the Spa’ facility and said they hoped the applicant would consult with them and the village Heritage Committee before the next stage of the development.