Decision due on Larkfleet Homes’ plan for Market Deeping commercial site

Larkfleet Homes wants to develop the land off Peterborough Road, and has submitted an outline planning application.

But Market Deeping Town Council has strongly objected to the plans, arguing that commercial buildings should not be placed in the historic “gateway” to the town.

The application will come before South Kesteven District Council’s development control committee on Tuesday next week (August 18). And council planners have recommended planning permission be granted.

The land has been set aside for employment or housing use in the district’s development plan. Larkfleet hopes to submit a separate application for about 200 homes to the east of the employment site, south of Northfield Road.

In a statement the town council said it had no objection to development of the area, but it was opposed to the commercial part being place “on the gateway to the town”.

“It would be preferable to see the residential part on the gateway especially as the development on the other side of the road is for well-designed stone houses; this would create an inviting entrance to Market Deeping,” the statement added.”

“The town council has met several times over the past three years with Larkfleet and each time stated that they did not feel it was appropriate for industrial units to be placed at the gateway.”

The council has encouraged residents who also object to the plans to write to the district council and express their views.

The development control committee will meet at 1pm on Tuesday. A report to councillors says the development would “preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the surrounding location” subject to suitable landscaping and design.

A town council planning meeting will take place at Market Deeping town hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday (August 12), when people have also been invited to give their views.