Boston Borough Council has refused a planning application by Opal Homes to build 102 residential dwellings on agricultural land adjacent to White House Lane in Fishtoft, following widespread concerns from local residents and ward councillor Sarah Sharpe.
The application was called in for committee determination by Cllr. Sharpe, who raised several issues relating to policy compliance, road safety, accessibility, and the overall design of the proposed development. She expressed concern that the proposal exceeded the 90 dwellings referenced in the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan, and criticised the scheme for its poor design and inaccessibility for families and people with disabilities.
“The quality of design doesn’t reflect the families that these houses will be built for,” said Cllr. Sharpe. “Having steps to the front door and from the rear into the garden would make it incredibly difficult for parents of toddlers to access their house and for children to play safely in the garden. It also excludes those with disabilities.”
Cllr. Sharpe also highlighted the lack of footpaths on White House Lane, the increase in heavy goods vehicles accessing the nearby Havenside Business Park, and safety concerns around the junction leading to the local primary school—an area already troubled by recent accidents.
She added that some of the proposed roads within the development were to be privately maintained, raising concerns over long-term upkeep and whether refuse lorries could safely access the area for weekly bin collections.
The council formally refused the application on the grounds that the development’s density and layout were out of keeping with the local area, contrary to Policies 2, 3, and 17 of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan. The official decision notice stated:
“The development is considered to result in significant harm by virtue of the density of housing proposed, which would result in a final form of development that would be out of keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area, landscape and the local built environment.”
Twelve representations were received from the public during the consultation period. Two addresses submitted formal objections, while others offered comments. Concerns included increased traffic on local roads, the loss of high-grade agricultural land, flood risk, flawed groundwater testing, the cramped design of the houses, and poor accessibility for people with limited mobility. Other objections referenced poor local public transport, disruption during construction, negative impacts on existing residents’ privacy, and the perception that Fishtoft already accommodates more than its fair share of affordable and social housing.
A Fishtoft resident, who lives near the proposed site, supported the council’s decision. “This development would have completely changed the feel of our village, We’re not against new housing, but cramming over a hundred homes onto farmland like this would have been totally out of character for Fishtoft. It’s a relief to see the council stand up for what makes our community special.”
The full details of the planning application and all submitted representations are available on the Boston Borough Council website. It is not yet known whether Opal Homes intends to appeal the decision or submit a revised application.
