Villagers near Grantham fear the return of plans to build homes at the back of a pub near Grantham.

Their concern follows the planning committee of South Kesteven District Council refusing an application this week for 15 homes just to the east of the Royal Oak in Long Bennington.

As previously reported by Nub News, REL 2 Ltd and Hawthorn Leisure of London sough to build 15 homes (including 4 affordable ones) on the 0.79ha site off Main Road.

SKDC planning staff has recommended refusal on flooding grounds and other issues.

At the meeting on Wednesday, councillors agreed with them and refused the scheme.

Ward councillor Paul Wood (Ind-Viking) also spoke out against the application.

He told Nub News today that he agreed with the planning officers' report.

Coun Wood said properties around the site had been affected by flooding and the application presented no solution to the flooding problems.

The development would also extend the village beyond limits set by South Kesteven District Council.

Despite Lincolnshire County Council Highways raising no objection, the site would also have poor access, using the pub car park, he continued.

The site has seen applications for smaller housing schemes but they have been withdrawn.

Coun Wood added: "People are concerned it may come back. The applicant can appeal or more likely come back with another application.

"If it did, it would have to address these flooding issues and I think access is a problem as well."