Councillors have voted against a planned housing development in Grantham, hoping the applicant will produce a better scheme.

Members of the planning committee of South Kesteven District Council made the decision this afternoon, concerning the site east of Stamford Street, where a terrace of three homes without parking is proposed.

As Nub News previously reported , the scheme was backed by SKDC planning staff, but opposed by the district councillor, whose ward the scheme is in.

Coun Adam Stokes, whose 'call in' led to the application to come before the committee, told the meeting that he was against the development of the site.

Coun Stokes (Con- Grantham Springfield) said the previous approved application was now 'out of time.' It would be out of keeping with the rest of the street, and cause loss of privacy on the 'green field' site.

Nearby resident Steven Parfitt also feared extra traffic caused by the 3-6 cars the homes would bring.

Councillors then spent over an hour debating the matter. They spoke largely in opposition but it was a matter of finding the right wording and reasons that could be defended at any appeal.

Coun Ian Selby (Unaligned- Grantham Harrowby) suggested a decision be deferred to encourage the applicant to move the proposed homes a metre back to create room for parking.

However, planning staff said the applicant, Nottingham-based Spencer Construction, had earlier rejected such a suggestion.

After further debate, councillors then overwhelmingly voted that they were 'minded to refuse' the scheme.

Reasons given from the councillors included lack of parking for the scheme, it's design and appearance, plus impact on the amenity of the area.

This, officers had earlier advised, would have the same effect as a deferment. It would allow council staff time to approach the developer to make amendments.

It would also give councillors 5 working days to develop reasons to oppose the scheme, which would then be commented upon by SKDC's Head of Planning, with the application brought back to a future committee meeting for determination.