Nine houses have been approved in Grantham in what is presently a large garden.

The homes can be built at Brownacres at 1 Green Lane, off Belton Lane.

David Goodridge of Long Bennington-based Invicta Developments can also demolish an existing home on the 0.44ha site.

His application to South Kesteven District Council said: "The site had previously been granted full planning permission for the erection of a 75-bedroom care home (planning S09/0855 in 2015). However, the economic climate at the time meant that this was not progressed.

"An application was submitted on 13th July 2017 for Outline Approval for 10 dwellings which was approved on 18th July 2019."

The application noted the site for the latest application contained mature shrubs and trees and it said these will be retained if possible.

The application concluded the site is located within the built-up area of Belton Lane and surrounded by modern development.

Located within the built-up area, there would appear to be no objection in principle to the addition of these buildings, particularly as they are not wholly visible from the main road.

"It is considered that the site is well capable of absorbing dwellings of this type and size, as the previously approved application was larger.

"The site is well situated to connect to all services."

Assessing the application, SKDC planning staff said: "This application proposes demolition of the existing house, and construction of a cul-de-sac containing 9 two-storey detached dwellings, plus associated garages and car parking. The application falls below the thresholds for major development and therefore there is no affordable housing contribution required."

Council consultation delivered seven letters of community representation which revealed concerns about sewage services, works to widen Green Lane and trim surrounding vegetation would harm the privacy and security of the dwellings on Braemar Close to the north.

Works to widen Green Lane would use private property and risk more surface flooding.

The scheme would also harm wildlife, including bats that may have taken roost in the site, and birds using the foliage on Green Lane as habitat.

The letters also said work has already commenced on the site prior to the application being approved, including the removal of trees.

However, SKDC planning staff assessed the comments and concluded that the scheme met a range of local and national planning policies and should be approved.