Humberston Fitties chalet to be replaced after ‘inadvertent’ demolition

Despite warnings of a "dangerous precedent" being set, councillors narrowly voted to approve a new chalet in Humberston Fitties after the destruction of a previous one.

The chalet's demolition displeased the councillors, who heard it was removed on the grounds of structural reasons and asbestos.

Its removal was not originally planned - an extension was - but was "inadvertently demolished by an overenthusiastic builder". The council issued an enforcement notice after the destruction without permission in the conservation area.

As a result, an application to replace with a near like-for-like chalet was put forward as a resolution. But some councillors and Fitties neighbours were not happy at the prospect of enforcement being dropped with permission for the new chalet.

Read below about the Fitties chalet and other applications considered by North East Lincolnshire Council^[2]'s planning committee this month.

Chalet destruction frustrates councillors

The retrospective application proposed a similar chalet replacement, but with floor adjustments for flood risks. Fitties resident Sarah Palmer spoke in opposition because she felt the original chalet's removal was "so egregious that it needs bringing into public record".

"It looked like a pack of cards folded on itself," she said of old chalet's state when demolished, adding an enforcement notice was issued on December 7. The asbestos was not a reason to remove as it was fine so long as undisturbed and not uncovered, she said.

Then, when it had been demolished, she reported a delay in the asbestos removal, with it taking until early May for its clearance. "History won't look kindly on the council if wanton destruction carries on," she warned.

A written statement from the Ross Davy Associates agent of the applicant was read out. They said the chalet's structure had been in a very poor condition, but was "inadvertently demolished by an overenthusiastic builder who believed was helping the client out". It was done without the applicant's consent.

In a planning document, Ross Davy Associates detail that it was recommended demolition because of structural and asbestos surveys. "I hate to see retrospective applications like this," said Cllr Ian Lindley, who added "it's a shame it's now gone because it's part of the character" of the Fitties.

Cllr Henry Hudson felt the best way to enforce something was to replace it. Several councillors were unhappy with the prospect of enforcement ending. Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe said it "makes a mockery" of planning laws for enforcement to end with the replacement's approval.

"I think this sets an extremely dangerous precedent," agreed Cllr Steve Holland. After a lengthy debate, including what represented like for like, approval for the replacement chalet was given by six votes to five.

Thorpe Park air units

Yet another Thorpe Park application headed the planning agenda. This time, a retrospective application for two air handling units on the exterior of Marina Showbar, and associated elements including a service yard.

Once more, it faced significant opposition from concerned Humberston^[3] Fitties residents, chiefly about noise from the holiday park. But environmental health had inspected the site and the air units were not audible when running.

Submitted noise reports also backed this up, as did Cllrs Hayden Dawkins and Hudson who recounted separate ventures to the site.

Cllr Holland called for a future assessment of the cumulative noise impact of Thorpe Park, but on this occasion it was approved unanimously.

Sleeping Beauty salon

A beauty salon in Grimsby will be slept on for a little longer by councillors to see if traffic parking issues can be resolved.

Olivia Dobbs built an outbuilding in Louth Road, Grimsby, and has since turned it into her beauty salon business's base. She sought permission for the change of use.

This included amended access plans to address unhappy Side Lane residents' concerns about clients blocking their road. Access to the beauty salon from there would be closed off and a new access created via Louth Road.

Ms Dobbs said she had built the business up herself and poured savings into the outbuilding's development. She indicated her willingness to change the access to address traffic concerns.

Want to sign up to the Grimsby newsletter, but can’t access the link below? Click here.^[4]

Scartho Ward Cllr Ron Shepherd spoke on behalf of nearby residents opposed to it, much to Ms Dobbs' dismay. He had submitted a wad of photographic evidence as to parking problems in the area, including on Louth Road.

He argued Louth Road was a busy arterial road and said of the beauty salon's impact on Side Lane: "It's been blocked on several occasions".

"My issue really is it's one of the main access routes to the hospital for emergency vehicles," said Cllr Hasthorpe, while several councillors worried about the minimum three months between approval and the access road change.

Although there was discussion of temporary permission with conditions like no training until the access road change, councillors voted 9-2 to defer.

References

1. ^{^} Staff and parents left 'heartbroken' by potential closure of Great Coates nursery (www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk)
2. ^{^} North East Lincolnshire Council (www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk)
3. ^{^} Humberston (www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk)
4. ^{^} Click here (data.reachplc.com)