Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers raises Barton homes appeal in parliament

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers wants to see health service pressures taken more into account in planning after almost 400 homes south of Barton-upon-Humber were approved.

The 390 homes development will be on on 26.3 hectares of agricultural land south of Horkstow Road, Barton. It was put forward by Banks Property Ltd two years ago and was refused by councillors, who followed planning officer advice.

But the refusal was overturned on appeal by the planning inspectorate, in a judgment published on Friday, June 9. Struggles to obtain GP appointments were frequently raised by Barton objectors to the homes.

Read more: Almost 400 homes at Barton get green light after decision overturned

Mr Vickers, whose constituency includes Barton, raised it in the House of Commons on Thursday. He called for a debate about the planning inspectorate taking greater account of public services in appeals.

“Although the development includes contributions for school places and leisure facilities,” Mr Vickers said of the 390 new Barton homes, “health services are most under pressure when we develop new housing estates.

“Could the Leader of the House find time for a debate to discuss the links between the provision of public services and the decisions of the Planning Inspectorate?”

Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt did not promise a debate but was sympathetic. “He is absolutely right that although there may be provision for one aspect of new infrastructure or public services, that is no comfort if there is no provision for others.

She promised to pass on his feedback to the Health Secretary, who was looking at more effective use of data to ensure health services meet local demands.

Mr Vickers acknowledged provision for developer cash for the 390 homes going to leisure facilities and school places. But people were most concerned about access to health services, he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

“The NHS are struggling to go to the more rural areas in particular,” he said, noting difficulties in attracting younger GPs to such areas. “Therefore, the pressures on existing provision in places like Barton, Immingham or wherever it may be, grows exponentially.”

This was happening across the country. “It is a problem particularly in market towns like Barton.”

According to the latest NHS Digital data, in April 5,491, or 69 per cent, of all appointments at Barton’s GP surgery were successfully booked within seven days. Of appointments with a GP 91 per cent, or 1,411, had their appointment within seven days of booking it.

“I was surprised with the outcome,” Mr Vickers said of the appeal. He had opposed it. “It’s disappointing for all the reasons that the objectors are making,” but unfortunately the planning inspectorate’s decision is final.

The planning inspectorate decided the development’s harms to the area’s character and appearance “would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh its benefits”. North Lincolnshire Council was also no longer able to show a five year housing supply.

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When this occurs, there is tilted balance in favour of new housing outside development boundaries. The 390 homes do have a number of conditions attached, including widening of Tofts Road, and a Section 106 agreement between the council and developer.

As a result, 78 homes will be affordable housing. Promised payments by the developer could run up to more than £4.2m. These will pay for leisure facilities, a regular, full-day bus service and for whatever more school places are needed, but no provision includes investment in local health services.

Family firm Banks Property plan to move the project forward as quickly as possible. Banks Property’s senior development manager, John Ruddick, said: “We have always believed that this would be an excellent site on which to create a sustainable new community in Barton-upon-Humber, and we are naturally very pleased that the planning inspector has also recognised the strengths and suitability of our proposals.”

He later continued: “It will offer a range of different property sizes and designs, including up to 20 bungalows and 78 affordable homes, while the construction of these new homes will directly support 80 new jobs, as well as indirectly supporting a further 100 jobs and providing significant contract opportunities for local suppliers.” About 60 per cent of the site will be public open space, including a community orchard and allotments.

It is expected that there will be a local biodiversity net gain double the expected standard.