Lindum Rugby CLub 'Reasonably Confident' of Move to Village

Rugby Club remain 'reasonably confident' of moving to their new ground in Nettleham on time despite so far raising just a 10th of the cash required, report the Lincolnshire Echo today.


The Red & Greens are pressing ahead with plans to move from their existing base at The Lindum to the £1.4m facility, although the date has now been pushed back from January 2012 to the start of the 2012/13 season, which is likely to be September.

Funding for the switch comes from a variety of sources, including £100,000 from West Lindsey District Council's Leisure Capital Investment Fund.

But that funding is dependent on the club raising a significant amount of the overall total – around £500,000 – themselves.

Lincoln Rugby Club Granted Planning Permission for Lodge Lane Site

Last night West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee granted Lincoln Rugby Football Club Planning Permission to build a new clubhouse and playing area on thirty-two acres of land on Lodge Lane, Nettleham.

The club, ten years ago, somewhat reluctantly, came to the decision that the facilities at the Lindum Sports Club, off Wragby Road, Lincoln were no longer large enough to cope with a rapidly growing number of players, particularly in the mini and junior sections. The club is naturally delighted after years of difficulties and frustrations to have finally got the go ahead. Once new facilities are ready for use the club will be in a position to achieve its aims of increasing participation across all age groups, introducing girls' and women's rugby and becoming a for in rugby in the area.

The proposed clubhouse will have six changing rooms as well as a bar and social areas.  The playing area will allow for up to four full size pitches and seven smaller junior and mini pitches.  In the summer months it is hoped that the facility will be used for Rugby League as well as tag rugby and rounders.  The clubhouse, which is designed to cater for the disabled, has been identified as a potential centre for 'boccia', a game similar to indoor bowls suitable for the disabled.  The club is keen to work closely with the local community.

Above: Mr. Bill Green, Prsident
of  Lincoln Rugby Club.

Club President, Mr. Bill Green, said:

"I am delighted with this decision which will allow us to develop a facility to meet our current and future needs.  It will allow us to introduce girls' and women's rugby as well as resolving the situation where we have turned players away in some of our junior and mini age groups due to lack of space.  We are looking forward to working closely with West Lindsey District Council and other bodies to develop participation in active sport in the area."

If everything goes to plan the club hopes to open the facility in January 2012, providing that a gap in funding can be filled.

Nettleham Parish Council had previously decided to object to the proposals and Cllr. John Evans represented the council at last night's meeting.

Speaking at the meeting Cllr. Evans said the proposal would be 'overwhelming and disproportionate' for the village.

Cllr. Evans said:

"The issue of congestion and safety through the middle village has been dismissed by the planning officer's report.

"We live there and we know how bad the traffic can get, even when it's not time for the school run."

 He summerised his thoughts following the meeting last night, via email, saying:

"I had five minutes to put the parish council view, and provided as much supporting planning related evidence as I could. We also had two members of the public addressing the issue and they were both against. The planning issue which I raised was not addressed, and the traffic issue was debated but finally dismissed, clearly the opinion of the Highways Dept counts for nothing."

Cllr. Evens noted that both of Nettleham's District Councillors supported the application and said:

"The only person to vote against the application was the councillor for Sudbrooke".

The application was carried by six votes in favour to one vote against.

You can watch the meeting of West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee here.

District Councillor Will Not Represent Villagers At Crucial Planning Meeting

A West Lindsey District Councillor has undoubtedly angered residents from across Nettleham by refusing to take place in the 'debate and vote' of tonight's Planning Committee Meeting.

Cllr. Malcolm Leaning, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward), astonished many local residents last week by declaring his support for the Lincoln Rugby Club's proposals for Lodge Lane, Nettleham.

Now, Cllr. Leaning has left hopeful residents disappointed as he has decided not to take part in the debate and vote on the matter. Whilst those opposed to the development will no doubt be pleased.

Cllr. Leaning explained that

"[R]egarding the advice I had given the committee in December when I had anticipated a much earlier decision which would have been taken in my absence. Although I had not pre-determined any decision, as I had said I was awaiting reports, she [Rachel North] feels it would be safer if I just addressed the committee as ward member then temporally leave the meeting while the debate and vote takes place."

Cllr. Leaning at the beginning of the year was on holiday, abandoning his responsibilities to local electors, on a four month luxury cruise and had not expected to be in the country when the matter came before councillors.

District Councillor Says 'Yes' to Nettleham Rugby Development

Cllr. Malcolm Leaning, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward) has given his support for planning permission to be granted to the Lindum Rugby Club's proposed development on Lodge Lane, Nettleham.

With a meeting of the West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee only days away, Cllr. Leaning has stunned local residents opposed to the plans by endorsing the proposed scheme, recommended for approval in the officer's report, which states:

"Anticipating that a decision on the application could well be made whilst he was going to be away, Councillor Leaning has explained he is fully aware of the lengthy discussions which have taken place between the Club and the parish council and at public meetings. He has received messages of support and objections. Whilst he would have preferred to have the benefit of a full report from officers, as this was not available at the time he decided on the basis of what information was available on balance to support the proposal. In so doing he pointed out that Mulsanne Park has no spare capacity for pursuits other than those which take place there at present and this will result in a greater choice for residents, and that Nettleham as a community tries to cater for all age groups in its population."

The meeting of the Planning Committee to discuss the planning application will take place on Wednesday, 28th July at 6:30pm at the Guildhall, Marshall's Yard Gainsborough and it is widely expected that planning permission will be granted.

Lincoln Rugby Football Club Development Plans Stalled

The Lincolnshire Echo is today reporting that plans to spend £1.6m developing a new home for Lincoln Rugby Football Club have divided opinion in the village where it could be built. The Red & Greens are looking to move away from The Lindum in St. Giles Avenue, Lincoln, to a bigger purpose-built ground in Nettleham, north of the city.

As reported in the paper, the rugby club submitted plans to West Lindsey District Council last October to develop four full-size pitches and seven smaller ones on 32.5 acres of land based off Lodge Farm, Lodge Lane.

Parish councillors in Nettleham narrowly voted to oppose the proposal in November, with four members speaking out against it and three in favour, and Liberal Democrats district councillors Malcolm Leaning and Alf Frith unhelpfully expressing no view.

Traffic concerns were expressed by villagers, with an estimated 180 attending the parish council meeting along with club representatives.

In the most recent edition of Nettleham News a number of letters were published showing residents are both in favour and against the project, while West Lindsey has so far received seventy-two responses during the public consultation.

In total, fifty-nine have opposed the rugby club move with thirteen welcoming it.

The rugby club had hoped to start building work in April, but the paper reports that it understands the application is not currently scheduled to be considered at next month's planning committee meeting.

The authority is believed to be waiting for more information to be submitted before the application can progress later in the year.

Latest News on Rugby Club's Planning Application

The Lincoln Rugby Football Club's planning application to re-locate the club and training grounds to facilities to be constructed off Lodge Lane, Nettleham remain on hold with the planning authority at West Lindsey District Council.

Mrs. Rita Thompson, Senior Committee Administrator, at the council has reported that:

"This application is not on the list for the February meeting. Apparently the Planning Department is waiting to hear from the applicant and hopefully it will be on the list for the March meeting."

Meanwhile the hopes of the Rugby Club's Re-location Committee will doubtlessly be ebbing away as it emerges that Laura Richardson, a Planning Liaison Officer at the Environment Agency, has submitted a formal response, on Tuesday 26th January 2010, objecting to the proposed development. The Environment Agency's response states:

"We OBJECT to this application for the following reasons:

"1. A Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25) compliant Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) has not been submitted with this application.

 "2. The proposed development involves the use of a non-mains foul drainage system, but no assessment of the risks of pollution to ground and surface waters has been provided by the applicant. "

It is also understood that Cllr. John Evans who, on Monday 25th January 2010, asked Mr. Alan Brown, from Lincolnshire County Council Highways Department, about their feelings on the application and he is reported to have said that Highways has opposed it on sustainability grounds 'it’s in the wrong place'.
 
It therefore looks increasingly likely that when the application finally goes before the Planning Committee the application may have substansive objections from consultees - the Parish Council, the Highways Department and Environment Agency - faced with such comments it is difficult to imagine a recommendation from the planning officer being for approval.

Update of Rugby Club's Planning Application

The Planning Officer at West Lindsey District Council, Ms Jackie Jones, yesterday joined a meeting regarding the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's planning application with both the Highway Authority from Lincolnshire County Council and the agent involved in the application.

The district council's planning department are not at present in a position to make any recommendation on this application as additional information has been requested particularly in respect of highway and sustainability issues. Further no final report is at present available from the highway authority as they also are awaiting further information.

Ms Jones reports that:

"I am therefore unable to provide you with a date when it would be envisaged to place the application before committee but I can assure you it will not be before March at the earliest."

Doubtlessly those at the Rugby Club will be disappointed that their application is being held up in this way, whilst opponents will doubtlessly rejoice. What is forgotten however, are the people continue into 2010 in a state of uncertainty.

Giles McNeill’s New Year’s Message

Earlier in the year I was pleased that Conservative led administration at West Lindsey District Council introduced the new ‘triple bin system’ which seems to be working well – delivering on our election promise in the 2008 local elections to provide a free green bin to every household that wants one. The three-bin system helps to reduce the amount of rubbish that goes to landfill which is really good. Some local residents contacted me about having been charged the annual fee for the green bin shortly before they became free, I raised this with colleagues on the district council and the Conservatives have acted to ensure that a refund system is now in place.

The recent flooding in the North of England has brought back memories of the flooding that Nettleham suffered in the summer of 2007 and then again in January 2008. I have been working with colleagues at all levels to ensure that this threat is properly assessed and where possible mitigated. A few days before Christmas I and other members of the Parish Council met with two representatives of the Environment Agency to discuss our concerns about increased risk of flooding in the village. The meeting was very productive and has offered a number of reassurances and new avenues to follow-up. Highway drains are also now being cleaned more regularly.

The biggest issue of 2009 was the proposals of Lincoln Rugby Football Club to move their training ground to the village. The two public meetings held by the Parish Council demonstrated how much strong feeling there is in the village. I believe that there was little to object to on planning grounds in the Rugby Club’s planning application. West Lindsey District Council’s planning department has entered the spotlight in recent months with several stories related to planning in the Lincolnshire Echo. A number of problems have been identified and are now being put right. A new departmental manager is being recruited and I am optimistic that the service will be greatly improved in 2010 and beyond.

2010 is going to bring significant challenges. There will be cuts in public spending regardless of which party wins the general election. It is a testament to many long evenings spent pouring over the figures, that I was able to secure, at the current level, the precept – the money collected through Council Tax that goes to the Parish Council – so no increase on the 2008/09 budget.

I am constantly encouraged by the strong community spirit in Nettleham. For my part I will continue to do my best on behalf of local residents in the months ahead.

Wishing you the best for the New Year,

Giles McNeill
Nettleham Parish Councillor

Lincoln Rugby Football Club Battle for Hearts and Minds

Lincoln Rugby Football Club have launched a new phase in their public relations offensive with residents of Nettleham.

Yesterday morning a leaflet was put through the letterbox of homes in the village with the subject headline reading:

"Proposed Relocation of Lincoln Rugby Football Club"

The A5, four page, pamphlet has a three sided, open letter to residents from Mr. Bill Green, President of the Rugby Club, together with a diagramatic plan of the development proposed on Lodge Lane, Nettleham.

Mr. Green begins:

"You will perhaps by now be aware of the planning application submitted to develop land off Loge Lane to be the new home for Lincoln Rugby Football Club."

He continues and talks about correcting a number of misunderstandings that seem to have become popular fact, wishing to reassure residents. His letter includes details of the 8,000 trees that will be planted in conjunction with the Nettleham Woodland Trust, details of the rugby season, the efforts made to reduce the impact of the development both visually and on the environment. In some detail the issue of traffic has been discussed. Towards the end of the open letter he says:

"[W]e hope you realise, we are a community club with strong local roots, and wan tto work with you to get the site right - both for us, but importantly for you too, and become something of which the residents of Nettleham can be proud."

Giles McNeill said:

"I think that the Rugby Club are going to great lengths to win public opinion, something that a lot of other developers don't do. I hope people who recieve this leaflet will read it and it will correct any wrong information that they have recieved."

Following the departure from West Lindsey District Council of Mr. Ian Dickinson, the planning officer dealing with the club's application, it is not now known for certain when the planning application will appear before the Planning Committee of West Lindsey District Council.

Former Council Leader Drops Planning Application

Former Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Bernard Theobald, (Wold View Ward), has dropped attempts to build a country house following rejection on appeal the Lincolnshire Echo is reporting.

Cllr. Theobald submitted proposals to develop a five-bedroom property on land he part-owns with colleague Cllr. Stuart Kinch, (Torksey Ward) and their respective wives for £155,000, before drawing up designs to turn the former sawmill site into a residential property at South Owersby in June.

The application was due to go before the council's planning committee with a report recommending it should be approved but was removed after serious concerns were expressed about it. Following the authority's failure to meet a statutory deadline to make a decision, Cllr. Theobald sent an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. But the former leader has now admitted defeat in his bid to build the property on the land after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed his case.

In the report, case inspector Alison Lea said:

"It is clear the council had concerns in respect of the approach adopted by the planning officer in the report marked draft/incomplete.

"Although the council failed to articulate those concerns in any detail, in my opinion the council did have substantive reasons to justify delaying the determination and this is not a case where development which should clearly have been permitted has been prevented or delayed.

"Indeed, I do not agree with the conclusion reached in the draft/incomplete report and have dismissed the appeal."

Cllr. Theobald said:

"It's a standard format – they look at the planning application, take a view and come to a decision.

"You never know which way it will go. That application has run its course."

BBC Radio Lincolnshire is also reporting that the a planning officer who was suspended by West Lindsey District Council has now resigned from the authority.

At a meeting of Nettleham Parish Council it was reported by Cllr. Malcolm Leaning, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward), that Mr. Ian Dickinson, the Planning Officer who was responsible for the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's planning application had been sacked. The Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr. Terry Williams pointedly requested that Cllr. Leaning wished the minutes to reflect that Mr. Dickinson had been sacked and Cllr. Leaning confirmed that was what he had been told. The following morning Cllr. Leaning clarified, via email, that:

"Although I repeated what I had been directly told last evening - I now have been informed that Ian Dickinson has left WLDC by ‘mutual agreement’.

"He is briefing the temporary Head of Planning today on his outstanding work which will include the ‘Rugby Club’ application."

Giles McNeill Responds to Local Residents

A number of local residents have taken the time to comment on this blog or else e-mail me regarding the position I took at the Parish Council meeting held last Wednesday where the Parish Council agreed to object to the planning permission application by Lincoln Rugby Football Club.

One anonymous comment said:

"How can you as an elected representative of our village hold straw polls on you blog and blatantly go against the views and concerns of a very large proportion of village folk?"

And accused me of wanting to destroy our quiet village and of not being sufficiently disinterested in the matter.

In response I would like to say I e-mailed eight local residents to make them aware of the poll. Two I knew to be against, two in favour and four who I did not know there view. They were at liberty to circulate the e-mail. I was pleased and proud that over one hundred and seventy individuals took the time to find my blog and vote on the poll. Polls, like petitions, are always indicative; however, it supported what I was getting on the street when I talked to people in the village - there were those in favour and those against. I believe that a large proportion of the village oppose the Rugby Club's proposals. I also believe that a large proportion of the village support the Rugby Club's proposals. Which is the greater of the two It would be hard to say - although if anyone would like me to pursue a parish referendum on the matter I am prepared to investigate this. Secondly, I have no desire to turn Nettleham into a suburb of Lincoln or for the village to lose its charm and character - In fact I and my fellow councillors often feel we are fighting a losing battle against the planning authority, which often seems in chaos. Finally, I am entirely disinterested in the matter. I in no way benefit from the development nor do members of my family or close friends.

I would like to thank 'Eddie R' and 'Martin, Nettleham' for commenting in support of my actions. At the meeting the Chairman, Cllr. Terry Williams, outlined three possible motions: The Parish Council takes either a positive, neutral or negative view. In the end we only voted on a motion to object to the proposal. I voted against. Had we been given the opportunity to vote on the other suggested positions I would have voted in favour of a neutral position and against a positive position.

'Mikey' posted:

"Whatever Giles's belief is, it remains the case that Britain's planning laws cleary state that highway safety, noise and possible disturbance are all grounds for planning refusal - and these were all valid concerns raised at the meeting."

So let me be clear. I am not in favour of, nor am I opposed to the development, on grounds of planning.

I do not believe that there are planning grounds on which to object - there are certainly concerns, chief of which is traffic, but I suspect that as the Rugby Club's consultants purchased their data from Lincolnshire Highways Department I suspect that the review being conducted by the highways agency is unlikely to come to a vastly different conclusion.

I am not in favour of the proposal, however none of my objections relate to planning permission.

'Mikey' later says:

"My concern is that Giles pursues the democratic process to the best of his ability and does his utmost to put the Parish Council's case for refusal even though he would like to see Lincoln City Rugby club's new regional centre added to the village. I am sure he will."

I hope I have answered the point about my view on the Rugby Club. Mikey is entirely correct. Once the Parish Council has taken a vote on a matter members of the Parish Council should represent what the view of the Parish Council is when challenged. A certain level of collective responsibility, in my view should exist. Sadly our district representative, Cllr. Malcolm Leaning, has disagreed. Whilst I understand and accept his need to remain neutral as he serves on the planning committee at West Lindsey, nevertheless I feel their is room to represent the views of the collective Parish Council without jepardising his neutrality.

I hope that this more clearly sets out my view on this matter.

Parish Council to Object to Rugby Club's Proposal

Nettleham Parish Council last night agreed to formally object to the proposal by the Lincoln Rugby Football Club, in their role as a statutory consultee.

At a packed meeting held in the village hall, Parish Councillors voted 4 to 3 (with two abstentions) on a proposal to object.

At the beginning of the meeting Cllr. Terry Williams, Chairman of Nettleham Parish Council, made introductions and welcomed the large number of the public who had made the effort to attend and participate.

Cllr. Williams gave a brief summary, by way of a background, to the activities that had led to the meeting last night.

Ultimately, despite pleas from the Chairman that all councillors should attend only seven participated in casting a vote one way or the other. Cllrs. Sellers and Hill were away on holiday and Cllr. Mrs. Davidson was absent on urgent business. Cllrs. Frith and Leaning both abstained as is their tradition in matters relating to planning.

The vote in the end was very close and represented very much the clear division that exists within our community between the 'yes' and 'no' camps.

I believe that the Parish Council will ultimately struggle to provide a substantive set of planning reasons for objecting. For now however all eyes turn to West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee who will make a decision now expected as late as Wednesday, 3rd February 2010.

Giles McNeill's Statement on Lincoln Rugby Football Club’s Planning Application

Nettleham Parish Councillor, Giles McNeill, at a Parish Council Meeting convened to discuss the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's planning application at Nettleham Village Hall, has said:

"West Lindsey District Council, who we know are the planning authority, can only take into account relevant planning considerations. These include: Structure and local plan policies, government planning guidance, planning law and previous decisions, highways safety and traffic issues, noise, disturbance & smells, design, appearance & layout, conservation of historic buildings or trees, residential amenities and environmental impact.

"They can not take into consideration any matter covered by other laws (such as alcohol licensing), private property rights (such as boundary or access disputes), The applicant’s morals or motives, suspected future development, loss of view or effect on value of property, personal position of applicant or objector.

"Let me be clear, planning permission is granted or refused based on planning reasons. This provides the basis for my view.

"We know that a report will be prepared by the Planning Case Officer including all the relevant information and a recommendation to either grant or refuse planning permission.

"Statistics available from the council tell us that the majority of applications – around 91% – are determined under ‘delegated powers’. This means that the Director of Resources has the authority to make a decision based on the information provided by the Planning Case Officer. The remaining 9% of applications are considered by the Planning Committee which meets monthly. Applications will go to committee if; they have received a significant number of objections – which I suspect to be the case in this instance; if the Officer’s recommendation is contrary to the issues raised by objectors; or at the request of a Ward Councillor. I would like to seek a guarantee from our district representatives Councillors Leaning and Frith to ensure that the decision is going to be put before the Planning Committee and not made by the Director of Resources as has happened at their direction in the past – to the frustration of some on this council.

"A lot of nonsense has been banded about in the press and in letters & e-mails. For instance I do not know where the rumour started about there being eleven flood-lit pitches but for those who have read the planning application this is patently untrue – two flood-lit pitch and one mobile secondary system.

"Those who say ‘no’ hold their beliefs every bit as strongly those who say ‘yes’. However, the ‘No’ camp would have us believe that their view prevails across the entire community – a petition collected at the public meeting held by Mr. Perkins at the start of November, indicated that those attending were 96% against and 4% in favour (on a sample of 104). This contrasts sharply with the poll conducted on my blog where figures at the close of the poll earlier today showed only 14% against and 85% in favour (on a larger sample of 171) – our community is divided on this issue.

"In the Nettleham Parish Plan 2007, adopted in May of that year, one of the key objectives identified was the acquisition of land for recreational purposes. The Parish Council had hoped to obtain use of the Police Field, but in a recent letter to the Parish Council from the Police Authority they have firmly rebuffed the idea. The plan made clear this was a preferred option but that alternative options may be considered. Residents who responded to the draft action plan broadly supported encouraging further development of sports fields in the community. 46% agreed with the statement, 36% expressed a neutral view whilst only 18% disagreed.

"I have looked at, in detail, the planning application documentation. I have visited the site. I have followed the coverage in the local press. I have received and responded to correspondence.

"Based on the criteria previously cited I believe that this application is in line with structure and local plan policies, government planning guidance together with planning law and previous decisions. I do not believe that the development would cause any undue disturbance or smells and has no impact on the conservation of historic buildings or trees. I believe that the development would represent a significant addition to residential amenities.

"I like many residents have my concerns about this proposal’s impact upon traffic, both within the village centre and at the junction onto the A158 at the top of Lodge Lane. I have looked at the Transport Statement by Turvey Consultancy Limited and I am sure many residents will be concerned that it forecasts a doubling of traffic on Lodge Lane heading towards the junction of the A158 at peak times. However, as the report makes clear the increase will still leave traffic flow levels at a rate below that which is considered to be capacity for the highway. The only failing of this report is the seeming omission of consideration of the impact of the use of the site by students from Lincoln University on Wednesday afternoons – when traditional inter-mural sport is played. However, I do not foresee that the traffic generated by this activity would be greater than at times of peak flow at the weekend.

"In my view any noise generated at the site will not significantly add to the noise currently generated by activities currently undertaken by Football, Tennis and Cricket at Mulsanne Park. With regard to the design, appearance & layout of the site it is my view that the use of redbrick and timber larch boarding is a good choice to maintain the character of a rural setting. I would prefer that the roofing be terracotta pan-tiles to tie in with local Lincolnshire architectural traditions. I have read with interest the comments made by Defend A Northern Green Environmental Rim (DANGER) who have been at the forefront of protecting this village from coalescing with Lincoln for many years. Whilst I understand their desire for a single story building, the fact remains there is at least one property contiguous with the land of the proposed development which has two stories. There is clear need to provide an adequate platform for spectators, minimise the footprint of the development and measures taken to reduce the visual impact of the site seem thoughtful and appear sufficient.

"I am concerned by one paragraph in the Ecological Survey and would like assurance that development of the site will either take place outside of the nesting season or a thorough search for active nests will be undertaken prior to development beginning . Assuming that this assurance is forthcoming I can see no reason why environmental impact would be a consideration – in fact as Cllr. Hill notes in his representation the development will substantially improve, in his view, the environmental situation.

"In conclusion, it is my belief that there are no planning reasons on which the Planning Authority would have grounds to refuse planning permission."

Parish Council's Decision Day for Rugby Club's Planning Application

This evening Nettleham Parish Council will meet to consider the planning application, submitted to West Lindsey District Council (the Planning Authority), by Lincoln Rugby Football Club at a  meeting being held at the Village Hall, Brookfield Avenue, Nettleham from 7:45pm.

The Rugby Club's proposals first came to light earlier in the year when members of the Parish Council were notified by the Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr. Terry Williams, that an article would be going in the Nettleham News regarding a proposed development and that an extraordinary meeting would be convened.

Whilst the Parish Council received a considerable amount of criticism for arranging a meeting for mid July - shortly before the school holidays began - at every stage the Parish Council attempted to conduct itself in an open, transparent and accessible way. Unfortunately because of timing, notice of the meeting went out between issues of the Nettleham News meaning that the council's preferred method of publicity was not an option.

Local resident Mr. Steve Perkins, took it on himself to arrange a public meeting in early November and a petition collected indicated that those attending were 96% against and 4% in favour (sample 104). This contrasts sharply with the poll conducted on this blog where figures at the close of the poll showed only 14% against and 85% in favour (sample 171).

The Parish Council's determination is taken in the light of severe troubles at West Lindsey District Council's planning department which has seen one officer put on suspension, at least one officer has left their post, a political storm which is threatening the stability of the ruling Conservative administration & leadership and one Liberal Democrat councillor who is believed to have resigned because of the problems in planning.

Tonight's meeting is expected to draw a considerable crowd. Mr. Perkin's meeting drew a crowd of over 100 and the parish council expect the venue to be swamped by interested parties. The meeting had to be moved following the interest in this issue.

All eyes this evening will be on the Parish Council's decision.

Exclusive: Local Couple In Favour of the Rugby Club's Development

Local Couple speaks out in favour of Rugby Club Development
A Nettleham couple,has sent http://gilesmcneill.blogspot.com their views regarding the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's proposed development.

They say:

"As Secondary School PE teachers, we believe that any development that encourages children to get involved in physical activity and gives them another focus is to be welcomed. In this instance children from four years old to eighteen years old will be actively involved, and the nature of rugby itself promotes self discipline and respect which are admirable qualities."

In their communication they point out their veiw that the 'green belt' will in effect be kept green, with only one building and a relatively, proportionally small tarmaced area for parking. Secondly that there is already an established sports ground abutting the proposed development - namely Mulsanne Park. Thirdly they believe the Rugby Club will make the effort to engage the community and become part of it, whilst not imposing themselves.

The couple attended the residents meeting organised by Mr. Steven Perkins and the following were raised at the recent meeting, they respond that: Regarding increased traffic. Whilst the Rugby Club claim they will direct the traffic on to the A146 (and we do believe they will, as it is in their best interests), the fact is some traffic will go through Nettleham. In their opinion this will not impact greatly on the village. The two busiest times for the Rugby Club are Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, and should people decide to drive through Nettleham when there is a Church wedding or Service on then they will quickly realise there is already a bottleneck and the A158 would in fact be the easier option. Mention was also made of buses coming through the village – there already are school buses and others on a daily basis rather than once a week.

Secondly, regarding the potential for increased light and noise pollution. They believe that when put into context there seems little impact on the surrounds when taking into consideration the light and noise pollution that already exists from the traffic on the A158, the football pitches on Mulsanne Park and street lamps. Taking into account that the light pollution would only be there two nights a week.

Thirdly they mention that there were other complaints at the meeting which seemed rather frivolous, although we are sure no less important to the people involved, for example the impact on horseriding on the bridlepath and the effect the new development will have on those that overlook it; assuming they can see over the existing football pitches!.

"We do know that some residents of the village are concerned about the village ‘growing in size’ or becoming a ‘town’. Once the University decided to expand in Lincoln then expansion has become inevitable. The owner of the land in question is presumably willing/wanting to sell, therefore one must assume there will be a development of some sort in the future. Whether residents are willing or not, change may be on its way in the near future.

"...[W]e are wholeheartedly in support of the proposed development of Lincoln Rugby Club."

Exclusive: One Resident Against the Rugby Club's Development

Local Resident with Experience of Rugby Club Development Voices Her Concerns
A Nettleham resident, with experience of living near a szable rugby development, has sent http://gilesmcneill.blogspot.com her views regarding the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's proposed development.

She says:

"My views on the proposal reflect our years of experience of the Rugby Union development at Twickenham! Thank Goodness we have left all that behind and the chaos which ensued on match and pop concert days/evenings."

The points made can be summerized as an assumption that if development at Lodge Lane goes ahead, it will open the floodgates for evening events, helping to pay for the redevelopment (Subject to a licence being issued by the council for each performance - residents will not be consulted at all and many people will just have to put up with loud music whether they like it or not). Residents should not have to endure this inconvienience. The village that local residents are familiar with will change almost overnight.

Further she expresses concern over unsubstantiated rumours that the Rugby Club will not use all the land owned by the University; that a housing development is likely alongside the A158 following the Rugby Club development.

On match days when, visiting teams arrive, in coaches, with their supporters, it should not be forgotten that the fast food outlets will also pitch up in their vans. They will provide plenty of unwelcome aromas for hours from fish & chips, burgers, onions, hot dogs and so on and so forth. From her experience she states:

"I know that rugby players and supporters do not care for club housecatering and require a regular intake of fried food from mobile vans!"

A further disadvantage of mobile caterers is that they will produce, all be it indirectly, a serious litter problem; particularly in Lodge Lane and potentially beyond - no matter how many refuse bins are provided.

Noise and light pollution will carry for some distance.

Her final point is that traffic will increase drastically, she believes, throughout the village as not all cars will arrive from Lincoln via the A158. Some drivers from further afield will want to save petrol by using their Satnavs to access Lodge Lane via Scothern Road and Vicarage Lane, and also via Brookfield Avenue. They will return the same way as, even now, no-one now wants to queue to turn right for Lincoln from Lodge Lane. Lodge Lane she believes is an extremely dangerous T-junction and will require traffic lights, thus rendering delays to passengers driving towards the City from Sudbrooke, Wragby, Market Rasen and Skegness as well as villages east of Nettleham.

One suggestion that is made is:

"Why can't the Rugby pitches be built at the Showground? There's plenty of land there with few neighbours around to be disturbed!"

Report on Lincoln Rugby Club Residents Meeting

Update to Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises - Update 3, Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises - Update 2, Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises - Update and Opposition to the Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises.

Readers of this blog will be aware of the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's intention to develop a site on Lodge Lane. An ad-hoc meeting of local residents was held at the Village Hall, Brookfield, Nettleham at 7:30pm on Tuesday, 3rd November 2009 on the matter of the Rugby Club plan.

It is understood that over two hundred people attended. The man who convened the meeting was a Mr. Steve Perkins, a local resident who lives near the proposed site on the poacher's meadow development. Mr. Perkins is reported to have said he was trying to be even handed about the issue but critics suggest his comments were those of a man opposed to the proposal. To Mr. Perkins credit he certainly was very effective in getting people to attend, even if his presentational style was not too good, unfortunately several people walked out after a about twenty minutes.

The meeting had a very lively atmosphere and on a number of occasions Cllr. John Evens, attending of the Parish Council's behalf, provided clarifications and explained to his best ability the Parish Councils position.

A number of key points were raised during the meeting by the residents.

1. The issue of noise pollution which does not seem to have been covered in the proposal in any detail, deciduous trees will eventually reduce noise as they mature, but this is only when the are in leaf during the summer months, not winter when rugby is played.

2. The issue of traffic turning out of Lodge Lane.

3. Planning creep; the potential for future change of use for residential use.

4. The current West Lindsey District Council Planning Notification states that residents should register any concerns by the Wednesday, 11th November 2009. Ian Dickinson at the district council's planning services has said that submission will be accepted up to the meeting of the Planning Committee on Wednesday, 6th January 2010.

6. It was observed that the Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting in held in July, which resulted in a poor turnout, could have been publicised more widely. Local residents reported that not many people knew about the meeting on Wednesday, 25th November 2009 until Mr. Perkins notices which were hand delivered to homes in Nettleham. It was felt that putting up notices throughout the village was not sufficient.

7. Those present were asked to complete a short questionnaire indicating there support or opposition to the proposal. After the meeting closed at around 9:00pm Mr. Perkins indicated that around 92% of respondents attending the meeting were against the proposal.

What is clear following this meeting is that interest in this issue has been galvanized. The Parish Council has therefore decided to move the venue of their meeting to the larger Village Hall for the meeting on Wednesday, 25th November 2009.

A video package of the public meeting organised by local resident Mr. Steve Perkins on 3rd November 2009 is available here.

Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises - Update 3

Update to Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises - Update 2 Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises - Update and Oposition to the Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises.
Ian Dickinson of West Lindsey District Council Planning department has stated comments regarding the Lincln Rugby Football Club's planning permission application that are received from residents will be taken in up until the date of the Planning Committee which is eidely expected to be the Planning Committee's meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 6th January 2010.

Mr. Dickinson has also requested that the Parish Council’s comments be received as soon after the Parish Council meeting on Monday, 14th December 2009 so that they can be included in his report to the Planning Committee.

In another development the Lincolnshire Echo (here)has a piece regarding last night's public meeting at the village hall and quotes President of Lincoln Rugby Football Club Bill Green as saying:

"We addressed several concerns at a previous public meeting that was called by the parish council.

"We've seen the flier going round and they seem to have only selected certain points from the planning application.

"We think the over-spill car park will be used once in a blue moon, we don't think we'll be getting 375 supporters to each game - that is a nonsense.

"As far as traffic goes, the RFU handbook gives directions of how to get to each club and away teams will be directed along a route that does not go through Nettleham. As many of the teams we play won't know the area they will follow RFU directions.

"We have also pointed out the benefits that if we use the ground it won't be developed for housing for 100 years which is a positive for the village and we are planning on planting 4.65 acres of woodland for general use."

Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilies - Update 2

Update to Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises - Update and Opposition to the Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises.
The Residents Meeting at Nettleham Village Hall seemed to be well attended, from what I observed prior to the meeting, before I had to go and attend the Parish Council's Property Committee Meeting, there seemed to be around 100 residents - a full house - turned out by the time I left.

I spoke to Mr. Steven Perkins, who seemed to be responsible for organising the meeting, and he informed me that one of his main concerns was, in his view, the anti-democratic way meetings had been organised relating to the Rugby Club's proposals.

Mr. Perkins is reported in the Lincolnshire Echo to have said:

"I am not against such a development but no village in the East Midlands, let alone Lincolnshire, should be subject to its peace, tranquility, reputation and character being put in jeopardy.

"There are many open spaces away from villages that will accommodate this development."

Giles McNeill Writes to Local Residents' Meeting

Nettleham Parish Councillor, Giles McNeill, has written a letter to a meeting convened by local residents to discuss the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's development proposals and planning permission application. In the letter Giles says:

"To whom it may concern,

"Firstly let me congratulate those responsible for organising this meeting. Democracy is important. Nothing gives our society and community more vibrancy than participation.

"Secondly please let me apologise for not being able to attend in person, unfortunately this meeting has clashed with a Parish Council, Property Committee meeting.

"With regard to the Rugby Club, and let me be clear, in order to have planning permission refused – which I assume is the aim of this group – the objection must be a planning objection. Anyone from anywhere can make a comment on a planning application, either in support of it, or objecting to it, or just making a general observation.

"West Lindsey District Council (who are the planning authority) can only take into account relevant planning considerations, such as: Structure and local plan policies, government planning guidance, planning law and previous decisions, highways safety and traffic issues, noise, disturbance & smells, design, appearance & layout, conservation of historic buildings/ trees and residential amenities/environmental impact.

"The following are examples of issues that are not capable of being taken into consideration: Matters covered by other laws (such as alcohol licensing), Private property rights (such as boundary or access disputes), The applicant’s morals or motives, Suspected future development, Loss of view or Effect on value of property, Personal position of applicant/objector.

"You should further be aware there will be a limited amount of time in which to send comments to the local planning office (West Lindsey District Council). It is very important to meet any deadline or your submission may not be taken into account. If you do decide to make a comment be aware that West Lindsey District Council will not send you an acknowledgement letter unless you request one and have sent a stamped addressed envelope.

"All comments received are made available for public inspection on the application file and cannot be treated as confidential. Letters of comment may be reported to the Planning Committee and if an appeal is made they will be copied to the Secretary of State and the person making the appeal. The Planning Case Officer dealing with the application will consider the issues raised along with all other information about the application.

"Ultimately a report will be prepared by the Planning Case Officer including all the relevant information and a recommendation to either grant or refuse planning permission. The majority of applications, around 91%, are determined under ‘delegated powers’. This means that the Director of Resources has the authority to make the decision based on the information provided by the Planning Case Officer. The remaining 9% of applications are considered by the Planning Committee which meets monthly.

"Applications will go to committee if they have received a significant number of objections, if the Officer’s recommendation is contrary to the issues raised by the objectors, or at the request of a Councillor. Anyone can attend a Planning Committee. All of those people that have made written observations will be notified of the date and time of the meeting and informed how they can become involved should they wish to do so. It is possible to attend committee meetings dealing with planning applications. In many cases members of the public can speak briefly to ensure that the committee is aware of your views.

"You may wish to seek clarification and a guarantee from our District Councillors Malcolm Leaning and Alf Frith to ensure that the decision is going to be put before the Planning Committee and not made by the Director of Resources as has happened at their direction in the past – to the frustration of some of my Parish Council Planning Committee colleagues.

"I hope that this is of some help to you.

"Regards,

"Giles McNeill"