Application for nine homes in Barton refused

Barrow Road, Barton-upon-Humber - this Victorian era building was proposed for demolition and replacement by nine homes
-Credit: (Image: Donna Clifford)


Permission in principle for nine homes in Barton-upon-Humber has been refused because of risk of harm to "archaeology of national importance".

A renewed application was made this summer to demolish a Victorian era building in Barrow Road, Barton, and replace it with nine homes. Because only the principle of development was sought, specific design details for the homes were not included.

North Lincolnshire Council's planning committee refused it earlier this month. Reasons given were the loss of a non-designated heritage asset, and the proposed development "would result in a substantial level of harm to archaeology of national importance" of equivalent value to a scheduled monument.

READ MORE:Decision made on Abbey Walk Car Park's future

READ MORE:Grimsby court list - Eight offenders sentenced

A similar application at the same site for six homes was rejected in November 2021. A subsequent appeal agreed with the overall refusal, at least on archaeological grounds. The applicant did get awarded partial costs though as a second reason for refusal, highway safety and congestion, was found to be "unreasonable behaviour" from North Lincolnshire Council.

In the application rejected this month, it was argued "the whole site no longer has any archaeological heritage remains". This meant the applicant "had effectively overcome the sole reason preventing planning permission" at appeal last time.

A 2008 archaeological dig identified parts of 'Castle Dike' town ditch, running through the site. This is thought to have been built in the 11-12th century, though there is an interpretation that suggests it was part of a Viking encampment even earlier.

The latest application has had over 25 comments from individuals, with only one supportive. Barton Civic Society objected, unhappy at the prospect of the demolition of the existing late Victorian home.

It suggested keeping the house, or if necessary converting into several homes, and expressed "sorrow at the destruction of possible archaeological finds of the 8th and 12th century". Barton Town Council lodged concerns over the potential development as well, over traffic, flooding, and damage to archaeology.

Grim Falfest in Grimsby, 2023 - it has been suggested archaeological remains point to a Viking encampment at the Barton site
Grim Falfest in Grimsby, 2023 - it has been suggested archaeological remains point to a Viking encampment at the Barton site -Credit:Katie Pugh

It was the last item decided by the council's planning committee earlier this month, and was called in by Barton Ward Cllr Paul Vickers. "There's been a lot of talk about this property, as we know," said committee member Cllr Chris Patterson, who also represents Barton.

Councillors unanimously refused it. The non-designated asset reason is about the proposed demolition of the Victorian-built home. It remains to be seen if the planning committee's decision is the end of the matter, though.

A planning officer advised before their decision that the applicant had communicated they had lodged "a non-determination appeal" to the planning inspectorate the day before. This is where an applicant is unhappy with the time taken to reach a planning decision.