Dispute over straw storage at old airfield

There was a lengthy debate over a retrospective application for straw storage at the former RAF Fulbeck Airfield, at South Kesteven District Council's planning meeting last Tuesday.

The airfield is already being used to store straw as biomass fuel for the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant, which has been strongly criticised by surrounding parish councils.

One of the main points of contention during the meeting was a suggestion that lorries in and out of the site, travelling through the village of Stragglethorpe, would be permitted to mount pavements, provided a Section 106 contribution was made by the developers to Lincolnshire County Council to strengthen the footpaths.

To this Coun Judy Stevens said: “I have never heard anything so ridiculous in my life.”

Charles Thornton of Brant Broughton and Stragglethorpe Parish Council said: “I have had it reported to me that someone has nearly been run over by those lorries mounting the pavements.”

The application was deferred to seek clarity with the developers over the number of vehicle movements, and to consult with county council highways.