Green light for 80-home Charles Church development in Market Deeping

A new community described as an "exemplar for future development in the area" was approved by councillors in South Kesteven’s planning committees.

Members of the planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the East Midlands region’s application for a site west of Peterborough Road, paving the way for the delivery of 80 high-quality new homes and significant investment in local infrastructure and community facilities.

Charles Church at The Ridings, as the scheme will be known, will provide a mix of one-bedroom apartments through to five-bedroom family homes, including 24 affordable homes comprising affordable rent and shared ownership properties to help local people access the housing ladder.

The development will create three distinctive character areas that reflect the local identity of Market Deeping, including a landmark gateway frontage along Peterborough Road featuring traditional designs and detailing, natural stone and extensive landscaping.

The Deepings Neighbourhood Plan Group praised the proposals during the planning process, describing the scheme as an "exemplar for future development in the area". The scheme will also deliver more than 3.5 hectares of open space, an equipped play area, new walking and cycling routes and a section of the Deepings Green Walk, a nine-mile circular route linking Market Deeping and Deeping St James.

As part of our commitment to creating sustainable communities, the development will provide a significant increase in wildlife habitats. EV charging points will be installed at every home, with solar panels incorporated on key plots, while bird boxes, swift bricks and hedgehog highways will help support local wildlife.

The development will also provide more than £750,000 in contributions towards local priorities and infrastructure, including almost £400,000 for secondary education, £145,000 for sixth-form provision, £52,000 towards healthcare services and £82,000 for sports facilities.

Michelle Jeffrey, Deputy Managing Director of Charles Church East Midlands, said: "We are delighted that South Kesteven District Council has approved our plans for The Ridings, allowing us to deliver 80 high-quality new homes for Market Deeping.

"Throughout the planning process we have worked closely with the council, local stakeholders and consultees to ensure the scheme reflects the character of Market Deeping and responds positively to feedback received. We are proud that the development has been recognised as an exemplar for future development in the area.

"As well as helping meet local housing needs, The Ridings will deliver substantial investment in community infrastructure, education, healthcare, sports facilities and biodiversity enhancements, creating a positive legacy for Market Deeping."

The site is allocated for housing within the South Kesteven Local Plan and already benefitted from outline planning permission for up to 80 homes.