Minutes 26-27

Draft Minutes of the EGM  Meeting of Swinstead Parish Council which took place on Saturday the 6th of June 2026 @ 7.30pm in Swinstead Village Hall

1. To Discuss a New Housing Proposal for Swinstead Village, proposed by David Fraser Bespoke Homes.

Cllr Underhill commenced the meeting at 7.30pm, extending a welcome to over thirty residents and expressing appreciation for their attendance. She outlined that an Extraordinary General Meeting had been convened as the Parish Council regarded the proposed housing development as significant for the entire village. Mr Fraser-Dale of David Fraser Bespoke Homes was then introduced and invited to present his company and the housing proposal for Swinstead.

Mr Fraser-Dale delivered a concise presentation regarding his company’s proposal, emphasizing the quality of materials planned for use and noting that his firm specializes in small-scale developments. Development plans were distributed among residents, accompanied by images showcasing previous projects completed by David Fraser Homes Ltd. He stated that negotiations with Grimsthorpe Estate had been ongoing for approximately eighteen months to identify suitable locations, and that the Estate supports the proposed development. Cllr Underhill noted that residents renting property from the estate had not previously been informed of this proposal.

Several residents engaged with questions about the development. One resident pointed out that the village is in a conservation area and suggested that the construction of ten houses might alter its character and conflict with the SKDC Neighbourhood Plan. Concerns were also raised about the drainage system, specifically its impact on the Little Bytham treatment plant, which is already under strain. Additional concerns included the risk of flooding from fields adjacent to the proposed site during periods of heavy rainfall.

Mr Fraser-Dale indicated that another potential site had been identified on the opposite side of the road, capable of accommodating up to twenty new residences, though his preference remained for a smaller development. The proposed homes are intended to be suitable for first-time buyers or individuals wishing to downsize, with an estimated price of £300,000. Should planning permission be granted, construction is expected to take between eighteen months and two years.

Cllr Underhill concluded the meeting, recommending that any further questions be addressed directly to Mr Fraser-Dale. She thanked him for his participation, and he reciprocated by thanking the Parish Council and residents for their inquiries, feedback, and additional information concerning the site, all of which will inform further research. Mr Fraser-Dale proposed scheduling a subsequent meeting to provide an update to the Parish Council.

https://swinstead.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/