Sleaford market place £1m revamp plans deferred for second time

The plans for Sleaford Market Square include new paving and seating areas

A decision on plans for a £1m revamp of a town centre market place has been deferred for a second time.

North Kesteven District Council wants to replace the car park outside St Denys' Church in Sleaford with flowerbeds and outdoor seating.

The proposal has now attracted more than 200 objections, including concerns over the loss of disabled parking.

At a meeting on Tuesday six councillors voted in favour of the delay, two voted against and two abstained.

Planning committee member and leader of the Lincolnshire Independents group Marianne Overton, said she was not satisfied that the replacement disabled parking was suitable.

"The alternatives that were produced were questioned, were they really proper car parking places that were proposed," she said.

"One was the other side of a road and one was down an alley, so there was quite a lot of concern about whether that was the right solution."

Other concerns raised at the meeting included access to the square for market traders and churchgoers and whether a toilet block should be built as part of the scheme.

In response, the council said that two or possibly three extra disabled car parking places would be created nearby.

The square outside St Denys' Church is currently used for parking and the town's market

The proposals also includes new paving, with lighting to illuminate the war memorial and church.

Two raised beds of plants and new seating areas would be created, with extra space for nearby cafes to put out tables and chairs.