Developers of a £12m plan for 87 eco-homes on the site of the former tourist attraction in Long Sutton are confident the proposals will go ahead, in spite of councillors deferring their decision.
Councillors are asking for more information about the predicted traffic flow, compared with the Butterfly and Wildlife Park that closed last year.
The homes would range from one to five-bedrooms, terraced, semi-detached and detached, and the development would include 17 affordable properties.
They would also offer their residents zero or low energy bills.
South Holland District Council’s planning committee on Wednesday night heard the plans had prompted a flurry of objections from residents, who fear a new development would put added strain on already under-pressure schools, doctors and dentists, as well as add to problems on the roads.
South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes also voiced his concerns on behalf of residents, especially regarding the impact it would have on traffic movements in Little London as well as local services.
Laura Hargreaves, who lives opposite the proposed development, told councillors her home was opposite the development site and glare from traffic would go straight into her lounge.
She said the traffic flow from homeowners and visitors would put students walking to the Peele Community College in danger.
On the impact on services, she said: “You only need to visit the medical centre at 8.15am to see the queue waiting to make an appointment to see the strain already put on the local doctors.”
Coun Andrew Tennant spoke in support of the plan and described it as Long Sutton’s own version of the TV programme Grand Designs. He said: “It would help put the town on the map.”
Butterfly Park director Peter Smeaton also spoke at the meeting and said the plan would provide much-needed affordable housing.
After councillors voted to defer a decision, he said: “I am disappointed but still confident the plan will get approval. Three reports have already been made that address traffic concerns, including one where traffic flow from another development with 87 homes was far less than from the park.”