Lincoln East West Link Road moves forward

The East West Link Road is progressing to the next stage of development, with the planning application submitted to Lincolnshire County Council.

The proposal to extend Tentercroft street in order to help traffic avoid the High Street level crossing will be put to the council’s Planning and Regulation Committee on October 1.

The application comes after a long public consultation, and approval from the City of Lincoln Council.

As well as extending Tentercroft Street to link with Pelham Bridge, a number of new pedestrian crossings will be put in place along the stretch of road alongside cycle paths.

There will also be an additional lane added for buses travelling along the High Street trying to get to the city centre.

The extension of Tentercroft street is the first stage of the plans, with a future prospect of pedestrianising the section of the High Street between the barriers and St Mark’s junction.

As part of the road widening however, a building on the corner of Tentercroft and High Street will be demolished.

Two Portland Street houses, The Regency Club, four industrial units, two garages and two other office premises will be demolished for the road.

Quantum House and 11-13 Tentercroft Street will be rebuilt once work on the St Mark’s junction is finished.

The replica building will house old and new retail units on the ground floor, and 14 apartments above.

The plans have caused opposition from English Heritage, which believes that while this might have a positive short-term effect on traffic in Lincoln, in the long run it could damage the conservation area in place around the city centre.

However, Development Manager for the County Council, Neil McBride, has recommended within the document that the committee approve the proposal, provided care is taken to preserve conservation areas, work begins with in three years of approval, and demolition and replacement of buildings must be carried out in an effective manner.