Residents of Lincoln village set out future planning priorities

A Lincoln village which has seen a significant number of planning applications submitted and approved recently has come together to create its own sustainable plan for the area.

Residents in Nettleham have spent three years creating a neighbourhood plan which sets out the future housing requirements for the village.

It has also identified sites suitable for development while considering the environmental impact of any schemes.

This news comes in the week that plans for 68 new homes off Scothern Road in the village were approved by West Lindsey District Council.

In May, it was announced that Beal Developments Ltd have submitted plans to construct 200 new homes and a potential sports facility on agricultural land north of Larch Avenue and south of Nettleham Beck.

Plans for 68 homes in Nettleham have been approved by West Lindsey District Council

The proposed 200-homes development in Nettleham. Photo: Globe Consultants Ltd

John Evans, chair of the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee, said: “The overall theme of the plan makes sure any new developments fit with the character of Nettleham.

“People in the village are very passionate about the place they live and we’ve been very impressed with the response.”

Key recommendations of the plan include:

• That a green wedge of land between the village and Lincoln remains
• Development is of a sustainable nature
• A number of small developments are in place in order to gradually integrate newcomers

West Lindsey District Council will now look at the plan before sending it to an independent inspector to be examined.

If the plan is adopted it will form part of the planning consideration for the village when determining future planning applications.

The district council is also encouraging other communities to get involved in the neighbourhood planning process.

Councillor Giles McNeill, who represents Nettleham on West Lindsey District Council, said: “Now is the time for residents, particularly those who don’t necessarily live in Nettleham, perhaps in neighbouring parishes, to have their say.”

Neighbourhood plan champion at the district council, Councillor Steve England, added: “Neighbourhood plans are extremely important and it’s great to see West Lindsey support them.

“There’s been ideas shared with the Welton Neighbourhood plan alongside this work and this collaboration has made sure of its success.

“It’s also had the support of the Department for Communities and Local Government which is ideal in progressing plans forward.”

The Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan is available for public comment online until Friday, July 17.

Alternatively, people can email [email protected] for a copy of the document and response form.