August 10, 2015 10.38 am This story is over 103 months old

Two public inquiries set to start in Lincoln

Two inquiries: Public inquiries into the Lincoln Eastern Bypass and plans for 230 homes in a Lincoln village will both begin tomorrow.
Visuals for the proposed Hawthorn Road Bridge. Image: Lincolnshire County Council

Public inquiries into two of Lincoln’s most debated projects will begin tomorrow, with central government having the final say on whether the schemes are given the green light.

A second public inquiry will begin into the Lincoln Eastern Bypass at 10am tomorrow at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lincoln after Lincolnshire County Council adjusted their plans for the £100 million project.

The inquiry, which is set to last for two weeks, will see Department for Transport officials consider the case for and against the legal orders (Compulsory Purchase and Side Roads Orders) that are needed for work to proceed.

The revised design for the Hawthorn Road bridge over the Lincoln Eastern Bypass. Image: LCC

The revised design for the Hawthorn Road bridge over the Lincoln Eastern Bypass. Image: LCC

Planning permission was originally granted for the scheme back in June 2013 but the DfT rejected the proposals in July 2014 after concerns were raised relating to a junction connecting Hawthorn Road to a footbridge spanning the bypass.

A revised design was approved by Lincolnshire County Council in October 2014, but the whole planning process has divided residents.

Many locals have campaigned against the closure of Hawthorn Road with others starting a petition for the bypass to be built without further delay.

If approved, the Lincoln Eastern Bypass would run from the roundabout at Wragby Road to a new roundabout at Sleaford Road on the A15, with work on the project potentially beginning in early 2016.

Development plans for Saxilby included 230 dwellings and a 60-home retirement village.

Development plans for Saxilby included 230 dwellings and a 60-home retirement village.

The second public inquiry to begin tomorrow concerns an application to build 230 homes in Saxilby.

West Lindsey District Council dismissed plans submitted by Lindum Homes for the estate off Church Lane in the village in July 2014.

Their decision has been appealed by the developers, with an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government tasked with making a final determination.

The Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground

The Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground

Members of the public are invited to attend the inquiry held at the Lincolnshire Showground’s Epic Centre and, at the Inspector’s discretion, express their views.

The inquiry, which also begins at 10am, is expected to last for four days.