Go-ahead given for major Central Lincolnshire growth consultation

A consultation on major plans for growth in Lincoln and surrounding districts, including provision for thousands more homes, jobs and amenities, has been given the green light.

The Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee approved the Draft Local Plan at its meeting on Monday, September 7 and gave the go-ahead for a six-week consultation period run during October and November.

As previously reported, the 25-year plan has ambitions of a 36,960 new homes total, with 9,085 already built or with permission.

People can now see the sites that have been identified under the plans via the interactive map here.

The document co-ordinates where, when, how and to what extent growth takes place across Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey, and how this will be supported by new and improved roads, schools and employment opportunities.

Key figures included in the plan are:

• A growth housing target of 36,960 homes over the plan period to 2036
• Eight large scale developments on the edges of the main areas of Lincoln, Sleaford and Gainsborough that will deliver 16,300 homes over the plan period, equal to 44 per cent of the whole growth target
• An affordable housing proposal of 725 per annum across Central Lincolnshire
• A total land allocation of 138 hectares specifically for employment sites
• A forecast of 11,894 full-time equivalent jobs creation over the total plan period

All of the above is to be supported by improved infrastructure – roads, schools, open spaces, leisure facilities and health facilities.

The biggest chunk of development would be the identified ‘Western Growth Corridor’ in Lincoln, along with the South East Quadrant in North Kesteven.

For areas like Sleaford, the housing levels are predicted to more than double by 2036.

Suitable Urban Extensions allocated.

A delivery plan is being prepared alongside the Draft Local Plan to identify and prioritise what will be delivered.

The first public consultation event is on October 1 at Skellingthorpe Youth Centre. Through the planned events, residents will be able to ask questions and have their say on the scheme.

Consultation events are taking place on:

• October 1 from 3.15-7.30pm – Skellingthorpe Youth Centre
• October 5 from 3.15-7.30pm – The Source, Sleaford
• October 6 from 10am-8pm – Old Standard Office, Market Place, Gainsborough
• October 6 from 3.15-7.30pm – North Hykeham Town Council Office
• October 7 from 3.15-7.30pm – Ruskington Village Hall
• October 8 from 2-8pm – Festival Hall, Market Rasen
• October 8 from 3-6pm – Moorland Community Centre, Moorland Avenue, Lincoln
• October 12 from 3.15-7.30pm – The Hammond Centre, Bassingham
• October 13 from 2-8pm – Town Hall, Caistor
• October 13 from 3.15-7.30pm – Navenby Methodist Chapel
• October 13 from 4-7.30pm – Committee Rooms 1 and 2, City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln
• October 14 from 3.15-7.30pm – Washingborough Community Centre
• October 15 from 3-6.30pm – Croft Street Community Centre, Baggholme Road, Lincoln
• October 15 from 3.15-7.30pm – Billinghay Village Hall
• October 20 from 3.15-7.30pm – The Windmill, Heckington
• October 21 from 3.15-7.30pm – Bracebridge Heath Village Hall Committee Room
• October 22 from 3-6.30pm – Generate (previously Birchwood Youth Centre), Larchwood Crescent, Lincoln
• October 26 from 3-6.30pm – St Giles Community Centre, Swift Gardens, Lincoln

Councillor Jeff Summers, chair of the committee and Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “Consultation dates are now set for residents to view and discuss our present proposals for the new Local Plan.

“We urge everyone with an interest in local development to attend a venue to view and understand what is being proposed.

“Planning officers and councillors will be present at all locations to answer questions and explain the strategy.

“We want to see the district and wider community flourish and this can only be achieved through comprehensive consultation and making fuIl use of the extensive knowledge across the district.

“We welcome everyone’s comments and look forward to a successful submission in 2016.”