December 8, 2015 11.57 am This story is over 99 months old

Major 3,500-home development proposed for fields south of Lincoln

Public consultation: Lincoln residents are being invited to give their thoughts on plans for up to 3,500 homes south-east of the city at a consultation being held.
Photo: North Kesteven District Council

Lincoln residents are being invited to give their thoughts on an ambitious new development south-east of the city, which could see thousands of homes built in the next two decades.

The proposed new community would lie in between the villages of Canwick and Bracebridge Heath, and consist of 3,500 new homes by 2036, with another 2,500 in the pipeline.

Seven hectares of employment space would be created on the land at Canwick Heath, along with two primary schools and a secondary school to cater for the rise in population.

Proposals for a new shopping centre have also been suggested in the draft plans, as have improvements to public transport and safe walking and cycling links.

The development would be phased, to reflect the progress of the proposed Lincoln Eastern Bypass, which if built would be directly east of the land.

The 475 hectares of land, described as the Lincoln South East Quadrant, is one of a number of sites allocated for development by the Central Lincolnshire councils’ Draft Local Plan, which has set out targets for 36,960 new homes by 2036.

A full map of the proposals and how they would fit in with the rest of Lincoln. Photo: North Kesteven District Council

A full map of the proposals and how they would fit in with the rest of Lincoln. Photo: North Kesteven District Council

A spokesperson for North Kesteven District Council said: “In specific relation to Canwick Heath, the broad picture is for a distinct place to live with its own character and physical identity respecting the local surroundings and key views across to Lincoln Cathedral and Witham Valley and reflecting the landscape setting of Bracebridge Heath, South Common and Canwick.

“The proposed development would look to protect and enhance the existing open spaces within and adjacent to the site, providing an appropriate buffer zone between the development and South Common and the International Bomber Command Centre memorial.”

An overhead look at the site earmarked for expansion. Photo: Google Earth

An overhead look at the site earmarked for expansion. Photo: Google Earth

Lincolnshire County Councillor John Marriott said: “The development in this area has been on the cards for well over ten years. It’s been publicised as has the bypass on numerous occasions. There’s nothing new here, I can assure you.

“The only real problem would occur if the Eastern Relief Road is not started as soon as possible. Without that vital road it may be difficult to proceed on the scale envisaged.

“This development is an integral part of the Central Lincs Local Plan, which is currently under consultation and due to be presented to the Planning Inspector next year.

“It’s not too late to voice any genuine concerns. I have to say that, if we don’t have a plan of our own, then the government will simply impose one on us.”

More detail and discussion will be available at Bracebridge Heath Methodist Church, Grantham Road between 3.30pm and 7pm on Thursday, December 10.

This will include a draft concept plan, showing how the development will fit in next to Bracebridge Heath and Canwick as well as Lincoln as a whole.

There will also be scope for residents to discuss the concept with the site’s promoters and North Kesteven District Council.

Comments will be collated and used to inform further development of the plans.