New traveller sites removed from Lincoln growth plan after ‘considerable’ objections

Draft plans to facilitate growth in the Central Lincolnshire area have been redrawn and approved by partners, after the removal of four new gypsy and traveller sites.

The green light was given to ‘submission versions’ of draft plans that would facilitate Central Lincolnshire growth and around 37,000 new homes.

The Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee (CLJSPC) received approval for its guide for growth up until 2036.

As previously reported, the Central Lincolnshire Draft Local Plan outlined areas that cover Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey for new homes, road, schools and other facilities.

The committee says that due to “a considerable number of objections” during a public consultation, four of the proposed traveller sites included in original draft plans have been deleted.

New sites had been allocated at the existing Washingborough Road traveller site in Lincoln. Photo: Google Street View.

Other housing sites have also been either added or deleted, reflecting recent permissions or other new developments.

The committee is made up of the authority areas of City of Lincoln Council, North Kesteven District Council and West Lindsey District Council, supported by Lincolnshire County Council.

The document sets out a housing target of 36,960, of which 10,000 have either already been given permission or been built.

Much of this housing growth is focused in or adjacent to Sustainable Urban Extensions (SUEs) in Lincoln, Sleaford and Gainsborough, with 64% identified for the wider Lincoln.

Areas where growth is being planned for were outlined previously.

A jobs target of 11,894, based on an economic study, has also been set out.

There will now be a final round of consultation where comments must reflect the soundness of the document and supporting information.

All responses will be processed and submitted with the Publication Draft Local Plan to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) for examination. This will include a hearing in public in the summer.

If given approval by the planning inspectorate, the Local Plan could be adopted by the CLJSPC by the end of the year.

Councillor Jeff Summers, Chair of the CLJSPC and Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “This plan is the culmination of two years’ research, planning and consultation.

“We have attempted to formulate a comprehensive plan which guides prospective developers, planners and planning committees alike, creating communities where everyone can enjoy their living environment.

“To achieve this goal we must provide realistic levels of accessibility via a varied and connected network of transport corridors. I do believe we now have a complete plan which you can rely upon.”

Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Vice-Chair of the CLJSPC and Leader of City of Lincoln Council, added: “This plan sets out the future for Central Lincolnshire over the next 30 years.

“It is about how we successfully manage growth in employment, housing, infrastructure and public services to meet the needs of our communities today and for future generations.”