Affordable homes plan for Lincoln sports ground revamp

Lincoln College has revealed plans to build new all-weather football and rugby pitches, as well as nearly 80 affordable homes on sports fields in the north of the city.

In a letter to residents, the college said it would give up parts of the Ravendale Sports Ground on Ermine East for housing development, in order to fund the new sports facilities.

Plans include 49 houses to the east of the estate and a further 28 houses to the west, which brings the total number to 77.

The project would also include renovation of the fields between Longsdale Road and Ravendale Drive in the Ermine East estate.

Project planners want to build six different grass football pitches and a 3G pitch for both football and rugby.

There are plenty of playing fields and houses in the plans. Photo: Globe Consultants

The college held a public consultation meeting with local residents on Tuesday, January 8.

Feedback from the meeting will be used to shape the final plans before they’re submitted to the City of Lincoln Council.

Lincoln College promised new sports facilities would be the highest quality and that the area would be open for the community to use.

There will be more trees planted and an open path around the sports facilities for people to enjoy.

Anyone will be able to access the field for leisure activities. Photo: Globe Consultants

Enhancements are also proposed to include landscaping, footpaths, seating areas and play equipment.

Tom Dannatt, Lincoln College Group Director of Finance and Commercial, said: “Currently this large piece of land is made up of a series of grass pitches that the community has very limited access to.

“The maintenance costs of this underutilised land are a drain on limited college finances and much needed investment is not possible without rationalising the site.

“The sale of two small pockets of land for affordable housing will free up the capital needed to enhance facilities for our students and the community.

“Part of our vision as a college group is to add recognised social and economic value to the community and this has driven us to work with a housing association partner from the outset.

“There is a critical shortage of affordable housing in the city, preventing young people from getting on the housing ladder.

“We are confident that this proposal would enhance sports facilities in the community; open up and improve an underused green space and provide around 70 new homes for young people and families.”

An aerial view of the proposed plans. Photo: Globe Consultants

Residents still have the opportunity to submit their feedback in the formal planning process.

In the mean time, anyone who wishes to comment on the plans can send an email to [email protected]