Lincoln pub to make way for new store and flats

Councillors who approved the demolition of a Lincolnshire Co-op store and former pub to make way for two new developments on Skellingthorpe Road have called on the business to help relocate those losing their premises, jobs and facilities.

Lincolnshire Co-op received planning permission to demolish the former Monson Arms pub to make way for a new £2.5 million “neighbourhood centre” at a City of Lincoln planning meeting on Wednesday.

The proposals will see the site revamped and become a 3,000 square foot replacement food store, and two smaller commercial units to let.

Above this would be 10 one and two bedroom rental apartments. Plans also include a car park with 32 spaces for shoppers and 11 for residents.

City of Lincoln’s planning committee.

Matthew Wilkinson, development manager for Lincolnshire Co-op, told councillors the new build would offer a “larger, more convenient unit” which he said would “provide a modern shopping environment to meet the demands of today’s consumers.”

He said it would ”become a hub for the community for decades to come”.

The new outlet would replace the current Lincolnshire Co-op Swanpool Food Store on the other side of Skellingthorpe Road, and provide 50% more retail space.

This, along with two other retail units, Lakeside Fish and Chips and a One Stop store, was also given permission to be demolished, and replaced by another residential development of 12 flats across two storeys.

Lincolnshire Co-op said jobs at the current Swanpool store would be transferred across with the addition of 10 more roles.

Councillors praised the plans as “an asset to the area”, with Councillor Gary Hewson saying it “won’t look out-of-place in that area”.

Councillor Chris Burke praised them for “increasing housing in an area where there is a shortage.”

Monson Arms on Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln. Photo: Richard Croft

However, councillors Eddie Strengiel and Naomi Tweddle called on Lincolnshire Co-op to both offer the owners of Lakeside a replacement unit and the staff at One Stop the opportunity to “at least interview” for any new positions created at the new store.

It was also noted that a nearby crossing might need to be moved.

The former pub has been closed since the beginning of 2016.

The Monson Arms, which had been a part of the community for more than 50 years, was previously source of controversy when plans were submitted for a new care home on the site.

Many local people petitioned to save the pub. The proposals were eventually refused by the City of Lincoln Council and the pub has stood empty since.