February 20, 2019 9.29 am This story is over 62 months old

Clarity needed over schools funding linked to 144 Hykeham homes

The plan is “not definitive at all”
The outline layout for the site.

County education chiefs have been called to the headmaster’s office after North Kesteven District Council passed plans for 144 homes in South Hykeham.

The authority gave the go ahead to the development, set to go on land at Thorpe Lane, which originally included a request from Lincolnshire County Council for a contribution of £304,463 (£11,276.44 per primary school place) for the provision of 27 primary school spaces at South Hykeham Community Primary School.

However, prior to the meeting, the county changed its request to include the nearby Manor Farm Primary School.

NKDC leader Richard Wright took issue with the change, calling it “tardy”, “a bit woolly” and not “definitive at all”.

Council officers explained how the county council’s request covered two eventualities – they said the focus was on South Hykeham, but the funds provided flexibility.

However, Councillor Wright said it was “not good enough.” He said local representation would argue whether sending young people to South Hykeham would be effective.

He called on the county chiefs to meet with the planning officers for further discussion.

“We need to make sure funds are directed where they need to be rather than just where they use them short-term,” he says.

Designs for “typical Taylor Lindsey street scenes” supplied by the developer.

Councillors also queried whether the health contribution was enough and raised concerns that money for the nearby Hykeham Relief Road had not been asked for.

A condition was added in requesting a footpath for the cul-de-sac in an attempt to improve safety for walkers.

The plans include 12 one bed apartments, 25 two bed semi-detached, 30 three bed semi-detached, 36 three bed detached and 41 four bed detached homes.

Objections included a lack of infrastructure, harm to the character of the area, traffic and safety issues on Newark Road and Thorpe Lane and access to nearby facilities.

No objections had been received from statutory consultees.

Further contributions included:

– £61,272 towards improved healthcare provision in North Hykeham

-£32,000 for the provision and/or maintenance of additional off-site public open space/community/recreation provision in North Hykeham/South Hykeham

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