‘Huge opportunity’ as Western Growth Corridor plan submitted

The multi-million pound, 3,200-home Western Growth Corridor will be a “huge opportunity” for Lincoln, according to city council chiefs, as the authority formally agreed to submit a planning application.

Councillors on the City of Lincoln Council executive voted to lodge the outline proposals which they said promise homes, employment and leisure.

Concerns had been raised by local people over flooding and increased traffic on Skellingthorpe Road due to the railway crossing and junction design in the area.

But, council officials said people recognised that the development will provide “solutions” and that the congestion would only get worse without the scheme.

Artist impression of part of the Western Growth Corridor vision

The Western Growth Corridor plan includes are:

• up to 3,200 homes
• a local centre with retail and commercial units
• a new primary school
• a commercial employment area of up to 20 hectares
• a sport and leisure complex, with a new stadium, health and leisure facilities, a hotel and food and drink provision

The masterplan also outlines the potential spaces earmarked for a skate park, park and ride facility, public green spaces and allotments.

City council leader, Ric Metcalfe, described the plan as a “terrific addition” to Lincoln.

“It’s growing the city in a sustainable way,” he said.

City of Lincoln Council leader Ric Metcalfe. Photo: Connor Creaghan for The Lincolnite

“It’s bringing new homes, affordable homes, employment, a new leisure offer, new infrastructure and it’s going to be a community that should look good as well.

“Most of the site is not going to be built on, most of it will remain green open land with water.

“We hope that it’s going to be an immensely attractive place to live and a terrific addition to the City of Lincoln.”

Phases for the development have been outlined by council officials.

Western Growth Corridor phases outlined by City of Lincoln Council.

The first developments on the agenda would be a new roundabout for Skellingthorpe Road, improvements to the A46 roundabout and 300 homes.

Last to be completed would be the leisure village and the football stadium, but officers said these could be brought forward.

Council officials are also looking to secure funding for the link road connecting Skellingthorpe Road with Tritton Road, including a road bring over the railway line.

An earlier consultation on the project resulted in a number of concerns from residents about potential congestion and flooding.

The city council did not however decide to make any changes to its masterplan.

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