“We are not being listened to” say residents as Quibell plans approved

Residents feared they had been ignored as controversial plans to build 77 new homes on Quibell Fields in Scunthorpe were approved despite calls to save the green park.

Campaigners against the development on Dartmouth Road, south of the nearby stadium, wanted the land to remain available for community use.

Last year, North Lincolnshire councillors rejected a 2,475 signature petition, opting instead to promote the need for affordable housing.

Objectors raised concerns over the loss of open space and the effect on nearby traffic.

Residents reported “several near misses” on Plymouth Road as it was used as a racetrack.

In particular, they disputed comments that the park had not been used recently and the loss of the green space.

The planning committee sitting at North Lincolnshire.

Resident Mike Doyle said: “I’m honestly disappointed that North Lincolnshire planning committee considers the loss of this green field site and four Poplar trees would not lead to any adverse impact on health and air quality.”

“The people of Scunthorpe and our own community are quite rightly protective of this space,” added resident Janet Ross.

“We feel, as residents, that we are not being listened to and our wishes and objections are being disregarded.”

Applicants Keigar Homes argued the site was already allocated for housing, following the rejection of the petition.

Keith Whall, director, said: “The proposed development is in a residential area close to amenities and is well served by public transport”

Objectors ready to speak at North Lincolnshire’s planning committee.

They said they had moved to address drainage concerns, including underground crates and an attenuation pond.

A report before the council stated the site would be suitable for up to 91 houses.

It said there was a surplus of sports facilities in Scunthorpe with demand being met elsewhere.

The council also confirmed a request for £564,000 of developers’ contributions towards education, leisure and recreation.

A tied vote by the planning committee was broken by chairman Nigel Sherwood, who moved in favour of the plans.

The petition submitted in May and organised by local resident Cheryl Hassall, was backed by Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin, who said building on the Quibell Fields “would be a terrible mistake”, and Labour group leader Len Foster who called on the authority to “think again”.