Community hub cut from ‘Smelly Skelly’ housing plan in new approval bid

A community hub has been removed from plans to upgrade an animal rendering plant in Skellingthorpe following objections from councillors.

Proposals for the existing plant, given the unfortunate nickname by local residents of ‘Smelly Skelly’, were lodged with Lincolnshire County Council by Leo Group Limited.

Last year North Kesteven Councillors rejected the plans, raising several concerns, including that the houses were outside the village in countryside and that the community hub would “not be conveniently located and accessible to all”.

Members will look again and make further comments on Thursday.

A report before councillors notes several changes, including the hub’s removal.

“The applicant has instead offered to make a financial contribution to the parish council related to community facilities… equivalent to the cost which would have been incurred if the… community building had been built,” says the report. However, it says no figure has been provided.

Revised drawings and plans show the area without the community hub.

Leo Group has also decided to make three of four planned eco-homes into “affordable housing” – the last will provide a home for the plant manager.

If approved, the proposals would see the facility demolished and replaced with upgraded odour filters, further away from residents.

The rest of the site would incorporate a fishing lake, walking and cycling paths.

The report notes that Leo Group disagrees with the authority over the houses.

“Rather, the applicant considers that the location of the housing would be well-related to the existing pattern of development at Skellingthorpe village,” it says.

Officers criticise the applicant for being unable to provide a “need” case for a “manager’s house” or a “clear local community support” for the housing element.

They point to a “significant number” of objections from local residents, including the parish council.

A final decision on whether the proposal is approved will be made by the county council at a later date.

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