August 30, 2019 3.35 pm This story is over 55 months old

Trial hopes for new Skegness showground

The plans are described as being a “similar format to a County fair”
An aerial view of the site. Photo: Google.

Councillors in East Lindsey are being asked to give a new showground in Skegness a two year trial following concerns over the impact on traffic and neighbouring properties.

Russell Sparkes, the owner of the Grosvenor Hotel, wants to use 16 acres of formerlly agricultural land on Burgh Road to hold a number of different events throughout the year.

East Lindsey District Council officers praised the “new and different tourist attraction” but said it would be “difficult to predict” the impact of the showground and “judge how effective mitigation measures will be”.

Instead, they propose approval for two seasons to allow the site to be used between March 27-September 30, 2020, and between March 19-September 30, 2021.

Mr Sparkes would then have to return to ELDC to re-apply for permanent permission.

How the site would be laid out generally.

Council officers said this “would give a better indication over its impacts but at the same time allow the showground to operate.

“There are no permanent structures proposed on the site and therefore a trial period is a reasonable way forward given there is not a significant investment in any permanent buildings by the applicant,” says a report before councillors on Thursday.

They add that the alternative would be to refuse the application.

The plans are described as being a “similar format to a county fair” and would include a marquee with a stage and seating, as well as an event area a number of stalls.

Mr Sparkes has also provided a series of different layouts for events including concerts and car shows.

Car parking and a camping ground are also planned and temporary traffic lights have been proposed just outside the showground on the A158 and at the entrance.

The plans have been supported by Skegness Town and Burgh le Marsh Town council as well as ELDC’s economic development team.

Letters of support have been received from 20 residents while five people, along with Stagecoach East Midlands have raised concerns.

Objectors’ main concerns are around the noise from the showground as well as increased traffic on the main road creating difficulty gettng in an out.

They also, however, have worries about flooding, litter and pedestrian safety.

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