Hundreds of developments and planning applications go into each of the Greater Lincolnshire authorities each year, some have already been built, others are yet to be given permission and a few even have been completed.
It’s a tough job knowing which developments will interest the public the most, but below is a list of developments which have caught Local Democracy Reporters’ eyes this year.
Special investments in education
New school plans for the “overcrowded” John Fielding School.
The facility will see the town’s John Fielding School move from its current home to Kitwood Road.
The application forms part of plans to spend £50 million on special educational needs in an effort to create 500 places county-wide, which councillors approved in November last year.
If approved Eresby School could see five new classrooms along with a science lab and an ICT centre as well as breakout rooms, staff and meeting rooms, a new hall, and changing and toilet facilities.
The aim is to provide young people with schools closer to home, with fewer than 30% of pupils with SEND needs in the county having to go further afield.
Viking Link planners win their campaign
Representatives from the National Grid Viking Link group.
At the end of last year, campaigners fighting the Viking Link were waiting for the conclusion of an inquiry they were left to fight alone after East Lindsey District Council bowed out.
However, despite concerns over the impact on the Lincolnshire Wolds, in January they were told the proposals would go ahead.
Planning inspector John Felgate agreed with National Grid that Viking Link would provide a “substantial benefit” to the UK’s energy supply and help meet “essential national need”.
The 473-mile scheme will connector Bicker Fen near Boston to a substation in Revsing in southern Jutland, Denmark.
It will include 40 miles of underground cables across four Lincolnshire districts.
The proposals were supported by Boston, South Holland and North Kesteven district council’s but East Lindsey had initially had concerns and rejected the plans in May 2018.
However, they later pulled out of the fight, offering no evidence to an inquiry that November.
Grantham Relief Road’s cost hike as council wins victory
An aerial view of the ongoing Grantham Southern Relief Road. Photo: Lincolnshire County Council
Another major infrastructure project to get the go ahead following a public inquiry early this year was the £102m Grantham Southern Relief Road.
A four-hour session in January saw evidence given in support of the road describing benefits to the quality of life for Grantham residents, workers and shoppers including improved air quality, opportunities for healthier lifestyles and a reduction in the number of traffic accidents over the next 60 years.
It also revealed how the cost of the road had increased by more than 25% from an initial £81 million to £102 million.
Construction of the road was started in August 2016 and following the approval of the Secretary of State, the next phase was began in the summer.
This will see a 3.5km road linking the A52 at Somerby Hill to the A1.
Campaigners Wressle with oil company over drilling
The oil well near Wressle, North Lincolnshire.
Campaigners in Wressle are still waiting for the results of an inquiry into Egdon Resources plans to continue drilling for oil near Lodge Farm.
An inquiry at the beginning of November saw the company provide evidence in support of the plans North Lincolnshire Council had originally refused, but which withdrew its opposition prior to the event.
Hereward Phillpot QC said the Egdon had addressed concerns and there were “no proper or reasonable grounds” for refusal. He told the inspector there was a “significant and viable” oil reserve on site which would “benefit the local economy”.
Environmental campaigners on the other hand said rejecting the plans would “recognise the severe threat of climate breakdown” and that dismissing the inquiry would prevent further carbon emissions, while protecting local wildlife.
The result of the inquiry is expected any time soon.
Boston Quadrant continues to grow
Work has started on Boston United’s new community stadium.
The 500-home Boston Quadrant Q1 development which will include a new home for Boston United as well as a Travellodge hotel, drive-thru pub and more, has continued to grow this year.
In spite of some cynicism from local residents, the new community stadium has seen further steel work built up, and construction is moving ahead in line with plans for the team to play there in August next year.
Meanwhile, Burger King, Starbucks and Costa have all opened their doors.
The nearby Travelodge has applied for more rooms to be built on it, while developers Chestnut Homes have also put in their application for the penultimate 68-home phase of the housing side of things.
It’s not all bright and cheery, however, as a £1 million fund which was applied for to help create a business case for the Boston Distributor Road, which starts in the Quadrant, was later turned down by the Department for Transport.
“Pieces fall into place” for Lincolnshire Lakes project
It is hoped 5,000 new jobs will be created in the development area.
This includes 6,000 new homes in Burringham, along with a village centre, health care and community facilities, schools, roads and footpaths, and a £13.5 million roundabout junction off the M181.
Councillors gave the project the green light in June 2016, but needed agreement over developer contributions resulting in the three-year delay – including an application to extend the deadline.
Viability assessments carried out by the developer and checked by independent assessors saw the provision of affordable housing and the contribution to secondary school education of £11,200,000 both reduced.
The plans for the monument of the Grantham-born Iron Lady, to be situated outside the town’s museum, were said to be a “likely target for politically motivated vandals.”
In a bid to avoid issues, it was recommended that the monument should be placed on a “sufficiently high plinth” and in easy view.
The applicants agreed to a plinth around 3.2metres high, making the whole attraction more than 6.4 metres tall in total.
The hope was that the move would bring investment to the town and enable more to be done to attract visitors.
Some councillors queried whether the statue should go within the museum, fearing an additional burden on police abilities, however others called it a “lasting tribute”.
An installation date has yet to be confirmed.
No pool for Rasen leisure centre – but options remain open
An artist’s impression of the new dry leisure facility.
However, despite a 2,000-signature strong petition calling on the authority to look again at building a swimming pool, the answer was a resounding no.
Campaigners and residents believe it would benefit the area better as they are currently forced to travel to Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Wragby and Lincoln.
The council though, said a pool would be financially unviable at the time and then council leader Jeff Summers said it would require “significant subsidy”.
Instead it will just include a 3G pitch, multi-use fitness studios, dance studio, a four court sports hall, a 40-station gym, changing facilities and a meeting room/party hosting area.
Fight over football future
The planned housing will be accessed off Park Avenue. Photo: Google.
GBM UK Limited said the facility, agreed in 2014, was “no longer needed”.
However, Louth Town Football Club fought back saying they were “desperately trying to get back into Louth” and that replacement facilities would allow them to move up in the leagues.
GBM instead offered £49,000 contribution towards plans to enhance facilities on London Road.
More than 50 objections were received by East Lindsey District Council in response to the application – including Sports England who criticised the plans for having “no clear proposals”.
GBM later withdrew the application from the authority.
The five-screen complex hosts 700 seats and up-to-date technology.
The University of Lincoln are looking at taking over the upper floor for a possible “Innovation Centre” in the town.
It also forms part of one of the entrances to SKDC’s £1.6million St Peter’s Hill public realm works, which aims to create a new route from St Catherine’s Road to Avenue Road.
The plans will also see the main entrance to the authority’s own buildings moved to the courtyard with a new lobby.
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The 2024 Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are now open for nominations, seeking to spotlight outstanding businesses within the Greater Lincolnshire area.
Hosted by Stonebow Media, the publisher behind The Lincolnite and the MyLocal platform, this prestigious event is designed to honour the achievements of the regional business community.
Thanks to the headline sponsorship from the University of Lincoln Enterprise & Research department, the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of local enterprises.
The awards are also sponsored by Ringrose Law, Duncan & Toplis, Sills & Betteridge and Pearson Hydraulics. A small number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Contact [email protected] to discuss partnerships.
Businesses can nominate themselves across eleven awards categories:
The deadline for nominations is May 24, with the judges’ deliberation lunch set for May 29.The judging panel includes business experts and professionals from Lincolnshire and event sponsors.
The Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards 2024 gala will take place at the Engine Shed on July 12, 2024.
Enhance profile & credibility: Securing an award or being shortlisted acts as a powerful endorsement, signaling trustworthiness to potential customers and helping to distinguish your business from competitors. Displaying the award on your communications can significantly boost your brand’s perception.
Insightful focus & feedback: The application process encourages deep reflection on your business strategy and direction, offering invaluable feedback and clarity, even for new ventures.
Team confidence boost: Recognition from the awards can significantly uplift your team’s morale, affirming the value and potential of your business in the eyes of industry experts.
Marketing & PR boost: Being associated with the awards, even as a nominee, can enhance brand visibility, providing ample content opportunities for social media and other marketing channels.
Networking opportunities: The awards connect you with local business leaders and experts, offering a platform to seek advice, share ideas, and foster future partnerships. The ceremony itself is an excellent occasion for networking with peers and celebrating mutual successes.
Potential to win: Entering offers a chance to win and gain all the associated benefits, but even without taking home a trophy, the process can yield significant advantages for your business.
A Lady Gaga loving kitten owned by a couple who run a charity for disabled pets featured on Channel 5’s The Pet Psychic.
Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther comes to the aid of pet owners and in Tuesday night’s episode she met Cookie the kitten, a depressed camel, and looked at whether a dog can predict the future.
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