January 2, 2020 4.09 pm This story is over 50 months old

Approval likely for 135 Gainsborough homes despite flood and traffic concerns

A majority of the new homes will be classed as “affordable”
An artist's impression of the apartment blocks.

Plans for 135 new homes along the River Trent in Gainsborough are set to be approved next week.

West Lindsey District Council’s planning committee will be asked to give permission to Acis Housing Group’s proposals for the “overgrown wasteland” off Bowling Green Lane and Wilson Street.

The new homes include 60 apartments across two four-storey blocks, as well as a mix of two-storey affordable, shared-ownership and private homes.

A total of 109 of the 135 new homes will be classed as affordable – with a mix of tenures for residents.

How the site could be laid out.

In a report to councillors, officers said: “The proposed mix of housing […] provides a good mix to reflect housing need in Gainsborough and West Lindsey as set out in the Central Lincolnshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment.”

They added: “The proposal would not have a detrimental impact on the character of the area, residential amenity, highways and does not conflict with neighbouring land uses.”

Concerns have been raised by Gainsborough Town Council and residents about issues including increased traffic on Ropery Road, a planned electricity substation, flooding and the loss of green space.

The Environment Agency also objected to the plans due to the lack of an “acceptable” flood risk assessment, particularly around the impact of flood defence breaches and to create an eight-metre easement along a flood embankment.

Council officers said an updated assessment has been submitted and an update is expected at the planning meeting.

They also included recommendations for the EA’s wishes to be carried out.

NHS England asked for £85,387.50 from the developer to go towards Caskgate Street and Cleveland Surgeries.

However, a viability assessment was submitted to WLDC which said that due to the level of affordable housing and “high abnormal costs” for the site the developers felt they could not afford the financial contribution.

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