Developments to come in Lincolnshire in 2020

Many places across Lincolnshire have seen huge changes and developments in recent years. Here are a few major schemes to keep an eye out for in 2020.

Future of oil to be decided

Campaigners outside the inquiry at the Hobbies Centre, Scunthorpe. Picture: Calvin Robinson.

After the climax of the inquiry over plans to continue drilling for oil near Lodge Farm, in Wressle, it will be early in the new year when the true cost is counted.

After North Lincolnshire Council withdrew its objections, it might leave those opposed to Egdon Resources plans a bit defeated – but there’s always hope.

Grimsby’s great regeneration project

Current footbridge over the River Freshney in Grimsby with Alexandra Dock on the right. Picture: David Wright.

After its cabinet approved £3.5million of regeneration in the city centre and further improvements to Cleethorpes Sea Front, residents can expect those proposals to be submitted for official planning approval.

The designs include a new bridge over the River Freshney, improvements to the street scene and highway, as well as better access to the waterfront.

More Quadrant capers

The site layout for phase five of the Quadrant housing.

After a successful year of housing, business and stadium plans, the Quadrant development in Boston is sure to see some more developments this year.

As Chestnut Homes’ scheme applies for their penultimate phase of “Q1”’s 500 houses – there are hints on the horizon that the second Quarter of development – Q2 –  could be about to be revealed in further detail.

Travellers’ sites controversy continues

Several of those against the plans, including Councillor Jane Bramley who highlighted social media threats, gathered outside North East Lincolnshire Council Scrutiny last week.

After several years of controversy came to a head this year, the final decision could be on the horizon.

North East Lincolnshire, looking to create a temporary stopping place for travellers has narrowed the options down to five and is adamant it will choose a site – however, residents in all five locations have kicked up a fuss.

It’s been several years in the making – but will there finally be somewhere to settle?

Skegness Showground hopes for success

How the Skegness Showground could be laid out.

A three-day festival celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day will launch a new coastal attraction in May 2020.

The Skegness Showground, on Burgh Road, was given five-year temporary permission in September and owner Russell Sparkes will be hoping his first event on the site will prove how successful the site can be.

The Toll rings for Grimsby roundabout

Toll Bar roundabout near Grimsby. Photo: Google Street View

Work is due to start in July on improving a Grimsby roundabout after years of controversy over plans.

Newly-elected leaders at North East Lincolnshire Council reversed a decision by their predecessors to rip up the roundabout and replace it with traffic lights shortly before Christmas.

It ends years of campaigning by residents.

Instead, the roundabout will be improved, with extra lanes and other enhancements being made.

Special attention given to education

New school plans have been approved for the “overcrowded” John Fielding School.

Two schools in Lincolnshire will be getting a boost in investment over the next year or two, and more could soon be to follow.

Special educational needs John Fielding School in Boston has been given permission to build a brand-new facility in a new location, while Spilsby’s Eresby School will get a major expansion.

The aim is to get as many children with needs taught as close to home as possible.

And with £50 million in the pot – there could be more plans ahead.

Bringing empty homes back into use

North Kesteven District Council has partnered with E.On.

Sometimes, new builds aren’t needed. Sometimes, you just need to give old homes a bit of tender loving care – and that’s what a new pilot from North Kesteven District Council hopes to do.

The authority has agreed to work with E.ON Energy to bring 30 properties back into use over the next 15 months at a cost of £60,000.

It will see property-owners given potential access to extra funding to be put towards insulation, new boilers and other appliances to improve energy efficiency.

Coastal connections on the up

An artist’s impression of how the new cafe would look. Picture: Lincolnshire County Council

It looks like the 16-mile Coastal footpath from Skegness to Mablethorpe will be set for more work to improve tourism in the area.

Following the successor the Gibraltar Point Visitor Centre, in Skegness, and North Sea Observatory, in Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire County Council this year gave the go ahead for a new cafe and viewing deck at Huttoft Car Terrace.

The third attraction for the 16-mile Coastal footpath from Skegness to Mablethorpe appears to signal the authority has a serious intent for the area – so could we expect further announcements this year?

The start of something huge in Gainsborough

An artists impression of the Foxby Lane homes.

A decision could be made on a developer’s first 460-home phase of a 2,500-home plan in Gainsborough.

Outline permission for the overall major development off Foxby Lane, which will also include employment land, community services, restaurants, cafes and leisure spaces, was given to David Lynch, of Keepmoat Homes, by West Lindsey District Council, in 2011.

The plans were updated earlier this year, and it looks like the developer will have to wait until early next year to see if his first phase will be successful.

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