Council leaders to approve “Skegness Gateway” urban extension

A new 1,000 home “Skegness Gateway” is being proposed in a bid to “transform the economic fortunes of Skegness”.

East Lindsey District Council’s executive will be asked next week to support the development submission, which will also include business, commercial, industrial and retail development and a “landmark” further education college.

It follows a government invitation in September 2019 for the council to bid for up to £25 million to invest in Skegness’ infrastructure.

The plan is for a private sector led partnership with the council, to build on a 136-hectare site located on the A52 Wainfleet Road, at the edge of Skegness.

A report before members on Wednesday said the initial proposal will include the homes, accommodation for the over 55s and a crematorium.

The college, which will be managed by Grimsby Institute, will offer courses up to degree level and will include leisure facilities with the potential for community use.

Around 18 hectares of the site will be set apart for business, employment and industrial uses.

It said: “The scheme should help to transform the economic fortunes of Skegness, the quality of life and opportunities that are available to its residents.”

The report says transformation is necessary to tackle the town’s “severe pockets of deprivation,” which puts it among the top 10% most disadvantaged communities in England.

“More, better quality homes; more jobs; better educational facilities; and more local revenue to be spent in the town will help tackle poor living conditions; low skill, low wage, seasonal jobs; poor educational provision and make the town more attractive to residents, business and investors,” it said.

Council bosses are hoping to use a “Local Development Order”, which allow certain builds without having to get permission, to guide the proposals.

If approved, the authority will start a “Skegness Gateway Steering and Coordinating Group” to move the project forward.