Whisby Garden Centre has announced plans for a big expansion which will see an extended café, a new caravan site and holiday lodges.
The upgrade would siginificantly increase the size of the café, and create space for 39 touring caravans by the lakeside.
The application has been submitted as the garden centre looks to compete with other local destinations like Pennell’s and Doddington Hall.
Plenty of employment opportunities would be created, with 10 new full time and 25 part time jobs.
The application promises a much-improved café service looking out onto the lake. There is also the possibility of extending its opening time beyond the current daytime hours in the future.
The caravan site will initially provide around 39 pitches, with six nearby lodges, and the potential to expand if they prove popular. The application says these would bring thousands of pounds in tourism spending to Lincolnshire.
If the plans are approved, Whisby Garden Centre would also convert a home into offices, and construct a timber lodge for accomodation.
The application states: “The existing café/restaurant facilities at Whisby Garden Centre are, unfortunately, tired and operationally inadequate to offer the very high-quality amenity envisaged.
“Customers provide very positive feedback but the applicant is keenly aware that the potential is so much greater here and investment will benefit all parties, strengthening the business and its contribution to the local economy.
“In order to effectively compete with other successful destinations, such as those at Pennell’s Garden Centre and Doddington Hall, and realise the obvious potential that is on offer, there is a need to significantly upgrade the facilities available to both local customers and visitors to the area.”
The plans have been submitted to North Kesteven District Council, and will be decided at a later date.
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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