Residents object to Lincoln wood laser tag plans

A number of residents in the south of Lincoln are concerned by planning proposals to turn a nearby wood into a laser tag zone.

The plans from Frontline Combat would see Cross Hill woods, next to the A46 Skellingthorpe Roundabout, changed from open access woodland into a laser tag activity centre.

Frontline Combat, a Lincoln business running for 10 years, currently operates from woodland by the Lincolnshire Showground.

However, the tenancy has come to an end and the site will be redeveloped into eco houses.

The new plans would see around five new jobs created, and no work would be required on the 5.40 hectare site, other than adding 10 parking spaces.

The laser tag facility would operate daily between 9.30am and 7.30pm in the summer and 9.30am to 1.30pm in the winter, with groups of people monitored by staff during these times.

The business believes that weekends will be aimed more at children’s parties, while weekday activities are most likely to be corporate events.

The proposed area affected. Photo: NKDC

Area popular with dog walkers

Cross Hill woods is presently used by local residents as a place to walk dogs and is largely unmanaged.

A number of houses back onto the woods in the southerly edges of the area.

Several residents have left comments on the proposals, mainly citing the impact of noise, more traffic, effect on wildlife, and loss of an area to walk during the day.

They also feel that the nature of the activity is not suitable for the area due to a number of families living near the wood.

However, planning officers feel the level of noise will not be of concern provided the noisier activities are placed on the A46 side of the wood, staff use visuals instead of shouting to signal the start and end of games, and an appropriate buffer is placed between the wood and the homes.

North Kesteven District Council planning officers stated that the application would be of limited impact to the local area but would have economic benefits to the district.

The proposals will now be put forward to North Kesteven’s District Council in the summer for a final decision.

Local residents and neighbours of the site can make a comment on the proposals by June 16 by emailing [email protected], referring to application number 14/0527/FUL.