A property developer given outline permission to build industrial units at the Lincolnshire Gateway on the outskirts of Spalding says it will bring ‘significant investment and job creation’
Last spring Alcan Properties bought the 70,000sqm which has been the subject of numerous previous planning approvals for employment land, one of which included a conference centre.
It’s looking to build three large warehouses and says it’s in talks with local and national businesses to take them on.
There has been an unspecified number of objections from residents, particularly of Fen End Land and Burr Lane.
Ward councillors Mark Le Sage and David Ashby spoke out against the proposals at a meeting of South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee, the latter highlighting that one building was set to be 17 foot high.
They said the access was on a ‘blind turn’ on a 60 mph road and Coun Rob Gibson asked why a new entrance from the roundabout couldn’t be created.
But the meeting was told Lincolnshire County Council’s Highways department had made no objections, though it was going to carry out a survey funded by the application to look at decreasing the speed limit on the stretch of road from 60mph to 30mph.
Other concerns raised included the effect on neighbouring properties and drainage. A condition was implemented that the latter had to be agreed to the drainage board’s satisfaction when final planning permission is approved.
Coun Jack Tyrrell told the meeting: “It looks nowhere near what we wanted.
“It looks terrible compared to what was going to be on the site.
“I’m gutted we’re going for three sheds compared to what we were going to have.
“There’s nothing for start-up businesses which, I think, we need.”
But committee chair coun James Avery said outstanding issues would be addressed when the necessary reserved matters application was submitted.
“I would be comfortable that we, as a committee, would ensure it’s right when it comes back to us in the future,” he said. “This is a big development and investment and a a big risk, so it’s good that someone has the balls to take it on.
“If this is going to be the gateway to Spalding it’s got to be right but it has to generate jobs and have a knock on effect on the town centre.”
Emma White of Alcan Properties said “Despite five successful planning applications, nothing meaningful has happened on the site and we intend to change that,” she said. “The nature of the site and opportunity has generated a lot of interest.
“The potential end users, both local and national, are numerous, and will come to fruition once planning is secured.
“Importantly, interested companies include those new to the district which means new, rather than replacement jobs.
“We’ve addressed public concerns and are committed to providing a public park as well as resurfacing the existing bridleway to encourage walkers and cyclists.”
