Spalding has ‘significant potential for growth’ and Holbeach is an example of a success story for it, a new proposal on where to build in Lincolnshire states.
The new Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority (GLCCA), headed by the Mayor Andrea Jenkyns, has set out its Housing Policy to build in the area.
It states that there’s a shortlist of 22 sites it is looking to work on for development.
However the authority has refused a request by The Voice to ask what those sites are.
A GLCCA spokesman said: “The priorities will be developed and agreed later in the year.
“At this stage, it is the overarching strategy that is being taken through the decision-making process.”
Spalding is classed as a ‘small town’ in the strategy by Halina Davies, the strategic lead for infrastructure and economic vision for the GLCCA.
“These towns often attract families and older residents seeking quieter environments, which in turn shapes the type of housing that is most in demand,” it states. “Although smaller in scale, they have significant potential for growth.
“With targeted investment in new infrastructure, improved transport links, and the regeneration of town centres, these places can follow a longer-term trajectory that mirrors the growth patterns seen in some of Greater Lincolnshire’s medium-sized and larger towns.
“Unlocking this potential will require coordinated planning and sustained investment, but the opportunity for these towns to evolve into more vibrant, well-connected communities is substantial.”
While ‘a desire to preserve rural character’ in the county’s villages is listed as a development constraint, ‘there may still be opportunities for growth’, the report continues.
Meanwhile, Holbeach, and particularly its Food Enterprise Zone, is a highlighted as a success story for its growth alongside the 900-home Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE).
“The expansion of the FEZ has generated significant employment opportunities, for both residents within Greater Lincolnshire and for businesses choosing to relocate or establish a dual presence in the area to benefit from the region’s agri-food strengths,” the report states. “This growth reinforces the need for high-quality, well-connected housing that can accommodate a diverse workforce and support the long-term success of the FEZ.
“Together, the FEZ and SUE form an integrated growth location where new homes, employment, skills development, and transport improvements are planned as part of a coherent long-term vision for the town and the wider area.
“The expansion of the FEZ has generated significant employment opportunities, for both residents within Greater Lincolnshire and for businesses choosing to relocate or establish a dual presence in the area to benefit from the region’s agri-food strengths.
“This growth reinforces the need for high-quality, well-connected housing that can accommodate a diverse workforce and support the long-term success of the FEZ.”
Ms Jenkyns was not in attendance at the meeting that discussed the proposal.
Coun John Davison spoke about Section 106 agreements, those agreements made by local authorities that grant planning permission on the proviso the developer provides money for infrastructure.
“I think we need a clear policy on how we’re going to deal with developers that promise millions, but when they come to reserve matters they can’t afford it,” he said. “The system is broken.
“We’re in an unenviable position where if authorities refuse planning permission it’s very likely it will be overturned by the planning inspector and possibly costs awarded against us.
“We need to do something to steer government away form the current Section 106 which isn’t working.
“It’s what all local residents will say when they’re lobbying us about developments, what about the doctors and schools.
“We must address that.”
Ms Davies responded: “I don’t disagree but there’s a national planning policy framework. The authority along with local councils put in a detailed response to that and made some clear points where that should be addressed.
“We’ll wait and see what comes out of that.
“It does need further review and certainly the government does or it wouldn’t have ordered the framework in the first place.”
The meeting was told that Section 106 would not be a matter dealt with by the mayor’s office.
The strategy also mentions the possibility of a new town, though Ms Davies said the authority was still looking at
if there was an evidence relating to the need for it.
