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2,500 new homes for Gainsborough

A major step towards doubling the size of Gainsborough over the next 20 years was taken by councillors last night.

Members of West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee have granted outline permission for a new neighbourhood of 2,500 homes on land south of Foxby Lane in the town.

Subject to Government approval, the development will also include community services and facilities, shops, restaurants and cafes, food takeways , two new schools and a four doctor surgery.

Chairman of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Jeff Summers said: "Gainsborough has been allocated Growth Point Status and this is the first of a number of proposals which will increase the population to around 36,000. This is a very significant milestone in the history of the town."

Councillors considered a 94 page report on the proposal during a whole day meeting when they also visited the 140 hectare site.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Burt Keimach said: "This is good news for Gainsborough and the whole of West Lindsey. As well as providing a major employment boost in the construction stage, the development will eventually support 1,500 new jobs in the business, industrial, retail and home worker sectors."

It is planned that the development will take 12-13 years to complete with about 200 new homes being added each year.

As well as the houses, the application from Thonock and Somerby Estates, also includes public access to woodland, sports pitches, a multi-use games area and changing facilities.

There are also new cycleways and footways and the developer will be expected to extend existing bus services and provide new ones.

Councillor Summers said: "It is proposed that each home will get information packs so linked trips can be planned and there will be a free one month Gainsborough-Morton-Lea bus ticket for every household and a £50 voucher which can be used towards buying a bike or a yearly bus pass."

Plans for more new neighbourhoods are expected to follow this one.

Permission for this scheme is granted as long as the Secretary of State does not intervene and highway conditions are met.

Article Published: 06/08/2010

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