Yearly Archive 14 November 2024

A major housing development in North East Lincolnshire at the former Western School site is a step closer, with the completion of the land agreement with top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat.

The housebuilder will regenerate the 22.9 acre brownfield site, which will see a multi-million pound investment to create a community of around 318 properties, including potentially one to four bedroom houses, along with affordable housing and retirement dwellings.

The former school site was closed more than a decade ago due to falling numbers and an over provision of places, with pupils reallocated at the time to other schools in the area.

Funding to progress the site was obtained through the Homes England Accelerated Construction Programme, enabling North East Lincolnshire Council to prepare the site and complete key utility, site preparation and access works, as well as developing and securing the outline planning permission a few years ago.

This was followed by Keepmoat designing the transformation of the site and securing planning permission earlier this year, subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement.

The top 10 housebuilder is set to start on regenerating the site this week to deliver the 318 sustainable properties, which will be launched in winter 2026 – representing a £65 million investment to create the multi-tenure development.

Ben Hindley, Regional Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, said: “It’s always an exciting time at Keepmoat when we’re able to commence construction on a new development, particularly when it leads to the provision of affordable housing to people who really need it.

“As one of the UK’s leading partnership housebuilders, building strong links with local authorities, communities and housing associations is crucial. We’re working closely with North East Lincolnshire Council and Ongo to develop the area and provide local people with a great place to live and work.

“The site is a great example of the public and private sectors working together, unlocking funding being obtained by the authority enabling the Council to obtain outline planning permission and complete key infrastructure. We look forward to obtaining planning permission and making a start on site.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “We want to boost the local economy, and provide good quality housing to do this – both for our existing population and for people who want to move to the area.

“For the good of the environment, using brownfield sites has to be our preference. The delivery of new and affordable homes, built in places that support sustainable growth of our communities is key. Alongside our plans for urban housing in the centre of Grimsby, this development will provide significant numbers of good quality, new accommodation in the borough for our residents.”

Keepmoat were also announced in September this year as the developers for the central town site in Grimsby, Alexandra Docks, which will see approximately 130 new homes and supporting commercial premises on the site.

Article and image from NELC.

Investment and regeneration in Grimsby and Cleethorpes is booming – including new housing, and a development that will completely transform the look of Grimsby town centre’s south side.

The good news was outlined by Council Leader Philip Jackson in his latest update to council members at a recent meeting at Grimsby Town Hall.

He highlighted a deal signed with Keepmoat to deliver 130 homes on Alexandra Dock, rejuvenating a 6.25-acre brownfield site in the heart of Grimsby town centre. “It is the first town centre housing in a generation, working in partnership with Homes England, part of the masterplan to diversify use of town centre,” said Coun Jackson. “It will open up the waterfront; £7.8 million of Towns Fund monies, plus brownfield land release funding to make site viable.”

He also outlined the recent news of the demolision of Abbey Walk multi-storey car park for structural reasons. As reported, it is to be replaced with a 120-bay surface car park, and Burgess Street car park is set to be developed into a Transport Hub. “This is in the early stages, using BSIP monies and brownfield land release funding – on land purchased by council 3 years ago – to demolish ugly buildings on Osbourne Street,” said Coun Jackson. “There will be further stages as more funding becomes available, and this will completely change the look of the south side of town centre.”

In Cleethorpes, work is ongoing on site at Sea Road to prepare it for a new, iconic building. “There has been renewed interest from potential operators and an announcement is coming soon,” he said.

Coun Jackson also updated members about the Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal, describing it as a “massive strategic opportunity” for North East Lincolnshire and the wider area.

He then went on to say that two early Labour Government decisions have been bad news for the borough.

“Scrapping winter fuel payments means more than 26,000 pensioners in North East Lincolnshire will lose out, meaning a £5 million to £8 million loss to the local economy,” he said.

He also outlined implications of the National Planning Policy Framework reforms. “We need more homes nationally, but a top-down directed approach is not right,” he added.

Finally, Coun Jackson said following a recent Ofsted monitoring visit, inspectors were assured that “clear progress and improvement continues to be made, though there is still work to do.”

Artwork created by a group of young people is brightening up St. James’ house as it undergoes a complete renovation.

The building will soon be used as a new thriving business hub by E-Factor, making up part of the town centre regeneration project.

In the interim, the artwork, produced by eight young people who visit the Haven youth centre on Osborne Street, Grimsby, will be presented on the surrounding hoardings.

Created as part of the centre’s Summer holiday project, 14 boards depicting landmarks and vibrant scenes from across the borough including the likes of the Dock Tower will be displayed across the site’s hoardings.

The project has been funded through the High Street Accelerator fund, working hand in hand with the 2025 Group. The project is set up by Grimsby Retailers in Partnership CIC, dedicated to helping improve and celebrate the town centre during its period of regeneration.

The boards will stay in place until completion of the business hub after which they will be put on display at various locations across the borough.

Jose Stewart, Chair of the 2025 Group, said: “The 2025 Group are delighted to see some colour and creativity brought to the town centre through this fantastic project. It’s wonderful to see local children getting involved and showcasing their talent, and we’re proud to support their efforts in brightening up the area for the whole community to enjoy.”

Caitilin, 12, worked on the hoarding depicting St. James’ Minster and loved being part of the project. She said: “I’ve only been going to the Haven Centre for about a month. I started coming because my brothers, who had been going for some time, thought I might like to help with the art as it’s something I enjoy.

“The whole thing was amazing. It was really fun and a great way of getting us all out the house.” Caitlin decided on the Minster due to her skills at drawing buildings and is really pleased with how all the hoardings have turned out.

“I think they look amazing. The idea was brilliant and it’s definitely something I would get involved with again if there was an opportunity to.

“The Haven Centre itself was full of kind staff and was such a welcoming atmosphere. Going there was something I looked forward to.”

Mark Webb, Managing Director of E-Factor, said: “E-Factor and The Business Hive along with our Contractors GELDERS are really pleased to be able to provide our hoardings as a place to display this incredible artwork.

“Having watched the progress of this group of local young people, and the effort they have put into these wonderful works of art, I am so proud that our new building project is the first to be able to show off what they have created.

“They, their families, and the whole community  should be proud to have  be home to such talented and determined young people.”

Celebrating the young people’s artwork, Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger communities, said: “This initiative is a brilliant idea.

“It helps our young people express themselves in a different format and shows just how skilled they are to the rest of the borough.

“The young people and the youth workers who have supported them should be proud of what they’ve achieved and I look forward to seeing the paintings on display elsewhere upon completion of the new business hub.”

Speaking about town centre projects, he added: “With Riverhead Square already complete and other developments underway, we are starting to see a real difference in the area as our vision of a welcoming and thriving centre becomes reality.”

Article and image from NELC.

From August 2024, the fine for parents whose child has unauthorised absences has changed in line with new government legislation.

In a bid to discourage repeat absences and families taking holidays during term time, the fine for school absences across the country has been increased.

If a child misses 10 sessions during a 10-week period and those absences are unauthorised, a fine of £80 may be initially given. If not paid within 21 days, the fine will increase to £160 for a first offence.

If a second offence happens within 3 years, the fine will rise to £160. Families with children who have persistently poor attendance could be fined up to £2,500 per child and may be expected to attend court.

To help understand how this may affect the parents and children in our area, a guide to what this means can be found below.

What is classed as a session?

The school day is split into two sessions – one session counts as a morning or afternoon spent in school. Children will receive a mark of attendance for each session. The 10 sessions stipulated equates to 5 full days.

What if my child needs to miss school?

Your child must attend every day that the school is open, unless: 

• If their illness is serious enough to miss school, evidence of a GP appointment would evidence this.
• You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on that day due to exceptional circumstances. 
• Your child cannot attend school on that day because it is a day you are taking part in religious observance. 
• Your local authority is responsible for arranging your child’s transport to school and it is not available on that day or has not been provided yet. 
• You are a gypsy/Roma/traveller family with no fixed abode, and you are required to travel for work that day meaning your child cannot attend their usual school. 

Absences will be recorded on a rolling 10 week basis

The 10-week period is always live. Any block of 10 school weeks, starting at any point, can count towards the absence period. This also spans across the start and end of terms and school years If you have received a fine relating to a child in your care this will remain on the child’s record for 3 years.

How much are the fines?

The first time a penalty notice is issued for term time leave or low attendance will be £80 per parent per child if paid within 21 days or £160 per parent per child when paid within 28 days.

Fines per parent will be capped to two fines within any three-year period. Once this limit has been reached, other action like a parenting order or prosecution will be considered. 

In the case of repeated fines, if a parent receives a second fine for the same child within any three-year period, this will be charged at the higher rate of £160. 

If you’re prosecuted and attend court because your child hasn’t been attending school, you could get a fine of up to £2,500. Cases found guilty in Magistrates Court can show up on parents and step-parents future DBS certificates as a failure to safeguard a child’s education.

Good to know

The school is responsible for monitoring and reporting attendance records. North East Lincolnshire council will issue the fines as per recommendation from the school.

Money raised via fines is only used by the local authority to cover the costs of administering the system, and to fund attendance support. Any extra money is returned to the government. 

Schools have a duty to build relationships and work jointly with families, listening to and understanding barriers to attendance and working in partnership with families to remove them

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for Children and Education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Children learn, grow and develop best when they are able to take advantage of what schools have to offer, and therefore it’s imperative that children go to school and stay in school.

“The Government’s new measures place the responsibility firmly at the feet of parents, and we’re keen to get the message across so people are aware of the rules.”

Article and image from NELC.

Your Immingham Ward councillors have been busy lately, dealing with numerous day-to-day issues affecting residents, attending community events and clearing up litter from within the community.

Cllr Trevor Crofts joined fellow Cllrs Stewart and Karen Swinburn in representing the ward following May’s Local Election, and all three have been working closely together since, helping to improve the area for residents of all ages living in the ward, such as…

*Dealing with fly-tipping in both Immingham and Stallingborough, as well as ensuring litter and dog mess bins are emptied frequently.

*Speaking on behalf of residents at planning meetings to help overturn applications that had initially been refused.

*Engaging with youngsters at events such as The Big Conversation, listening to suggestions on how they would like to see their community improved.

*Attending prize giving at this year’s Stallingborough Show.

Restarting the ward forum meetings, being held on the first Saturday of each month. They are held at the Community Hub, in Pelham Road, Immingham, from 11am to noon.

Recently, the trio spent a few hours clearing up litter at the layby on Stallingborough Road to Immingham, and they have shared some before and after photographs, published here, and instigated the removal of a caravan from South Marsh Lane, off Hobson Way.

Please continue to use the online ‘Report it’ portal on the NELC website or call (01472) 313131 for concerns including fly-tipping, potholes, ASB/noise nuisance, parking etc. Alternatively, contact your ward councillors for matters that remain outstanding or you feel are not being dealt with effectively, using the links here:

https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-mps-and-meps/find-your-councillor-wards-immingham-ward

http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/report-it

Residents of North East Lincolnshire are being asked to share their experiences of services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the area.

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A crackdown on nuisance and anti-social behaviour in Grimsby Town Centre is now in its seventh month – and it’s making a positive difference.

Named Op Mastery, and involving Humberside Police, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) team, the Environmental Enforcement Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement (WISE), the Rough Sleeping Coordinator supported by Harbour Place and Navigo and We Are With You, and Equans’ Civil Enforcement Officers and CCTV team, it is having a noted impact on the town centre.

With its aim to make the area a welcoming and safe place, the Op Mastery team has held the monthly days of action – with representatives from all the organisations in the town centre.

This month’s, held on Wednesday, 4 September, saw WiSE officers issue to fines for PSPO breaches, one for cycling and another for littering. Humberside Police officers issued 11 tickets for traffic offences and stopped one driver for having no insurance.

Additionally, Civil Enforcement Officers issued 8 tickets for parking infringements.

The first day of action was in March and has since gone from strength to strength, with actions including:

• The use of a Tannoy system, that politely reminds people that cycling along Victoria Street risks a £100 fine. Visitors to the town have noticed a drop in people cycling and fines have been issued to deter cycling.
• The Council’s Rough Sleeping team speaking to those who were sleeping on the streets, offering support which has been taken up.
• A focus on illegal parking around Victoria Street. At the fourth Day of Action in July, 40 drivers were spoken to about various regulations.
• Hi-vis patrols carried out in the area targeting wanted persons and those causing harm to the community

The days of action have seen nine people arrested for various offences and 50 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) given out to those found to be breaching the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). This has included cycling in Victoria Street.

Speaking about the success of these events, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, Cllr Ron Shepherd, said: “North East Lincolnshire Council and its partners are working tirelessly to make the town centre a more accessible, friendly and inviting place to be.

“With new projects such as the recently completed Riverhead Square and the upcoming regeneration of the rest of the town centre, we are moving ever closer to achieving this.

“The work done by ourselves, and our partners, during the days of action is the perfect example of how the work we do has a positive impact on the area.

“We’ve seen a reduction in ASB and in people cycling through the town centre and it’s no coincidence that this has all started the same time as Op Mastery was launched.

“I would like to thank those who have helped to get us to this point and I look forward to continuing the work we’re doing in Grimsby town centre and to seeing where we will be in another seven months.”

Humberside Police Inspector Claire Jacobs said: “We continue to work relentlessly, alongside our partners, to ensure that Grimsby remains a fantastic place to live, work and visit.

“A big part of this is listening to the communities and hearing what their concerns are, taking appropriate action to address any emerging issues.

“This includes using our passive drugs dogs, as well as plain clothed and high visibility patrols, both to tackle crime and to offer reassurance to those in the area.

“We have seen positive results due to the action taken under Op Mastery, this has included arrests and charges, rehabilitation schemes put into place for offenders to prevent reoffending, and support mechanisms for victims.

“I am excited to see what the next steps hold for us and I encourage anyone with any concerns or information about crime to please get in contact via our non-emergency 101 line. In an emergency always dial 999.” 

Article and images from NELC.

A public consultation has been launched to help shape new council wards for North East Lincolnshire. The Local Government Boundary Commission for England wants to hear people’s views on where they live, to help make sure that the new wards reflect the size and shape of local communities. 

An electoral review is being carried out to make sure that each local councillor represents about the same number of electors, and that the wards they represent reflect community identities. 

Following an earlier consultation with the Council, the Commission concluded that North East Lincolnshire needs 42 councillors to be able to operate effectively. This is the same number as they have now. 

Launching the consultation on the electoral review of North East Lincolnshire, Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, said:   

“We are looking for your views, as local people, on how you think North East Lincolnshire should be represented in wards that reflect local communities and identities.  

“By telling us about where you live and where you access local services, it will help us to create appropriate and meaningful boundaries.   

“It might be something as straightforward as where you go for shops, schools or a sporting venue, whether you see a road, park or river as a dividing feature or the heart of a community, or which areas have joint projects. 

“Hearing from local residents will give us important evidence to inform our recommendations for a pattern of wards for North East Lincolnshire  that ensures each councillor represents about the same number of electors.”   

The consultation on this stage of the electoral review of North East Lincolnshire lasts for ten weeks and closes on 11 November. The Commission will use local views to help draw up their proposals for new ward boundaries.  

Local people can provide their views via the Commission website at: North East Lincolnshire | LGBCE- external site   by emailing reviews@lgbce.org.uk  or by post to: Review Officer (North East Lincolnshire), The Local Boundary Commission for England, 7th Floor, 3 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8YZ.

This is a press release from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

A new consultation has been launched to find ways to help support people in need with their Council Tax bills.

Council Tax Support is a discount that helps people on low incomes pay their Council Tax bill.

This is separate to the support offered to pension age households and other discounts, such as single person discount. There is no change proposed to the maximum Council Tax Support allowed – this remains at 65%.

As a local authority, the Council is legally required to consult on any proposed changes to the Council Tax Support scheme. We want to:

• make the scheme easier to understand and access;
• continue to support for households on the lowest incomes;
• make the scheme work better with the Universal Credit system;
• support families and applicants who receive a disability benefit;
• take away the need for constant changes in awards; and
• make the scheme easier to manage.

If approved, from 1 April 2025 the Council would replace the existing means tested system with one that’s easier to understand and is more supportive for the people most in need.  

The changes to the scheme would affect working age households in the North East Lincolnshire Council area who receive Council Tax Support from 1 April 2025. 

Councillor Stephen Harness, Cabinet member for Finance, Resources and Assets said: “The Council’s offer of financial support for low-income households paying council tax helps many in our communities. This consultation will help us to decide on the future of the support, and how it should be shaped going forward to make it easier for people to understand.”

To have your say in the consultation, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/have-your-say- external site .

The online consultation closes to the public on 30 September 2024.

Article from NELC.

Two new 210-place primary schools in North East Lincolnshire will be built by building contractor Hobson & Porter.

The schools, sited close to Matthew Telford Park in Scartho, and on land off Sunningdale in Waltham, have been commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council working in partnership with EQUANS and will, once open, be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust (LGAT).

The announcement follows a tender process, where contractors could bid to win the project to build Waltham Gateway Academy and Scartho Gateway Academy.

Hobson & Porter are an award-winning construction firm based in Hull, with significant experience on education projects.

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“It’s great to see this project now progressing, with a building contractor appointed and getting on site. Over the coming months we’ll start to see things happening on site and that’s fantastic.

“These two schools will provide some much-needed additional education provision for children in our area.”

Martin Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, appointed to run free schools Waltham Gateway Academy and Scartho Gateway Academy, said: 

“We’re delighted the council has appointed contractors and look forward to the builds quickly taking shape.

“We’re excited about working with partners to create dynamic learning and teaching environments and look forward to welcoming our first children at both academies in September, 2025.

“Much more detail for prospective parents will be revealed in September.”

Joe Booth, Business Development Director for Hobson & Porter said:

“Winning these two contracts is testament to both our experience working in the education sector and our continued growth across Lincolnshire, where we have established a strong and diverse local supply chain.

“We’ve recently started work on the new £12m Skegness Learning Campus for the TEC Partnership and we also currently delivering the pioneering Grimsby Youth Zone project in the town centre. 

“These two new primary schools in Grimsby are also very similar to one we are due to handover to North Yorkshire County Council in Northallerton this summer. We’ll be utilising all this experience on these two latest education projects and we’re looking forward to starting work on site soon.”

Stephanie Ledgerwood, Head of Professional Services at Equans, said:

“Equans will continue to support the council through the proceeding design and construction phases of the build of the two new schools. I’m delighted a building contractor has now been appointed and I am excited to see the builds start to take shape. It will be fantastic to welcome students through the doors next September.”

The primary schools are being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Department for Education and through Section 106 developer contributions.

The two schools will offer much-needed school places for children aged four to 11. Each school will offer 210 places for students, including specialist provision for 12 students with special educational needs and disabilities.

As part of ongoing engagement with the community, North East Lincolnshire Council and Hobson & Porter will issue further updates as the project progresses.

The two academies will open in September 2025, with admission details for parents being released this Autumn.

Article and image from NELC.