PEOPLE in North East Lincolnshire are being encouraged to air their views on future development across the borough during a series of public events later this year.
The area’s Local Plan is currently being updated and is the most important document of its kind when it comes to shaping what the area will look like between now and 2042. As part of that update people will have the chance to see the proposed review at a series of public events this autumn.
Every Local Authority must have a government approved Local Plan, which sets out the future vision, covering themes including the environment, the health and wellbeing of residents, access to work and job creation, meeting local housing need, and ensuring access to education for children and young people. Adopted plans are reviewed based on a five-year cycle. This authority’s latest Local Plan was approved in 2018.
At a North East Lincolnshire Council meeting this week, Cabinet members heard how a first ‘informal’ stage of the review had been completed. This had included public displays and consultation across the borough. A total of 641 views were recorded which included a range of comments including support for affordable homes, priority for brownfield development, green space protection and light pollution, village and heritage protection, and the importance of the green agenda, improvements to roads and vital services, and the regeneration of the town centre.
These views are being fed into further analysis ahead of the preparation of a draft Local Plan going out for full public consultation later this year.
Reflecting on how the updating of the Local Plan will progress, North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson said:
“The views of people who live in North East Lincolnshire, or who work here, or have a business interest here, are extremely important. Ideas that may not have been considered, suggestions, along with opportunity and challenge, is welcome as we look to support the development of a stronger and improved borough for us all.
“As we move forward, we want people to continue to be involved and to also understand just how important it is for future generations in particular, that we make the right choices with regard to both economic and domestic opportunities,” he said.
Cllr Jackson explained how industrial growth would also form an important part of the Plan. Figures already reported suggest how the low carbon and energy economy across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire is worth £1.2bn, with more than 12,000 people employed. Meanwhile it is predicted that the Humber Freeport development will be a driving force in the attraction of new industry in North East Lincolnshire.
“We are standing on the cusp of real and true opportunities here and we need to ensure we match the predicted business growth in other areas too. Our housing, schools, health, and green offers must live up to the expectations that young people and families have. This means developing with consideration – providing the right balance of new homes and improving our urban areas whilst enhancing the natural environment,” said Cllr Jackson.
He added how work currently on-going was already in-sync with issues that were likely to come up. This work included planned new primary schools in Scartho and Waltham, unique wildlife sites along the Humber bank to offset development, and an £800,000 investment into some of the 150 acres of green space in the borough, which includes 50 managed parks and open spaces. The successful Cleethorpes LUF bid will also see a significant environmental investment with the regeneration of Pier Gardens, revamped green and activity space, and improved biodiversity. And in Grimsby Town Centre the £20m successful LUF bid is supporting the new Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure development.
Details of where and when you can view and comment on the revised Local Plan will be widely published later this year. Please look out on Local Plan Review | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk) or any of the council’s social media channels.
Article and image from NELC.
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