Developers behind ambitious plans for 3,200 homes on the outskirts of Grimsby have addressed concerns about the proposals.
Landowners MF Strawson Ltd and Sir Richard Sutton Ltd are behind Grimsby West, which has been met with mixed views since being unveiled earlier this year.
Now as the masterplan is prepared for a scheme that skirts around the existing urban boundaries of Great Coates, Aylesby Park, Wybers Wood and Laceby Acres, views collated from the initial consultation are being taken on board.
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Concerns about sprawl, green field development and adverse impacts on environment have been cited, while the need for high quality housing and improved community facilities also featured.
On the direct opposition, James Hobson, spokesperson for Grimsby West, said: “The site is allocated as a Strategic Housing Allocation in the adopted Local Plan, delivering a strong vision and wider economic, social and environmental benefits for the area.
“We value the input of public feedback and take concerns seriously, which is why our ambition is to ensure the development is shaped to meet the needs of existing and future communities.”
The consultation also found that residents also had concerns over traffic and the effect on the local environment, the development’s size and the overall need for more housing.
An initial bid for support to fund a western bypass for the town - which would further open up Grimsby West - was knocked back by government, with further funding avenues to be explored.
Mr Hobson said: “We are focused on high-quality design and delivering a sustainable development that local people can be proud of. We believe that this new community will protect the natural landscape, improve biodiversity and enhance local ecological features such as the River Freshney corridor. This will include the creation of a highly accessible and extensive country park, with play areas and footpath links, together with the planting of trees and wild flower areas to improve wildlife habitats.
“We understand that people have concerns and that is why we wanted to hear from them. We are now taking these views on board as we continue to develop our masterplan. Once completed, it will be shared with the council and made available for further public consultation with the local community. The public will be able to share their thoughts to further influence and shape the character and appearance of the scheme, before the masterplan is finally submitted to the council.”
Top of the wish list of those who positively engaged was the creation of a high quality and distinct development, offering a wide range of housing types to meet the needs of the local community, with these houses being set within generous open spaces including the provision of a country park. The ability to provide supporting infrastructure and local services were also mentioned as key considerations.
A mix of tenures and scale is proposed with the stated aim to “create a place where people want to live”, with new walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods.
James said: “We received a wide range of comments and noticed how often the word ‘community’ was used and its importance to Grimsby.
“Others thought the development would regenerate the area and create jobs and opportunities. There were also a number of ideas for what people would like to see, such as vehicle charging points, cycling and dog walking paths, allotments, a skate park and a community centre or youth club among others.”
The landowners anticipate submitting to North East Lincolnshire Council later this year.
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