New enterprise park begins to take shape

North Kesteven District Council bought the 37 acres of land next to the existing Sleaford Enterprise Park two years ago as it felt the private sector was being too slow to develop its potential for employment.

It was estimated up to 500 jobs could be created and 250 existing jobs in key sectors secured medium-term.

In documents submitted this month to its own planning department for environmental screening, 12 units of varying size have been planned which would create 469,306 sq ft of floorspace and 15,069 sq ft of trade showroom space. The outline designs show the spine road and junction layouts, parking, landscaping and drainage works. The new road and paths would link to the residential site being built by Persimmon Homes to the west, with a bus gate for public transport.

Leader of NKDC Coun Richard Wright said they were excited to be pressing on with plans to help businesses grow and generate new jobs in our area.

“We’re now making some of the last few preparations before the submission of a hybrid planning application.”

The indicative plans will help planners decide if more assessments will be needed to bring the scheme forward in the coming weeks.

Within the documents submitted, the council states that while the proposals will give rise to increases in traffic, emissions and noise, these are not likely to be at levels to cause significant adverse effects.

They say the development will possibly involve features such as solar panels and other renewable energy initiatives in response to the NKDC Climate Emergency declaration in July 2019, as well as good pedestrian and cycle access. In addition, the proposals are not expected to produce or generate any abnormal volumes or types of waste or pollution.

The documents also say traffic impacts will also be offset by the new improvements to safety and capacity of the A15/A17 Holdingham roundabout and the A153/A17 slip road at Sleaford Rugby Club junction currently being undertaken.