MP BACKS RESIDENTS' FIGHT

Mr Leigh met with homeowners of Carlisle, Tower and Charles Streets last week to hear their concerns about an application to squeeze a residential development onto the former wig factory on Carlisle Street.

Residents raised concerns about Matthew George and Company Ltd's plans for nine houses and 15 apartments on the site back in October, claiming there were issues with flooding - already a problem in the area, a lack of car parking spaces and a long-standing subsidence issue.

But the original application was pulled, and, on the advice of West Lindsey District Council planners, a new application was made for 21 dwellings and 16 parking spaces was made.

However, this was later refused by members of the planning services committee in December.

But now the applicant has lodged an appeal against the decision and has also submitted a new application for 21 dwellings, 11 parking spaces, a sandpit and two swings.

And Mr Leigh has now stepped in and called on West Lindsey District Council to take residents' concerns seriously.

"The council must be mindful about the genuine concerns expressed by residents of Carlisle Street over the proposed developments that will have a major impact on the local environment," he said.

"Councillor Gill Bardsley has worked hard on this issue and I will certainly support her efforts to restrict the impact this development has on the long-time residents of the area."

Residents who are opposing the plans have submitted their concerns to the district council and are now waiting to see when the application will come before it's planning services committee.

Louise Forton-Marsden, speaking on behalf of the residents of the streets, said: "We are still opposing the application.

"A lot of people are getting angry and upset, we still feel strongly about the same objections and the site is very overcrowded. The development isn't in keeping with the street or surrounding areas."

Coun Gillian Bardsley, Gainsborough North Ward member, said: "This proposed development is not going to benefit the residents of that area.

"It seems unfortunate that somebody wants to develop the site to the extent that it will cause difficulties of parking and other issues in the area and we want a development that improves the neighbourhood."