Over 400 homes in pipeline for Legbourne Road

The news comes just two years after the infamous 970-home ‘Southern Gateway’ proposal for the same stretch of road was defeated following a strong campaign by residents and local councillors.

The largest of the two recent outline applications, both of which were submitted to East Lindsey District Council earlier this month, would see up to 280 new homes built by Cyden Homes and AR & MA Pridgeon, on land to the north-east side of Legbourne Road.

The other application, for up to 89 new homes on land to the south-west side of the road, has been submitted by Mr Dieter Nelson of Dieter Nelson Planning Consultancy.

Meanwhile, outline permission for 55 homes has already been granted for an adjacent piece of land following an application from JK Builds last summer, and approved in November.

The ‘Southern Gateway’ scheme was refused and dismissed at appeal three years ago, primarily due to the size and impact on the landscape and infrastructure.

However, the planning statement for the 280 home proposal states: “The current application is of a much smaller size and scale and overcomes the previous reasons for refusal.

“The Secretary of State agreed with the inspector’s recommendation the appeal be dismissed and planning permission refused.”

Nevertheless, the possibility of more than 400 new homes off Legbourne Road may raise neighbours’ fears that the ‘Southern Gateway’ plans are being resurrected by the back door.

• Louth Town Council formally objected to the Dieter Nelson application (89 homes) when it was discussed at Tuesday evening’s planning committee meeting.