Blueprint is up for discussion

Residents in the Horncastle area have been promised they will have a chance to comment on a key planning blueprint that will shape future development in the district.
ELDCELDC
ELDC

There has been concern in several communities about proposals contained in East Lindsey District Council’s Local Plan.

The plan – a Whitehall requirement – is designed to cover all future development in the district over the next 15 years, including new housing developments.

Horncastle has not been allocated any new homes, because of the number of applications that have already been approved or are in the pipeline.

However, there are worries about the allocation for several larger surrounding villages, including Woodhall Spa, Coningsby and Tattershall and Wragby.

Concerns have also been expressed about plans for smaller rural communities like Mareham Le Fen and Tetford, amid fears of over-development and the pressure on already stretched local services including the provision for health and education.

The plan is still being finalised and will need to be ratified by a Government inspector before it is adopted in the first half of next year.

However, ELDC has confirmed residents will also have the chance to comment, before the plan is handed on to the Government inspector.

An ELDC spokesman said: “Residents and interested parties will be invited to take part in a public consultation on the draft Local Plan during a six-week consultation starting towards the end of June.

“It [the plan] will also be on the agenda at area forums across the district.

“The consultation will provide the opportunity for anyone with a view on the draft Local Plan to express their views and these will be considered in refining the plan the council sends to the Government for examination.”

People living in Conginsby and Woodhall have already expressed their concerns.

Now, Wragby residents alarmed at proposals they say will significantly expand their village, say ELDC needs to do more consultation with the community.

The Local Plan includes a proposal for 32 homes on land at Thornlea, behind Wragby’s Louth 
Road. Residents and the parish council fear the village will not be able to cope with more housing developments.

Resident Nellie Archer said she is worried about more new homes being built, and thinks the district council’s executive member for planning, Coun Richard Fry, needs to take time to speak to more villagers about their concerns.