Growth plan moving forwards

The Central Lincolnshire Local Plan - as it is known - will replace the Local Plans of the City of Lincoln, West Lindsey District Council, and North Kesteven District Council.

It will establish policies for the growth and regeneration of the areas over the next 25 years and beyond and includes plans for more than 4,000 homes for Sleaford.

Last Monday, the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee (CLJSPC) approved a version of the document - the Publication Draft Local Plan - along with the supporting policies for the local councils.

It had been developed by the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan Team, supported by Lincolnshire County Council.

A public consultation over the document will now be held, scheduled for mid-April.

Coun Jeff Summers, chairman of the CLJSPC and leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “This plan is the culmination of two years’ research, planning and consultation. We have attempted to formulate a comprehensive plan which guides prospective developers, planners and planning committees alike, creating communities where everyone can enjoy their living environment.

“To achieve this goal we must provide realistic levels of accessibility via a varied and connected network of transport corridors.”

The document sets out a housing target of 36,960, of which 10,000 have either already been given permission or been built.

Much of this housing growth is Lincoln, Sleaford and Gainsborough, with Sleaford’s tally being 4,435 (some of which has already been approved).

Limited growth has been identified in villages, with a cap in smaller settlements unless residents want more and measures have been put in place to ensure homes are built for all in the community, including affordable and accessible properties.

Alongside this, policies to make sure infrastructure is delivered as part of the growth have been identified, as well as policies that protect the special features of Central Lincolnshire, including green wedges, local green spaces, and heritage assets.

A jobs target of 11,894, based on an economic study, has also been set out.

Responses to the consultation will be processed and submitted with the Publication Draft Local Plan to the Planning Inspectorate for examination. This will include a hearing in public in the summer.

For more information, visit www.central-lincs.org.uk