'˜Infrastructure needs a priority in negotiations' over future developments

That is the promise of East Lindsey District Council after it emerged almost 1,000 new homes could be built in or near the town over the coming years.

As part of the draft Local Plan, which will guide development over the next 15 years, sites have been earmarked for a total of 264 properties. A further 90 properties already have planning permission.

Bourne-based Larkfleet Homes has previously looked at developing to the east of the town, between Halton Road and Ashby Road.

ELDC’s planning policy manager Anne Shorland said the authority is proposing to ‘show a direction of travel for further housing growth to the east of the town’ beyond the plan period.

She added: “The council would see this as an opportunity to bring the sites to the east of the town together. It’s only by doing this that provision can be made for consideration of a vehicle link between the B1195 and Ashby Road, relieving traffic pressure from the town centre. This joint approach with regard to sites could also provide collective opportunities for greenspace and further infrastructure provision. This direction for growth fits in with the character of the town and the fact Spilsby is constrained by the A16 and Hundleby to the west and north and the employment land to the south.

“There has been a proposal informally consulted on by a developer for 600 proposed new homes to the east of the town. This proposal is in the same broad area as the land proposed for allocation but going beyond this. The developer however is yet to apply for planning permission. If an application is received then the council needs to ensure that its infrastructure needs and aspirations for the town are part of any negotiations.”