Step closer for Pier Field development in Skegness

Developers KCS say they received a “positive” response to a pre-application consultation on plans for an 80-bedroom Premier Inn with Brewers Fayre and a KFC drive-thru, which they say could create 90 new year round jobs to the area.

Plans have now been submitted to East Lindsay District Council, which will undertake its own consultation on the proposals later this summer.

Director at KCS Richard Morton, who is leading the development proposals, said: “More than 50 per cent of the respondents believed that Pier Field is a suitable location for a new leisure development and 62 per cent believed that the new hotel, Brewers Fayre and KFC would support the local economy.”

Close to 150 comments were received during the 18-day consultation in April and May with approximately 250 residents, business owners and stakeholders attending a public exhibition.

Mr Morton said: “Supporting the local economy was a key theme in the consultation feedback and in conversations during the public exhibition.”

“A large proportion of people expressed support for the plans as they believe the proposed development would help to attract more people to visit the town, boosting the local economy.”

Alongside questions on the principle of the development, feedback was sought on the proposed layout of the site. 

More than 100 comments were received relating to the design of the site, with 52 per cent of respondents agreeing with the proposed layout and 37 per cent stating that they did not support the plans.

Mr Morton added: “The height of the proposed hotel and restaurant building was an issue for some people before the exhibition.

“Also before the event there was a perception that the new development will be overly dominant on North Parade and will block views for existing hotels facing the site.

“We have addressed these concerns directly by designing the hotel and restaurant building so that the longest elevations face north/south and not directly onto North Parade. 

“This layout will help to maintain a sense of space on the site and will reduce the impact on our neighbours as much as possible – something local residents recognised and were pleased to see.”

Once East Lindsey District Council begins its own consultation, comments can be submitted directly to planning officers. This can be done via the district council website and by email or in writing. 

A decision on the proposals is expected to be made in autumn 2016.

A campaign group opposed to development on the site - Save Our Foreshore - have confirmed they intend to continue their fight against the plans.