PRESS RELEASE: 04.11.09
Planning Application submitted for Gainsborough Southern Neighbourhood proposals
Following public consultation events during the summer, Thonock and Somerby Estates has now submitted an outline planning application to West Lindsey District Council and a decision is expected on the proposals early in the New Year. The Southern Neighbourhood proposals support the Growth Point programme for Gainsborough, a programme aimed at generating sustainable population growth in the Town.
Tom Aylmer, spokesman for Thornock and Somerby Estates, said:
''This is a wonderful opportunity for Gainsborough, and we are still very keen to hear the community's views on our proposals. This will be beneficial to the Council so they can make a fully informed decision. It is a long process but we've completed the first major step. It is important to involve everyone so the new Southern Neighbourhood project is a complete success.''
The plans include extensive new infrastructure, required to support up to 2,500 new homes. The plans also include: a new neighbourhood centre and two local centres, shops, education (two primary schools), leisure (pubs, restaurants, cafes and more) and medical facilities, business and employment (offices, light industry) and a green transport plan.
New housing will cater for a range of local needs, with a special emphasis on family, first-time buyer and continuing care homes. There will also be considerable formal and informal open space and landscaping provided for sports fields, recreational parks, a lake and other green areas.
It is anticipated that inward investment in retail, office and employment land at the proposed site will provide many new jobs for the local community. Jobs will also be created for local construction firms and their supply chains. Drax Power, a local renewable energy company, recently submitted a planning application to develop a biomass pellet plant at Somerby Park, which is a positive sign that Gainsborough can and will attract big investors as part of its growth plans, even in these difficult economic times.
Thonock and Somerby Estates has taken seriously issues raised by the local community during the consultation period so far. All feedback respondents were sent an interim Summary of Consultation, which sets out the feedback received and the Estates’ response to it (a copy can be downloaded from the website).
Anyone wanting more information on the proposals can visit
www.gainsborough-sne.co.uk or call Local Dialogue on 01132 469 243.
ENDS
