PRESS RELEASE: 09.12.09
‘Convincing case’ for new Gainsborough neighbourhood.
The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) has welcomed Thonock and Somerby Estates’ plans, recently submitted to West Lindsey District Council, for a new neighbourhood in Gainsborough.
In a letter to West Lindsey District Council, CABE stated that the masterplanners behind the proposals, studio | REAL, had built a ‘convincing case’ for the development of the proposed site to the south of Foxby Lane.
CABE is an important statutory consultee on the new Gainsborough neighbourhood proposals and Thonock and Somerby Estates has welcomed the government adviser’s positive feedback. CABE praised the Estates’ commitment to ensuring that the development would be of the ‘highest quality’ through the local landowner’s intended ‘stewardship of the site over the long term’.
CABE has been encouraged by the Estates’ focus on integrating the new neighbourhood with the rest of the town and is urging the Estate to develop this work further. CABE also welcomed the thought given to using the natural features and landscape of the proposed site - such as woodland, watercourses and hedgerows - to help shape the masterplan layout.
Responding to the CABE Design Review Panel report, Tom Aylmer, spokesperson for Thonock and Somerby Estates, said:
“We are greatly encouraged by the positive report of the CABE Design Review Panel on our proposals for a new neighbourhood to the south of Foxby Lane in Gainsborough. CABE is an important stakeholder and we will take onboard the constructive comments it has provided. The consultation process is ongoing and we will be maintaining dialogue with CABE and other consultees. We also plan to stage further community consultation events for the Gainsborough public sometime in the New Year.”
CABE commended studio | REAL for its explanation of the complex masterplan, describing it as ‘amongst the best presented’ that it had seen.
The plans for the new neighbourhood incorporate extensive new infrastructure to support up to 2,500 new homes, including: 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.
Anyone wanting more information on Thonock and Somerby Estates’ proposals can visit
www.gainsborough-sne.co.uk or call the dedicated Consultation Hotline on 0800 319 6162.
