DOUBTS OVER PROPOSED NEW WETLAND RESERVE ON OUTSKIRTS OF GRIMSBY

Shoveler - a species that might be attracted to
  the proposed reserve

 
THERE has been a setback to ambitious plans for a dedicated Special Protection Area to be created for wader and wildfowl  on the outskirts of Grimsby.

National Grid has submitted  a holding objection to the Cress Marsh project because the proposed wetland is crossed by  both an underground  high-pressure gas pipeline and a high-voltage transmission overhead line.

This has created a potential hazard, particularly during all-important preliminary earthworks to  the application site which is adjacent to  Poplar Farm off South Marsh Road in Stallingborough.

The scheme has also been jeopardised by concerns expressed by neighbours that their property or land might be adversely affected by flooding  or drainage issues. One of the objectors is the agent for  Sir Richard Sutton Ltd, a company whose substantial interests are understood to include not just adjacent  land but also part of the  site proposed for the reserve (which would also accommodate a hide for birds to be watched and recorded).

These glitches are not insurmountable, but they are likely both to delay the project and to add to its cost.

On the plus side, there has been no objection from Humberside Airport which is located at Kirmington.

The site falls just within its 13km airport “bird zone", and its aerodrome safeguarding officer  has requested to be consulted on wildlife-monitoring processes to reduce the  birdstrike risk.

The applicants, North East Lincolnshire Council, are particularly anxious that the wetland scheme should progress because it represents the  wildlife mitigation required for proposed development of the wider area for industry.

More discussions will be held between NELC planners and objectors.