Group of Weelsby Wood's Travellers sent packing following joint initiative by NELC and police

                                                     

Weelsby Woods - Grimsby beauty spot where Travellers were made unwelcome  

TRAVELLERS have moved on from Weelsby Woods in Grimsby four days after setting up what North East Lincolnshire Council describes as having been  "a large unauthorised encampment".

They decided to move on following an initiative involving the council and Humberside police.

A clear-up team has today been on site to remove what NELC says was "a small amount of waste".

Barriers which the visitors damaged to gain access to the land have now been repaired.

In what is believed to be his first media release since becoming leader of the authority, Cllr Oliver Freeston  said: "This is a great piece of joint working with our local police force and a good outcome for the community. 

"It is also  a strong message that North East Lincolnshire is not the place for illegal encampments, and we have the arrangements in place to deal with these quickly."

Agreed Cllr James Sawkins, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, agreed: "We decided quickly what action would be reasonable and necessary to resolve this situation.

"Weelsby Woods is a lovely space, intended for public use, and we will continue to take any action necessary to protect the area."

It is not known where the Travellers had come from, nor their next port of call.

Shadow over future of Morrisons Daily convenience stores as company battles to reduce debt mountain

An uncertain future beckons for Morrisons Daily convenience stores such as this one near Cleethorpes country park. The Bradford-based supermarket chain, which has been owned since 2121 by private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, has recently revealed its intention to close some 100 such outlets across the UK as it struggles to  balance its books. At the end of the last financial year, its net debt is reported to have stood at £3.1-billion. 

It is discount supermarket chain Lidl that now calls the shots on Pleasure Island revamp project

Up to 272 holiday lodges are proposed

AGENTS for the proposed redevelopment of the former Pleasure Island theme park have confirmed that they are now taking their instructions from discount supermarket chain Lidl.

It is possible that some local property entrepreneurs have retained a stake, but the exact percentage of shareholdings is not known

With Lidl paying the the piper, it is fair to assume  that construction of a store will probably represent the first phase of the development, with arrival of the two hotels, 272 holiday lodges and other features further down the track.

The scheme still has not received planning consent from North East Lincolnshire Council, but determination of the application  could come this summer.

Following various discussions, Lidl's agents, Lichfields, seem confident senior NELC planner Cheryl Jarvis  will recommend approval to the planning committee.

In his latest missive on the subject, Lichfields planning director James Cox  says "85 per cent of the site will be  dedicated to leisure and recreational uses". 

He writes: "These will include indoor leisure facilities, food and drink outlets, play parks and cycle hire.

"These facilities are intended to serve both local residents and visitors, ensuring the site is accessible and inclusive. 

"The on-site lake will be open to fishing use which provides a leisure-related water sport activity. 

"The proposed retail uses support the overall viability of the development, particularly in serving the needs of holiday lodge users, and are ancillary in nature to the more extensive leisure offering."

The original concept - as outlined by property developer Sze Ming Yeung - was for Pleasure Island to resemble Centre Parcs, with plenty of leisure attractions, but this dream has long faded, all the more so since he was declared bankrupt in September last year.

      Ski slope

Continues Mr Cox: "Although alternative concepts such as an indoor ski slope or ice rink have been suggested, the submitted commercial evidence confirms that there is no operator demand for such uses in Cleethorpes. 

"The proposed scheme delivers a diverse and realistic range of leisure opportunities which both meets market requirements and will be sustainable over the long term. 

"The lodges are intended to provide a mix of accommodation tenures and will be subject to seasonal occupancy - from March 15 to October 31 - preventing permanent year-round residential use. 

"In addition, no provision is proposed for camping or mobile homes. 

"These measures will help ensure that the development does not place undue pressure on local services or infrastructure." 

Lichfields say the scheme has "the potential to generate approximately 475 full-time equivalent jobs,  alongside additional opportunities linked to the holiday accommodation." 

"Public realm areas will also provide space for community events and initiatives, while the proposed food and drink hall will support start-up businesses through flexible, temporary kitchen spaces." 

                                                     Casino

The scheme also introduces a hotel offer distinct from existing provision, incorporating features such as a conference facility and casino, thereby broadening the type and range of accommodation currently available within the resort. 

"Importantly, the leisure and recreational facilities will be open to all, not solely lodge occupants, further enhancing community value. 

The scheme will be delivered on a phased basis, with Lidl acting as lead developer and providing enabling works to facilitate comprehensive redevelopment. 

"This co-ordinated approach avoids piecemeal delivery and ensures the site is brought forward in a cohesive and viable manner. " 

For obvious reasons, both Tesco and Aldi are opposed to Lidl establishing a major foothold store in Cleethorpes, but Lichfields claim  the proposed development "would not give rise to any significant adverse impact" on trading activity in the area.

What about pressure on highways and access, for instance along Meridian Way?

Lichfield says  these issues have ben satisfactorily addressed and that the proposed arrangements are "acceptable and would not result in any severe impacts on the local highway network". 

The agent notes that "compared with  the former theme park use, the proposed development is expected to generate lower visitor numbers overall, particularly as the holiday accommodation will operate on a seasonal basis". 

What about the loss of  hundreds of mature trees and shrubs which give the site its current parkland character?

Lichfields say: "New and existing tree and hedgerow planting along Kings Road will help soften the visual impact of the development and support ecological connectivity. 

"The proposed landscaping scheme will compensate for the loss of existing vegetation on site, whilst also providing new habitats for local wildlife."

 Lichfields acknowledges neighbours' concerns about the potential impact of the proposed development on their residential amenity, particularly in relation to noise and privacy. 

However, the firm says these concerns "should be considered in the context of the site’s former theme park use and designation within a resort area where uses - of the nature proposed - are actively encouraged".  

It says: "The proposed hotel and holiday lodges are set back approximately 100m from the nearest residential properties ensuring that an appropriate buffer is maintained and the amenity of nearby residents is respected. 

"The proposal is supported by a comprehensive lighting scheme designed to prevent unacceptable levels of light spill into neighbouring areas."

Mr Cox concludes: "Overall, the development would enhance the range of retail, leisure and hotel provision available to residents and visitors."

Charges may be introduced at leafy seafront car park long popular with residents and holidaymakers

                                                          

The current signage at the seaside car park

CHARGES could be introduced at a popular seafront car park.

It has emerged that holiday company Haven Leisure is intent on installing two pay machines, six bollards, a 2.1-metre height restriction barrier, a camera and associated signage at the site to the north of Anthony's Bank in Humberston.

The application has been submitted on behalf of Haven by Lichfields - the same agents that Lidl are using to progress their proposal to redevelop the former Pleasure Island theme park.

Says Naomi Parker of Lichfields: "The scheme has been proposed in response to ongoing issues associated with anti-social behaviour, unauthorised overnight parking, long term parking and the use of the area by camper vans for informal encampment."

The proposal will not go down well with residents and visitors who have long been used to parking free - up to 63 cars at a time - on the 0.68-hectare tree-bordered site.

However, before the project proceeds, both planning and advertisement display consent must be secured from North East Lincolnshire Council.

In her note to NELC planners, Ms Parker adds: "We ask that the proposal is positively determined."

Lichfields has paid the application fees to NELC - £309 for planning and £610 for advertisement consent. 

It has not yet been revealed what the scale of parking charges might be.

                                         

Entrance to the car park where charges are being sought

New leader of council poised to scupper proposed pedestrianisation of Cleethorpes Market Place

                                                     

Under threat - artist's impression of how proposed pedestrianisation might look on a summer's day  

THE plug may be pulled on the £4.5-million project to part-pedestrianise Cleethorpes Market Place.

The new leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Oliver Freeston (Reform UK, Croft Baker), believes proposed restrictions on access and parking could suck the trading vitality out of this important part of town.

"Why fix something that doesn't need fixing?" he demands. "I'm all in favour of investment and improvements but not to the detriment of businesses." 

Now Cllr Freeston, who was elected  NELC leader yesterday evening, has asked officers to investigate whether it is permissible for the £4.5-million - monies allocated out of Whitehall's Levelling-up Fund - to be redirected elsewhere in the borough.

He also wants clarification on whether breach-of-contract compensation might need to be paid  to C..R Reynolds which has already closed off the market place ahead of works.

Cllr Freeston says he will consider calling an emergency meeting of his cabinet to discuss the way forward.                                   

Above and below: closed off - but work has not yet begun on revamping market place

You were dumped! New Reform UK leader of council puts boot in as Tories fail to cling on to power

                                                                     

Grimsby Town Hall where members of North East Lincolnshire Council this evening voted in favour of a change of leadership

THE Reform UK  leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Oliver Freeston, has pledged a "bright new future" for the borough and its residents.

And, at this evening's meeting of the authority, he said he was willing to work with minority political parties.

By voting for Cllr Freeston to take the helm,  members called time on previous leader Cllr Philip Jackson and his Conservative administration.

The vote in favour of Cllr Freeston was 17, with 9 in favour of continuing with Cllr Jackson and 13 abstentions.

It is believed the Labour and Lib-Dem Group members abstained, so Cllr Freeston was helped over the line by the support of the four-strong Independent Group.

Acknowledging that Reform UK does not have enough members for overall control, Cllr Freeston, who has been on the council for eight years, said he would be willing to listen to ideas from those of other political persuasion and to compromise if felt appropriate.

But he was scathing in his criticism of the previous Conservative administration, accusing it of "arrogance" and of allowing projects - some of them unpopular - to run over time and above budget.    

When his claims were challenged by Conservatives Cllr Ian Lindley and Cllr Stan Shreeve, Cllr Freeston shot back: "You still don't get it.

"You were rejected by residents - you were dumped!"

It was an uncomfortable debate for Cllr Jackson who looked increasingly forlorn as it dawned on him that his leadership was drawing to a close.

But he had a dark message for Cllr Freeston who formerly sat as a Conservative for six years.

"I know where the bodies are buried," he warned.

Cllr Lindley argued that by voting for a Reform UK administration, the council was taking an "almighty risk".

He continued: "Ten of their members have never served on the council, and, of the four who have, none has ever held a cabinet position.

"The stability will be gone, and there will be a chaos of inexperience."

The new leader insisted  that what his colleagues lacked in political know-how they made up for  in experience in fields such as business and health.  

The new cabinet:

* Oliver Freeston: leader and portfolio holder for strategic renewal

* Samuel Grice: deputy leader and portfolio holder for children and education

* Nige Oliver: portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care

* Samuel Taylor: portfolio holder for finance, resources and assets

* Bob Callison: portfolio holder for the environment and energy security

* Paul Batson: portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport

* James Sawkins: portfolio holder for stronger and safer communities

* Tanya Brasted:  portfolio holder for arts, heritage and the visitor economy

Council will need assurances before it gives green light for conversion of house to children's care home

 

A FIRM that wants to change the use of a house in Grimsby to a care home for  children will have to submit a planning application to North East Lincolnshire as an essential step in the project.

Our Avenue Ltd has earmarked a property in James Street, Grimsby, for establishing a care home for up to two young persons aged seven to 17.

It had hoped that NELC would grant a Certificate of Lawfulness which would have fast-tracked the venture.

However, this application has been turned down by the council.

Says a report:  "Given the site and urban context it is considered that the proposed development constitutes a material change of use. 

"This is because the two uses will be materially different.

"Firstly, in respect of the issue of safety and wellbeing of the children proposed to occupy the property, it is considered that one of the key issues of materiality pertains to the consideration of the safety of the children themselves.

"Secondly, the impact of the use on the character amenity of the local area including increased traffic movements and comings and goings due to staff, professional and personal movements; the suitability of the location of the children's home and the impact of the children's home on community cohesion and the actual or perceived safety of the community."

In order to proceed with the scheme, Our Avenue Ltd will - via a  planning application - need to provide assurances on what is proposed.