Decision imminent on Pleasure Island project - and it's looking good for revamp consortium

                                    

The buildings at Pleasure Island (and most of the trees) will be removed to make way for the proposed  redevelopment

A DECISION is imminent on the longstanding proposal to redevelop Pleasure Island.

The Grimsby News understands that North East Lincolnshire Council is poised to give the go-ahead for the controversial project.

It is possible that senior planner Cheryl Jarvis may rubber-stamp the scheme under delegated powers without the faff of consideration by councillors.

the application will go before the authority's planning committee - with a recommendation for approval - on July 8.

But it seems more likely that the application will go before the authority's planning committee - with a recommendation for approval - next Wednesday, July 8.

It was back in 2020 that property tycoon Sze Ming Yeung announced his intention to transform the former theme park to what he reckoned could be Lincolnshire's equivalent to Center Parcs.

Since then, a lot of water has flown under the bridge - the plans have been  radically modified, much of Mr Yeungs' property development aspirations have drowned in an ocean of debt . . . and the on-site Japanese knotweed has continued to run riot.

Starved of investment for a revamp, Pleasure Island could have faced decades of dereliction - that is until a deep-pocketed fairy godmother came forward in the unlikely form of discount supermarket chain Lidl which is main player in  a consortium.

The retailer has been working with James Cox in the Leeds office of the agents, Lichfields, to come up with a scheme that they believe will not just be commercially viable but also acceptable to the NELC planning hierarchy.

Although there has been extensive community support for the redevelopment, there have also been many objections.

Some have been lodged by residents but others came from  heavyweight organisations such as the Environment Agency, concerned about flood risk, and Natural England which has expressed alarm about the potential  impact of a huge influx of visitors on a fragile eco-system - in particular  on the welfare of declining shorebirds such as Curlew and Dunlin.

After extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations, most of the points of contention seem to have been resolved, even if with some degree of nervousness.

At least from statutory consultees, there are not thought to be any continuing objections, paving the way for the NELC planning green light.

However, consent will come with many restrictions - for instance, seasonal-only occupancy of the caravans  and a (possibly unenforceable) 'no dogs' policy.

Assuming consent is granted, the redevelopment (which includes two hotels and 272 holiday cabins) will most likely be carried out in phases over several years, starting with the construction of a Lidl store and car park.

The former theme park is in Cleethorpes' Haverstoe ward.

It is not known what name will be chosen for the redeveloped site, but it seems unlikely that 'Pleasure Island' will be retained.

NELC trees officer confident Pleasure Island scheme has potential to improve site's 'visual amenity'

Doomed - most of the trees within Pleasure Island are earmarked for the chop

THERE has been a boost for the consortium seeking to redevelop the former Pleasure Island theme park in Cleethorpes.

North East Lincolnshire Council's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, has expressed optimism for  the project because he is confident new planting will compensate for the loss of many mature trees.

There is a good chance, too, that many of the trees along the King's Road frontage of the site will be retained. 

Says he: "The broad principles  behind the site wide landscape scheme are acceptable.

"In the context of of Cleethorpes being a holiday destination, the landscaping proposal site with its linear park have the potential greatly to improve the visual amenity of the area and the wider resort."

What about the fate of the existing trees, many of longstanding heritage?

The officer seems relaxed about their removal.

"The initial level of site clearance is recognised and has been considered," he comments.

                                        

                                               

Council pledges to work with property's owners to secure 'bright future' for 4.4-acre site of former YMCA

                                                                                            

Likely to be demolished - the former YMCA building off Peaks Lane

DEMOLITION is on the cards for the long-empty  former YMCA building off Peaks Lane in Grimsby.

The building has been empty since the YMCAs moved to Freeman Street in 202.

The 4.4-acre site was subsequently bought but an  unidentified  property developer - thought to be Durham-based - for an undisclosed sum.

The Home Office is thought to have considered acquiring the site as accommodation for asylum-seekers, but it did not pursue its interest. 

There was also a proposal for its conversion to an 80-bedroom care home. 

In recent times, there has been increasing vandalism and arson attacks to the main concrete-constructed block, the  sports hall and a WC block.

In the wake of safety concerns, North East Lincolnshire Council has become involved, resulting in 24-hour security and new fencing.

Meanwhile,  a structural engineer’s report states: "In the professional opinion of the engineer, the safest and most appropriate course is controlled demolition of the entire building complex."

In an update today, the council says: "We have followed the legal process as quickly as possible, with the owner taking responsibility – organising for increased security as they take the necessary action and surveys to ensure safe demolition.

"This includes round-the-clock manned security and the new fencing. 

"Humberside police has also been informed, and trespassers are being warned of action if they seek to enter the buildings.

"Once demolition and clearance are complete, it is hoped a bright new future can be found for the site and again the council will support the owner  to progress suitable options.

NELC's portfolio for safer and stronger communities, Cllr James Sawkins, comments: "It is clear this building has been a target for all kinds of anti-social behaviour, and this has been a real concern for people and organisations nearby, for the emergency services and for the council. 

"I am pleased to say the owner is fully on board with what needs to be done to prevent the risk of a really serious incident here.

"We can now move forward and, of course, will support the owner in any way we are able to look for a bright future for this site."

What future the many  other derelict buildings in and around Grimsby?

Council leader Cllr Oliver Freeston, responds: "This is just one of many buildings we are looking into.

"We want owners to be held responsible for their upkeep, but w will also seek to work with them to identify issues and explore solutions."

Nature, including several butterflies species, has found a home in the overgrown grounds

Spruce-up of formerly neglected parcel of land in Grimsby to be celebrated with 'a bit of a do'

     

Work has now been completed on improving this  triangular patch of ground between New Cartergate and Frederick Ward Way in Grimsby. The works have included the installation of ground-level maze, new seating, improved lighting, CCTV, plus upgraded footpaths and low-level planting of a sort North East Lincolnshire Council says will be easy for it to maintain. An event to mark the completion is due to be  be held between 2pm and 4pm tomorrow June 26.

Spare a thought for the toads! Ecologists warn Pleasure Island project could put amphibians at risk

                                            

OS Ecology has included this photograph of the Pleasure Island lake in its comprehensive report 

A WARNING has been sounded that amphibians could be put in jeopardy by proposed redevelopment of the former Pleasure Island theme park in Cleethorpes.

The firm, OS Ecology, was commissioned by redevelopment consortium partner Lidl to investigate  the park's expansive lake for the possible presence of Great Crested Newts.

The survey, carried out on Tuesday of last week, found none.

However, the firm notes that its research in previous years have thrown up records of  Common Toad, Common Frog and Smooth Newt.

The toad is of special significance because it is classified by Natural England as a "priority species" in the wake of its decline in recent years.

Says OS Ecology'sreport: "The likely impact, without appropriate avoidance measures mitigation and/or a compensation scheme, is risk of harm to amphibians, including the national priority species common toad, during site clearance and construction works."

Although  the firm was not briefed to survey the birds, fish and plants living in the 140-metre x 30-metre lake, it notes: "The waterbody is fringed by common reed and great willowherb. 

"The water quality appears to be good. The lake supports coarse fish and large numbers of waterfowl."

The likelihood, of course, is many of the amphibians are falling victim, very early in their lives, to the fish and the birds.

What should be done to allow development to proceed without eliminating the wildlife?

OS Ecology proposes the following:

• Retention and enhancement of sections of the lake on site for biodiversity, if possible. 

• Retention of areas of suitable terrestrial habitats for amphibians within the development if possible.   

• If retained, measures should be undertaken to protect sections of the lake from increased disturbance following the development. 

• No surface water drainage to be allowed to flow into the lake on site. 

• Appropriate pollution prevention controls to be implemented during the works on site. 

It also calls for the landscaping scheme for the site to include areas of scrub and grassland.

                                   

The Common Toad is no longer common - safeguarding their habitats is deemed vital by ecologists if they are to survive

Appeal to all residents! Be kind to bin-emptying crews as they swelter during heatwave

 

HOUSEHOLDERS are being asked to put out their bins an hour earlier to help prevent crews from working in high temperatures.

From tomorrow, Wednesday 24 June, crews will be out collecting  bins from 6am to ensure they are kept as safe as possible during the expected hot weather period.

Extreme hot weather is expected across North East Lincolnshire this week, with official warnings now escalated to Amber and possibly Red.

Crews carry out physically demanding work and provide a vital service to residents.  

An earlier start reduces their exposure to heat and ensures that collections can continue safely. 

This earlier collection time will continue until further notice whilst the hot weather continues.

NELC is  also asking residents to to keep an eye out for the welfare of  refuse collectors  by providing them with water or filling their water bottles when appropriate.

Says portfolio holder for environmental services Cllr Bob Callison (Reform UK, Sidney Sussex): "We hope residents understand the need to bring bin collection times forward an hour.

"We will do our upmost to ensure that services are not affected and to ensure the health and safety of our staff, this is the most logical decision."

He continues: “I would ask that, if you can, you refill crews’ water bottles and give them cold water where you can.

"They all do an amazing job which is essential for keeping the borough going - I thank them for their efforts during this hot weather."

Extra lighting and CCTV security cameras expected to enhance safety at home of Cleethorpes Town FC

                                                        

Additional lighting and CCTV are in prospect for the Linden Club at the junction of Clee Road and Weelsby Road subject to planning consent from North East Lincolnshire Council. Say the club's agents: "This measure will increase safety of the site. Especially when night matches are held,  the surrounding areas of the changing rooms and entrances become poor in visibility. Supporters, playing and non-playing staff will benefit from this application increasing surveillance of the area."