PROPOSED NEW FOOD STORE AND BAKERY FOR CLEETHORPES COULD CREATE 20 NEW JOBS

Majority of neighbours said to be supportive of redevelopment project 

A NEW food store and bakery could be coming to the outskirts  of Cleethorpes.

Operators of the Humberston Motors dealership at 223-225 Humberston Road  intend relocating which will free up the site for two new retail units - a convenience store, probably a Co-op, and a Couplands Bakery.

Between them, it is hoped they will provide 20 full-and part-time jobs.

Although at least one resident has objected to the proposal on the grounds of increased traffic and potential hazard to road-users, a door-to-door  survey revealed that the overwhelming majority (91 per cent) of the 220 consulted were either supportive or neutral.

In a comment submitted to NELC's planning department, one resident wrote: "We  are happy that the developer has taken particular care to ensure the building has been designed to be in keeping with its location.

"We have noticed care has been taken to introduce landscaping around the building that is designed to minimise the impact to the area and neighbours. 

"The introduction of a Co-op and Couplands will be of great benefit to myself as it will fill a gap within my shopping needs, and I am sure others will feel the same. 

"I look forward to being a regular customer of both of these retailers as the variety and extensive range offered is currently unavailable to me elsewhere locally. 

"I am also pleased that I will have the opportunity to support a business that has the ethos of a cooperative at its core and not the giant supermarkets. 

"This will undoubtedly change my shopping habits as my I do not currently have any alternatives to Tesco's in my vicinity. 

"Our family fully support the development and welcome the upcoming change."

The council's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, says he has no objection in principle to the project, but he has urged the planting of a hedgerow and at least one tree as landscape and habitat enhancement.

It was thought that breeding or roosting bats might be present on the site, but, based on an ecological survey,  this is not  the case.

However, an expert has made recommendations - such as a probition of fluorescent lighting - to minimise  impact on any bats that might forage in the vicinity.

The application is currently under consideration by senior NELC planning case officer Lauren Birkwood, but there will be no decision before the New Year.

It is not known if Humberston Motors have yet earmarked an alternative site for their business.