VILLAGERS DISMAYED AS WILDLIFE-RICH MEADOW IS EARMARKED FOR DEVELOPMENT

A longstanding hedgerow and mature trees are features of the site boundary

ANOTHER green and leafy corner of Humberston could soon make way for bricks and mortar.

A meadow off South View, which is off  North Sea Lane, has been earmarked for a development consisting of 14 homes - a mixture of houses and bungalows.

The project is likely to get the go-ahead because it is a joint venture between North East Lincolnshire Council and Engie - the same two organisations which make the decisions on planning proposals. 

The application describes the site thus: "It is located on  the south side of South View and is currently vacant grassland with two public footpaths running through the site. 

"The northern boundary of the site directly borders South View, currently a residential cul-de-sac, which will become the vehicular point of entry for the new development. 

"The eastern boundary is formed by the rear garden to a residential property and further privately owned land which is currently overgrown. 

"The western boundary faces onto Clarendon Hall Retirement Home gardens and the south of the site is bounded by a residential garden."

The proposal has dismayed many residents - partly because development will chip further away at Humberston's fast-eroding rural heritage and partly because it will lead to the loss of butterflies, songbirds and other wildlife.

There are also serious concerns about the narrowness of the proposed access route and the adequacy of the local drains.

On the plus side, the plans indicate that many of the trees, if not the hedgerows, will be retained.

What is the view of the parish council?

It is stated thus by its clerk, Kathy Peers: "If the local authority, which the parish council understands is the owner of the land, wishes to dispose of this parcel of land, perhaps it would consider donating it to the people of Humberston who could then use it as a public space/wildlife area for local people to enjoy. 

"The parish council is aware that NELC has met its housing target provision and, bearing in mind the number of new homes coming on stream in Humberston over the next five to ten years, it feels that any more housing allowed in the village would result in a dramatic change to the overall character of Humberston village.

"The application should, therefore, be refused." 

It is not yet known if the application will be determined under delegated powers by experienced Engie case officer, Lauren Birkwood, or if it will go before North East Lincolnshire councillors at a planning committee meeting in the New Year.    

Layout of the proposed development