BLOW TO RESIDENTS AS CLEETHORPES CEMETERY EXTENSION PROPOSAL GETS GO-AHEAD

A field much used for recreation will make way for a cemetery extension

THERE has been a setback for residents who have been protesting about a proposed extension to Cleethorpes cemetery.

It has emerged at the weekend that North East Lincolnshire Council has now granted itself permission for the controversial development of the field behind the Trinity sports centre for the purpose of accommodating graves and memorials.

The proposal did not go before the council's planning committee but was made under delegated powers by Lauren Birkwood, a case officer with Equans (formerly known as Engie).

In her report, she says: "The proposal would be in keeping with the existing and wider area, and the proposal will  not give rise to significant impacts in terms of residential amenity, flood risk, drainage or highways."

The decision will dismay the many residents of Penshurst Road and Sandringham Road who had voiced concern about loss of a well-used community open space, the prospective new outlook from their homes and potential devaluation of their properties.

 One wrote: "My partner and I  were very disappointed to receive notice of these plans, and we strongly object to them. 

"The fields are used all year round by many families, children and dog walkers. 

"If we  out onto the field at any time, we can guarantee seeing see children playing or just getting outdoors. 

"The playing field is incredibly important and taking this away would be devastating for the area. 

"If built, the cemetery would also directly abut our back garden and we are of course concerned that this could affect house values notwithstanding that certain future buyers would be put off purchasing a house that overlooks a cemetery. 

"The logical place for an extension to the cemetery would be the unused fields at the former Lindsey School."

It is understood that Sport England have also expressed misgiving about the loss of a playing field.

An access road will be built to serve those visiting the new graves, and the council's ecology officer, Rachel Graham, has urged an appropriate landscaping scheme, with plenty of trees and shrubs, to enhance the site and provide habitat for songbirds and other wildlife.

NELC has not said when work will start on the extension.

The Grimsby News says: "Here's hoping that the ecological officer's recommendation for planting of trees and shrubs will be adopted, but there should have been a much more definitive planning condition from the case officer to this effect. If the extension to the cemetery is screened by foliage, it could go part way to addressing the concerns of those residents whose homes overlook the site. However, it remains a matter of concern that an important  area for local youngsters to have a kickabout with a ball or enjoy other exercise will be lost.                                                            

Plan showing the field earmarked for the extension