TREASURES OF YESTERYEAR COULD LIE BURIED UNDER SITE EARMARKED FOR NEW HOMES

The proposed layout of the development which threatens to change the rural character of this part of Humberston

                                                                        

ROMAN and prehistoric artefacts could be buried on a Humberston field controversially earmarked for a housing development.

A Leeds-based company, NYC Estates Ltd, is seeking to build 93 homes on the site off Church Lane, near the parish church.

But NELC's heritage officer, Louise Jennings, has issued a reminder of the potential archaeological sensitivity of the land.

In a report, she states: "This site is close to Humberston Abbey which is protected as a scheduled monument as well as numerous other designated assets. 

"Archaeologically, the proposed site is known to have formed part of the wider medieval settlement, having been recorded as containing part of an extensive field system. 

"Additionally, there are some findspots from the prehistoric and Roman periods, and these could indicate buried remains predating the medieval settlement of Humberston."

Before planners determine the planning application, Miss Jennings is calling for "at the minimum" a geophysical survey.

She continues: "Further information is required from the applicant in the form of an archaeological evaluation to be considered alongside the application. 

"This evaluation should provide the local planning authority with sufficient information to enable it to make a reasoned decision on this planning application."

The proposal has sparked numerous objections from nearby residents fearful of pressures on infrastructure and potential traffic congestion.

 But the applicant's agents, Johnson Mowat, also Leeds based, insist the project has many economic, social and environmental benefits including:

* Significant investment to the area in terms of construction value and associated spend during the construction period

* Direct and indirect job creation (57 direct full-time equivalent construction jobs and 77 indirect jobs

* Council tax revenue per annum (circa. £130,000 per annum in council tax receipts to NELC 

* New homes bonus payments to NELC

* Indirect spin- off jobs in services and other business from wage spending of construction workers and supplier sourcing and additional resident expenditure as a result of new homes in the town

* Creation of a new vibrant and visually attractive neighbourhood in a sustainable location

* Delivery of 20 per cent on-site affordable housing

* Provision of onsite green infrastructure to provide an attractive environment for footpath and cycle provision through the application site

* Hedge/ tree planting to break up hard lines of the buildings and to provide habitat creation - the  tree species being selected to maximise food and nectar sources for birds and invertebrates. 

The scheme also involves creation of a community car park which the consultants say will provide a  benefit, both to local residents and the Humberston CoE Primary School both by alleviating traffic congestion during the school drop-off and pick up and by providing a secure place for teachers and school staff to park their vehicles.

The consultants are insisting that the planning application "should be approved without delay".

    

Residents of Richardson Close fear the development could suburbanise the outlook from their homes