Council leader insists protection of Nature can go "hand-in-hand" with economic growth

NELC hopes that wetlands birds such as curlews, godwits and ruff can be by safeguarded by creation of mitigation sites such as this one at Novartis Ings in Grimsby 

THE Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council has issued an assurance that Nature will be safeguarded under the authority's current Conservative administration.

Some wildlife organisations - notably the RSPB and the wildlife trusts - have expressed alarm that Government proposals to create 'investment zones' could displace birds and other creatures.

This has prompted Cllr Philip Jackson to issue the following statement: "As an authority, we are keenly aware both of our unique location along the protected Humber Estuary and of the environmental considerations of any project we bring forward. 

"Our proposed IZ designations will build on the principle of mitigation ahead of development, ensuring economic growth and nature protection continue to go hand-in-hand in North East Lincolnshire."

Where are NELC's proposed IZs?

The authority has identified eight sites and scheme that it would like to be fast-tracked by Whitehall for industrial projects and housing.

* Pioneer Investment Zone: To include Pioneer Business Park and the development of the CATCH site.

* Immingham Investment Zone: To include industrial redevelopment sites earmarked for energy production, including a green hydrogen facility.

* South Humber Investment Zone: This includes the business area and infrastructure along the South Humber Bank - the Humber Gateway.

* Moody Lane Investment Zone: To include the area known as the Future Grimsby Site.

* Europarc: The area includes part of Europarc Phase 3 and Europarc Phase 4.

* Grimsby Port Investment Zone: A mix of heritage and commercial opportunities.

* Grimsby Town Centre Investment Zone: This covers the town centre redevelopment area around Freshney Place, and the proposed waterfront Alexandra Dock/Garth Lane housing site.

* Western Investment Zone: The housing site on the former Western School.

Continues Cllr Philip Jackson: "After much analysis, these eight clearly stood out as schemes that were most advanced and have the potential to deliver results over the next 12 to 24 months. 

"If we are successful, then we have a real opportunity to effect change within Grimsby’s urban area, along with some big and important industrial projects along our Humber Bank."

                                   

The lapwing - also known as 'pyewipe' - is thought to have been lost to North East Lincolnshire as a breeding species though some visitors from northern Europe spend winter here