Planners turn down scheme for 225 new homes in Humberston over concerns for plight of birdlife

 

Curlews - this priority species overwinters in grassland and on mudflats

A PROPOSAL to build a huge housing estate in Humberston has been turned down.

Well-regarded developer Cyden Homes sought consent to build 225 dwellings on pastureland off Midfield Road and Andrew Road, but the application has been turned down by North East Lincolnshire Council.

There had been numerous objections from villagers, but what seems to have been the key factor is the likely impact on birdlife - specifically curlews.

The land is understood to be an important winter habitat for the species which is in global decline. Most of the Humberston birds are thought to have migrated from Finland. 

It is not known if Cyden Homes will appeal against the decision.

Everything you need to shake, rattle and roll - except the pair of blue suede shoes

                                                        

CAN anyone remember  Clive Reed menswear of Freeman Street, Grimsby?

Back in the 1960s (and maybe the 1950s), it was a target destination for dedicated male followers of fashion.

Not much of its apparel is likely to have survived so there is likely to be lively interest in Lot 352 when it goes under the hammer at John Taylors auction house in Louth on Tuesday September 5, 

This is a teddy boy suit with a jacket size of approximately 44in and adjustable waist trousers.

The pre-sale estimate is that the hammer will fall at between £100 and £150. 

Are flea-eradication products for dogs killing off wildlife in Cleethorpes country park lake?

Having a splashing good time - but flea treatment on dogs could be noxious to wildlife 

A SEEMINGLY charming and innocent pursuit could be having a hidden, but devastating, impact on wildlife in Cleethorpes.

Scores of dog-owners love nothing more than to watch their pets romping in a specially-designated dog-bathing area in the lake at the country park.

But the coats of many of these animals will have been treated by a powerful  product formulated to eradicate fleas, ticks and other tiny creatures.

Research identifies one product as so powerful that, if used in gardens or on fields, one month's treatment for a dog could kill as many as 10 million bees.

Even if heavily diluted in the waters of in the country park lake, the impact on waterborne insects may be lethal, with knock-on effects on creatures higher up the food chain such as fish and fish-eating ducks and grebes.

One of the most frequently used components in flea treatments is Imidacloprid - a neonicotinoid now banned on crops within the EU  for its adverse impact on bees and butterflies.

Another component of pet flea-killer is Moxidectin - described by flea-killing manufacturers in their own literature as "very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects".

This sign - since removed - used to promote the lake as a bathing place for dogs

                                                   

The message is completely different at the Fitties pool on the edge of RSPB Tetney Marshes 

Couple hoping council planners will give green light for chalet project on vacant Humberston Fitties plot

 

Rotherham couple keen to build chalet at Plot 176

A VACANT plot at Humberston Fitties could soon have a new chalet.

Rotherham couple Mr and Mrs D. Stoker are hoping North East Lincolnshire planners will rubber-stamp their developments proposals for Plot 176 which would also incorporate parking and "boundary treatments".

Whether the latter would result in loss of a handsome tree is not clear.

It is understood there used to be a chalet on the site at least until the early 1990s, but it fell into disrepair and was cleared for safety reasons.

Having paid £2.15-million to secure a 125-year lease on the chalet park from North East Lincolnshire Council in 2017, owners Tingdene are keen to see chalets built on this and 10 other vacant plots in order to maximise returns from their investment.

Before determining the application, NELC planners are awaiting comments from interested parties including the Environment Agency which may have something to say about potential flood risk, especially from the sea.

It is hoped that the mature tree might be retained 

Now Network Rail is getting ‘jumpy’ over proposed indoor salmon farm near Cleethorpes station

                                               

Network Rail is seeking infrastructure assurances on salmon 'farm' project

NETWORK Rail is the latest organisation to flash the amber light on a proposed indoor salmon ‘farm’ that could be built on land near Cleethorpes railway station.

Bosses are particularly fearful that vibrations from the construction process could compromise the stability of the track.

Another consideration is that there may be certain restrictive covenants on the land which is off Salvesen Road.

Network Rail has not formally objected to the scheme but it has fired a warning shot across the bows of the project.

In a submission to North East Lincolnshire planners, it states:   

"It is possible that the site in question may have previously been railway-owned land. 

"It is incumbent upon the applicant to investigate all the covenants and understand any restrictions relating to the site which may take precedence over planning conditions."

It continues: "Due to the proximity of the proposed development to the operational railway boundary, it will be imperative that the developer liaise with our Asset Protection Team prior to any work taking place on site.

"This is to ensure that the development can be undertaken safely and without impact to operational railway safety. 

"Details to be discussed and agreed will include construction methodology, earthworks and excavations, use of crane, plant and machinery, drainage and boundary treatments. 

"It may be necessary for the developer to enter into a Basic Asset Protection Agreement with Network Rail to ensure the safety of the operational railway during these works.

"It is further imperative that drainage associated with the site does not impact on or cause damage to adjacent railway assets. 

"Surface water must flow away from the railway.

"There must be no ponding of water adjacent to the boundary and any attenuation scheme within 30m of the railway boundary must be approved by Network Rail in advance. 

"There must be no connection to existing railway drainage assets without prior agreement with Network Rail. 

The letter continues: "It is imperative that planting and landscaping schemes near the railway boundary do not impact on operational railway safety. 

"Where trees and shrubs are to be planted adjacent to boundary, they should be position at a minimum distance greater than their height at maturity from the boundary. 

"Certain broad leaf deciduous species should not be planted adjacent to the railway boundary. 

"Any hedge planted adjacent to the railway boundary fencing for screening purposes should be placed so that when fully grown it does not damage the fencing, provide a means of scaling it or prevent Network Rail from maintaining it."

Network Rail even goes as far as to state which tree species are acceptable and which not so. 

Acceptable:

Birch, Crab Apple, Field Maple, Bird Cherry, Wild Pear, Firs and Pines, Hawthorn, Mountain Ash, Whitebeam, False Acacia, Willow Shrubs.

Not Acceptable:

Acer, Aspen, Poplar, Small-leaved Lime, Sycamore, Norway Maple, Horse Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut, Ash, Black poplar, Lombardy Poplar, Large-leaved lime, Common lime.

Network Rail has further issued a lighting alert less there might be risk of train drivers being dazzled.

"Where lighting is to be erected adjacent to the operational railway, the potential for train drivers to be dazzled must be eliminated. 

"In addition, the location and colour of lights must not give rise to the potential for confusion with the signalling arrangements on the railway."

The letter to planners concludes: "Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed scheme. 

"We trust that the above will be given due consideration in determining the application."

                                          

Might train drivers be dazzled by salmon 'farm' lighting?

There proved to be light at the end of the tunnel for former Tertia Trust site in Humberston

Plenty of open space and well-wooded - the former Tertia Trust site

                                                

A WELCOME new chapter has opened for a plot of land  that was once  home to the Tertia Trust.

The site, off South Sea Lane, Humberston, has been cleared of much vandalised buildings and replaced with a carefully-landscaped extension to Thorpe Park holiday village.

As many mature trees as possible have been retained, and there has been significant new planting.

In addition, a newly-created wildlife pond is attracting dragonflies and other wildlife.

In former times, the Tertia Trust, a charity, provided caravan holidays for disadvantaged children.

After it ran into  hard times, the management was ousted by  triumvirate made  up of Chris Shaw, who was leader of North East Lincolnshire Council at the time, plus deputy leader Mick Burnett, who has sadly since died, and the then mayor, Alex Baxter.

Their proposal, for which they secured a £65,000 grant from NELC, was to repurpose the site as a holiday camp for recuperating military personnel who had been injured in battle.

However, the project never went ahead, and it was not long before  the vandals moved in, devastating the infrastructure of the site which included  caravans, a warden's bungalow, a gym and a refectory. 

Enough was eventually enough for landowners Bourne Leisure who, with the apparent agreement of the three councillors, took back the lease.

Through its subsidiary, Haven Leisure, the site has been completely revamped and is once again providing holidays in a tranquil semi-rural setting. 

* Below are pictures of the site in its darkest hour:

Below are pictures of the site as it is now:

'Ello, 'ello, 'ello! Site of former Cleethorpes police station earmarked for 21 new homes

Former police station could be converted to apartments

                                                                            

A SCHEME has been unveiled for land occupied by the old police station on Princes Road, Cleethorpes, to be redeveloped as homes.

If approved by North East Lincolnshire planners, the main building, which dates back to 1932, will be converted to 10 apartments.

Meanwhile, the adjacent  modern extension will de demolished to make way for 11 semi-detached and link  houses.

The applicants are Land Developers (Lincs) Ltd - the consortium of local builders which demolished the former Thrunscoe adult education centre and redeveloped the site with houses.

Pending the proposal being determined, neighbours are being given the opportunity to express their comments. 

Such talented artists! Latest exhibition in Cleethorpes Library is definitely well worth a visit

 

Impressive local scenes painted by Keith Marsh (above) and Eve Smith (below) are among the exhibits at the latest art show being staged in Cleethorpes Library. It is well worth a visit before the exhibition closes on September 30.  

Could derelict but historically important Grimsby ice factory be transformed into conference centre?

 

Hope springs eternal! Could a new chapter open for derelict heritage building?

COULD the derelict ice factory on Grimsby Docks be refurbished and converted to a conference centre?

This has emerged as a possibility for the Grade II Listed heritage building which has been in a sorry state for many decades.

However, such a project would hinge on successful construction and operation on adjacent land of a proposed  161-bedroom hotel - to be known as The Grimsby Kasbah Hotel - for which a planning application has just been submitted by London-based developers KH 1900 Ltd.

The entrepreneur driving the initiative is understood to be Tom Shutes who was formerly part of the consortium that sought to by Grimsby Town FC from John Fenty.  

The hotel scheme is  currently being considered by North East Lincolnshire Council planners.

* Below are early indications of how the developed site might look based on illustration submitted to the council by Jon Lowe Heritage.

Controversy continues to simmer over plans for indoor salmon-breeding 'farm' in Cleethorpes

Precious biodiversity is feared at risk from indoor salmon 'farm' project

THE ecology officer at North East Lincolnshire Council has fired a warning shot across the bows of a firm that wants to build an indoor salmon-breeding farm on the edge of Cleethorpes.

The former railway sidings adjacent to the Humber Bank  wall are home to over-wintering pipits and finches and countless wildflowers, some of them quite rare, plus reptiles and amphibians

In the past, the unusual scrubby industrial habitat has also attracted black redstart, snow bunting, red-backed shrike and bluethroat.

The salmon farm project has already prompted objections from many nearby residents, from the Environment Agency, from the  Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and from the Surrey-based organisation, Compassion in World Farming.

Now Rachel Graham, the ecology officer at North East Lincolnshire Council, has joined in the fray, pointing our that the land is classed as a Local Wildlife Site and thus of environmental significance.

In the event  of the project going ahead, Ms Graham is insistent that the would-be developers must find and fund another plot of land to provide adequate mitigation. However, she has not closed her mind on the proposal and says she would welcome discussions with interested parties.

Since the start of last week, letters of support have also been submitted by Seafood Grimsby and Humber, Humber and Marine Renewables, Grimsby Fish Market and two companies, Pelagia and Blackrow Engineering.

They are taking the view that an indoor salmon farm would create jobs and boost the economy.

A further observation is that most salmon is currently imported from Norway where there is pressure on supplies because of growing demand from countries in the Far East. A new UK source would therefore be beneficial

The application, submitted by ASL New Clee Ltd, remains under consideration pending further representations both for and against the scheme.

 

Jobs v Nature. The project would create jobs, but unusual birds and wildflowers would be lost  

                                      

CCTV cameras to be installed outside three more schools in bid to end selfish (and dangerous) parking

                                              

Cllr Shepherd: 'Dangerous parking outside schools has to stop'

THREE more schools across North East Lincolnshire are set to host CCTV cameras outside their premises following the continued success of a scheme aimed at tackling illegal stopping and dangerous parking.

They are:

* Stanford Junior & Infants School in Laceby

* Scartho Infants School

* Waltham Leas Primary Academy

All are set to have CCTV cameras installed near the school gates to monitor parking and stopping during peak times.

Cameras were previously rolled out to Signhills Academy in Cleethorpes in September last year, with further cameras being installed outside Old Clee Primary School in Grimsby. 

Since then, two more schools have received cameras - Queen Mary Infant and Nursery School in Cleethorpes and Welhome Academy in Grimsby.

The cameras detect parking contraventions on the keep-clear markings that have been painted on the carriageway to deter dangerous parking and thereby reduce accidents.

For the first two-weeks after the cameras are installed, those stopping illegally will receive a warning letter.

Thereafter, drivers caught stopping on the yellow zig zag lines will receive a £70 Penalty Charge Notice in the post, discounted to £35 if paid within 14 days.

Says Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities in North East Lincolnshire: "These are long-overdue measures and should help to tackle some of the issues we experience in these areas. 

"In Waltham and Scartho in particular, I know that there are major issues with cars stopping illegally and parking dangerously in the vicinity of the schools, blocking other vehicles and making the area unsafe for children walking to and from school.

"We have seen some encouraging results at the other sites, so I’m hoping that we’ll see similar here. I want to work with schools and parents to make the spaces outside our schools safe for children.

"The solution, quite simply, is to either allow your child to walk to and from school if that’s appropriate, or to find a suitable parking space when dropping off your child.

"Instead, what we’re seeing quite a lot outside our schools is parents stopping the car right outside the gates, in areas that aren’t suitable for parking, and parents getting out and walking their child to the gates, temporarily abandoning their vehicles. 

"It has to stop and I’m optimistic that this is the solution."

"The cameras will be installed ahead of the start of the new school term next month."

Life on the ocean wave - aboard a paddleboard off Cleethorpes Leisure Centre

What better view of Cleethorpes seafront and Grimsby dock tower! This paddleboarder has the right idea as she glides through the saltmarsh early this morning.

 

Signage at RSPB's Tetney Marshes reserve leaves a fair bit to be desired says council report

 

The RSPB's antiquated signage at its Tetney Marshes reserve needs to be removed says council

 

DOG-management signage at the RSPB's Tetney Marshes reserve  has come under fire from North East Lincolnshire Council.

Says a report to councillors: "The dog management signage lacks consistency of style, message and presentation to maximise efficacy.  

"The only  signage relating to the beach area requires dog owners to pick up faeces." 

The document continues: "Old signage should be removed.  

"It serves no useful purpose.  

"It may even downplay the importance of issues in readers' minds if the messages appear to relate to the past rather than the present."

The report then advises as follows:

* Signage should elicit a desired behavioural outcome.  Messages should be targeted to key users, and be simple, clear, and concise.  

* Supporting educational text and wider strategy should be provided elsewhere with a link to further information on the sign.  Message tone should be appropriate.  Unduly authoritative messaging may elicit a negative or inappropriate response. 

* Signs should be location specific 

* Signs should be repeated at all key access points to a sensitive location 

* Signage change should be supported by advertising/marketing campaigns to increase general awareness 

* Where possible messages should be supported by enforcement or advisory personnel. 

* Where multiple messages need to be provided at the same location, they should all be equally clear and targeted to appropriate user groups.  

* Messages could also be provided by apps on mobile phones and on websites

There are also some more recent signs paid for by a donation from the Grimsby and Cleethorpes branch of the RSPB after its leader, Martin Francis, gave a talk to members of Probus, the club for retired businessmen.

Unfortunately, along with the other signs, these are quickly  showing signs of deterioration. Also, some refer to Tetney Marsh rather than the correct name, Tetney Marshes.

The Tetney Marshes reserve seems to have low status among the powers that be at the RSPB. 

It has long ceased to be wardened, even on  part-time basis, and it is no longer included in  the society's handbook of 200-plus reserves in Britain.

Some 30,000 customers at Crematorium Tea Rooms in first year since opening

Reflections - a soothing setting in which to be refreshed

                                                         

CONGRATLATIONS to the Reflections Tea Rooms at Grimsby Crematorium which is  celebrating its first birthday.

Since it opened its doors in August last year, an estimated 30,000 customers have enjoyed a warm welcome.

Among the  most popular options are the breakfasts, sausage buns and wide array of  homemade cakes.

Reflections is open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm, for hot drinks, sandwiches, light bites, and cakes.

The Tea Rooms also offer a function room that can accommodate up to 32 people.

The function room is found on the first floor and can be used to host meetings, training sessions, wakes, workshops, and other activities, with the balcony and garden spaces also providing areas for get-togethers.

The building is secluded using existing hedges and is architecturally respectful of the services being carried out in the Crematorium building.

     

Don't they look delicious? Cakes of many descriptions

 

Do I 'detect' a certain resemblance down on the beach? is it art reflecting life - or life reflecting art?

 

Very pleased to meet you! Seen on Cleethorpes beach this morning. 

Councillors only too happy to provide cash support for the homeless (birds and bugs) of Grimsby

                                                                       

A donation by councillors in Grimsby is helping young people to create homes for wildlife. Park ward representatives  Daniel Westcott and Paul Silvester and Marian Boyd (all pictured, left to right) have chipped in with  £500 to the  Youth Justice Service to cover the cost of materials. Young people working with the service will use these materials to make bird boxes and bug hotels which will then be distributed in parks and open spaces. The monies do not come out of the councillors' pockets but from ward funding - a pot of public money that councillors can award to organisations and community groups to support projects locally. Says Cllr Westcott: "Not only is there an obvious environmental  aspect to this project, but the young people involved are acquiring valuable new skills, creating something they can be proud of and  giving back to the community."

Two against one behind Cleethorpes foreshore chalet - but sparrowhawk emerged as victor

Two against one - but, having caught the woodpigeon, a sparrowhawk was in no mood to share its prey with two opportunistic magpies which soon arrived on the scene. After a beakful of feathers - followed by a brief scuffle - the corvids flew off in search of easier pickings. The incident played out yesterday evening behind the chalets on  the foreshore in Cleethorpes.                                    

                                     

New blow for supermarket-led consortium's plan to redevelop site of former Pleasure Island theme park

 

THERE has been a fresh setback to the longstanding plan to revamp the former Pleasure Island theme park site in Cleethorpes.

Developers tweaked the design in the hope of winning over the Environment Agency which had objected to the original plan for shops, hotels and holiday cabins for fear a flood would put lives at risk.

But it emerged over the weekend that the EA has not been satisfied with the proposed rejig.

Says the agency's planning specialist Nicola Farr: "Based on the information currently presented, we are not able to advise that the development and occupants would be safe.

"We therefore maintain our objection to the application."

Ms Farr makes the further point that the consortium behind the proposal has failed to provide the information that it has been seeking for many months. 

The Lidl-led consortium behind the scheme wants to clear away almost all the trees and shrubs from the site.

This would allow for construction of  a discount supermarket, 272 holiday cabins and, in the future, possibly two hotels, two further shops, restaurants and cafes and a leisure unit.

However, there is little prospect of North East Lincolnshire Council granting planning consent for a project where lives might be at risk.

That means it is  back to the drawing - yet again - for the consortium which also includes a Liverpool-based property tycoon and a Cleethorpes-based builder.