Phoenix from the ashes? New plan to build houses on leafy site in Humberston may spark fresh controversy

The field - a little bit of mediaeval countryside surrounded by housing 

THREE  years after  North East Lincolnshire councillors turned down a scheme to build houses on a greenfield site in Humberston, a fresh proposal has been submitted.

However, it seems likely that the new plan to develop a field off South View - behind Clarendon Hall care home - will generate just as much controversy even though it is for 10 houses rather than the 14 that were first proposed.

The layout would also be different, but there would still be loss of wildlife - not just songbirds such as thrushes and warblers but also butterflies and other pollinating insects.

A report from the agent,  CDC Architecture states: “Great care and consideration has gone into the design  of the site to minimise overlooking of neighbours, and all plots have been orientated so as not to have any detrimental impact on neighbouring properties. 

"The development will be a private gated community.

"All roads, paths, the hedge and dyke alongside South View and street lighting within the development will be maintained at the cost not of the local authority of the residents as part of an annual maintenance charge 

"The private road will remain unadopted and no access will ever be provided to the adjacent site off Fieldhouse Road which is a separate and unconnected development.

"As a gated road it will also deter antisocial behaviour and unauthorised access."

The report continues: "The proposed dwellings on plots 1-6 are to be two-storey detached properties with either attached or detached garages. 

"These dwellings will also provide additional accommodation within the roof spaces.

"The proposed dwellings on plots 7-10 are to be detached dormer bungalows with integral garages (other than plot 7 which will have a detached garage).

"There is a high  demand for bungalows in the locality." 

Last time round, the application was submitted jointly by North East Lincolnshire Council and Engie (now Equans) who, for reasons of financial gain, sought to push it through the planning process even though they knew it would cause dismay to scores of villagers

This time, the application has been submitted by Mr Dave Hughes of  Louth Road, Grimsby

It is not known if WHT Partnership Ltd, the London-based building projects firm of which he is sole director, has bought the land or if he is acting on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council, the owners of the 0.97-hectare site when the earlier project came on to the radar.

If it proves to be second time lucky for the development proposal, it is likely that conditions would be imposed to provide mitigation, as far as is possible, for wildlife.

Because of the site’s heritage as part of a medieval settlement, an archaeological survey would probably also be required.

Consultant archaeologist Neville Hall comments: "Where important archaeological remains are discovered and deemed to merit further investigation, additional financial resources may be required to provide an appropriate level of investigation, recording and analysis."