Now, about that greenhouse! Owner had no option but to remove it after inspector described it as 'alien'

Deprived of sunshine and warmth - the emerging seedlings will just have to tough it out in winter's bitter winds now that the greenhouse has been removed

A GREENHOUSE in Scartho has been removed after an independent planning backed North East Lincolnshire' refusal to grant planning consent.  

It was in April last year that the council turned down the application after neighbours complained that its location at the front - not the rear - of a property was unsightly  and inappropriate so close to the roadway in Beckhythe Close.

There were also concerns that it might be subject to vandalism and could cause injury if an out-of-control cyclist collided with it.

The decision by planning committee members to turn down the application was made against the recommendation of officers.

After its owner appealed, the inspector made a site inspection on January 2 this year after which he ruled in favour of the objectors.

Says his report: " The main issue is the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

"Beckhythe Close comprises a cul-de-sac of bungalows with front gardens that are open to the road with an absence of front boundary treatments. 

"The appeal site comprises an almost triangular-shaped plot of land on the opposite side of  Beckhythe Close from the appellant’s dwelling. 

"It forms part of a larger landscaped verge along one side of the road which creates a verdant character. 

"A greenhouse, of a typical design, has been erected on a concrete slab adjacent to the road.

"At the time of my site visit, some vegetation surrounded the greenhouse. However, it was low in height and there was an absence of  vegetation along the roadside.

"The greenhouse is not visible from the entrance to Beckhythe Close due to the intervening distance, the curved design of the road and the presence of  vegetation. 

"However, it is visually prominent when viewed from the road adjacent to the bungalows. 

"Although small in scale, the greenhouse appears incongruous and alien in the road and erodes the road’s verdant and open character. 

"Although views of the greenhouse are restricted to Beckhythe Close, this does not outweigh the harm I have identified to the character and appearance of the road.

"While greenhouses are features commonly associated with residential dwellings, they are not usually sited forward of a dwelling’s principal elevation or outside  a dwelling’s residential curtilage.

"Consequently, the greenhouse’s siting appears visually detached and isolated from the appellant’s dwelling.

"Although comprising a glazed structure, it would not be transparent throughout the year as it would be filled with growing plants. 

"Therefore, the prominence of the structure would likely be more discernible during the summer.

"Notwithstanding this, at the time of my site visit, the greenhouse was empty of  plants and still appeared visually prominent from the road.

"I acknowledge that the council’s decision to refuse the application was made against the recommendation of its planning officers. 

"However, the main issue is one that is a matter of judgement.

"Council members are entitled not to accept the professional advice of its officers so long as a case can be made for the contrary view."

                                             

Storm in a teacup? The banned greenhouse

The Grimsby News says: It is hard not to feel some sympathy for the appellant. Admittedly, the location was somewhat imaginative, not to say quirky, but, throughout last spring and summer, his greenhouse surely added visual interest to the street. Did the objectors not take any delight in watching the plants grow and flourish? Perhaps, if they had been less hostile, they might have been offered some of the tomatoes or other produce. Now that the structure has gone, what has been left? Predominantly a view of a fence. Where is the charm in that?

Full steam ahead on property entrepreneur's 86-homes project opposite Tesco store in Cleethorpes

A few puddles aren't being allowed to slow the progress of Strawberry Fields

PROPERTY entrepreneur Ming Yeung appears to be making more progress with his Strawberry Fields housing estate in Cleethorpes than he is with his other main interest in the town - the former Pleasure Island theme park.

With the latter, he and his partners seem to have hit a planning brick wall, but the housing scheme is progressing apace.                                        

Ming Yeung - fan of Beatles music

Located opposite the Tesco Extra supermarket at Hewitt's Circus, the 86-homes project is being named Strawberry Fields because of Mr Yeung's love for the music of The Beatles whose psychedelic song of the same titled featured on the B-side of their 1967 chart-topping single, Penny Lane.

The developer's company is based in Liverpool, home city of the 'Fab Four' as The Beatles used to be known.

It is not known if either of the two surviving members, Paul McCartney or Ringo Starr, might be invited to cut the official opening ribbon.

It will soon be time to install the rooves

Artist's impression of how the finished scheme might look

 

MP warns that proposal for Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire will suck resources from communities

                                                  

Sir Edward - unconvinced by proposal

A LINCOLNSHIRE MP has warned that resources risk being "sucked away" from smaller councils if a plan to establish a Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire goes ahead.

Gainsborough MP Edward Leigh told a debate in the Commons: "I wonder whether having a Mayor for Lincolnshire is going to make a great deal of difference. 

"I am quite dubious about that idea: we are going to have a Mayor of Lincolnshire - a large rural area - as well as a county council, district councils, MPs and Ministers all competing for attention."

Sir Edward, whose  constituency includes Caistor, continued: "I am also worried about the consultation process which all veers towards the idea that we have to have a Mayor. 

"I need to be convinced that when a Mayor is imposed on Lincolnshire, he or she is not going to suck power and resources from the really local authorities, the district councils, which are doing all the hard graft."

The Minister, Jacob Young, responded: "My right hon. Friend  mentions the landmark devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire and that it comes with a Mayor.

"However, he fails to mention the three quarters of a billion pounds that comes with that deal. 

"I can assure him that we are giving more power and funding to communities like his in Greater Lincolnshire, and I urge him to support the introduction of a Mayor, which will be transformational for Greater Lincolnshire."

Supporters of the project include the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, and his counterparts in both North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire.

They are persuaded by the proposed:

*  30-year investment fund worth £720m to level-up the whole of Greater Lincolnshire

* Control over a range of powers and budgets currently administered by central government

* Additional powers to tackle challenges and make the most of our economic potential so everyone who lives and works here benefits

* £28m for new a raft of projects to create new jobs

* An opportunity to give Greater Lincolnshire a louder voice, more influence, and a higher profile, locally, nationally and globally

How would the money be spent? 

Says the proposal document's wishlist:

* Improved local transport and roads

* Enhanced digital services, like broadband

* Improvements to  the environment

* The provision of good quality housing

* Boosting the economy by supporting local businesses to create new, high paid, high skilled jobs

* Improving training to ensure local people can take advantage of the new jobs

It is not known where the office of the Mayor would be located nor the salary nor how many staff would be required - and at what cost - to manage the secretariat.

If the proposal is adopted the election for a Greater Lincolnshire  Mayor would be held in May next year.

Today is the last day of the public consultation.

New chapter set to open for Riverhead Square building that used to be home to a bank

The former home of the Royal Bank of Scotland

GRIMSBY’S revamped Riverhead Square could soon be welcoming its first new retail investor - a charity shop.

A Christian organisation has been given the planning green light to convert the former bank building opposite the square to a "multi-purpose community hub".

This will provide recreation and education for clients, plus “commercial facilities” - thought to be a shop selling pre-owned goods.

The application submitted by CARE (Christian Action and Resource Enterprise Ltd) did not go before North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by case officer Owen Toop.

In his consent statement, Mr Toop says: "The community use proposed should contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of the town centre and create opportunities for social interaction. 

"The building will be visually enhanced with a sympathetic extension and shopfront works which are key to bringing the proposal back into use for its function as a community use.

"It is considered that the use would maintain the vitality of the area and indeed protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area".

The building - which is located at 86-88 - dates back to Victorian times when there was a shop on the ground floor with living quarters above.

Some will remember it as the Grimsby branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The bank left in 2018 since when there was a successful application to convert the property to an adult gaming centre, but this never proceeded.

The property has been targeted by CARE, an unsung charity which does much great work, because it has outgrown its existing premises on Hainton Avenue.

It has been fundraising to achieve the £80,000 it reckons will be required to renovate the prestigiously-located building.

A condition of the consent is that the external renovation should accommodate at least one bat box and, under the eaves, two swift nest boxes.

How the building looked in yesteryear

                                                     

Care's shop on Alexandra Road in Cleethorpes

Work now underway to repair Cleethorpes slipway that had been hammered by high winds and waves

 

One half of the slipway near the Wonderland building had been left in a precarious state by the elements

WORK has begun on repairs to the slipway off North Promenade that was damaged by winds and high tides earlier this month.

Says North East Lincolnshire Council:  "There was a strong onshore wind which increased wave energy and height - hence the damage.

"Materials for the slipway repairs have arrived, including specialised repair mortar suitable for a marine environment, and the works have now begun.

"The works should be completed by the end of next week though this is subject to tidal cycles. 

"Once the works are fully complete, the slipway can be used again."

Cleethorpes school has become home - at least temporarily - to unusual visitor from northern climes

The solitary curlew - visible from Taylors Avenue

A CLEETHORPES school has this week been playing host to a distinguished visitor from northern Europe

Visible through the railings on Taylors Avenue, a solitary curlew has made a temporary home of the  playing fields at Cleethorpes Academy.

With its long downcurved bill, the curlew is an unmistakable species.

It is more often to be seen on the coastal mudflats between Cleethorpes Leisure Centre and the rock armour whale's tail off North Promenade.

But this bird has come inland to feed on earthworms.

The breeding population of curlews in Britain has plummeted over the past 30 years, and this individual is thought to have flown to Cleethorpes from Finland.

But is it in good health? 

Although birds often perch only on one leg, it is feared this bird may have damage to one of its feet.

If it remains, here's hoping staff and pupils keep an eye open for its welfare.

One leg only - not unusual but is all well with this bird?

Too far away to be sure but the left foot does not look quite right

                                      

Church and children's action group are beneficiaries of proceeds of latest crematorium metal sales

 

Grimsby Crematorium - proceeds of recyclable metals sales goes to worthy causes 

TWO local organisations have been the recipients of  donations from Grimsby Crematorium following the sale of recyclable metals.

St Andrew’s Church in Immingham and Sunflower Children’s Action Group in Grimsby, received £7,000 each.

The metals consist of such items as  parts of the coffin and replacement implants or joints following a cremation.  

Having received permission from the deceased’s relatives beforehand, proceeds from the sale of these metals go into a charity fund which is donated locally twice a year.

Historically, recyclable metals following a cremation would often have been buried or stored. 

This would have taken up much-needed space and buried metal does not decompose.

Enthuses Daniel Intress-Franklin, Deputy Bereavement Services Manager at Grimsby Crematorium: "This is an excellent way to dispose of metals from the crematorium through an environmentally- friendly system that puts something back into the community."

What a muddy nuisance! Tractor and beach rake get bogged down on beach off Brighton Slipway

Well and truly stuck! The scene at 9am today

QUESTIONS are today being asked after a tractor - with two men on board - became temporarily stranded on Cleethorpes Beach early this morning.

Given that the threat posed by the mud off  Brighton slipway is well known, why was the council vehicle on it at all?

And why was it towing the mechanical beach rake normally reserved for the sands?

Happily the tractor - and its occupants - came to no grief (though there were a few red faces).

By mid-morning, things were back on the go - on a safer surface near to the leisure centre. 

This is a very serious situation - anxiety is etched on the faces of onlookers

                                               

Did no one read the sign?

      

Oh, the folly of humans! A curlew looks on in bemusement (or is it contempt?)

    

Normal service resumed - but this time on firmer ground

                                         

London-based architects appointed to design major makeover for Cleethorpes Market Place

 

Set for a revamp - Cleethorpes Market Place in summer

THE firm of architects that designed the first phase of Media City on the outskirts of Manchester has won the contract to rejuvenate Market Square in Cleethorpes.

London-based Gillespies has a fantastic track record not just in the UK but also overseas, notably in Saudi and the United Arab Emirates.

Its brief in Cleethorpes is to come up with a super-imaginative scheme that also serves to link St Peter's Avenue, via the market place, with the seafront.

Says North East Lincolnshire Council: "We want to re-balance the relationship between traffic and pedestrians, encouraging wider circulation of people through the town by providing a safer, healthier, and more pleasant environment for pedestrians."

Whether that might involve pedestrianisation of Market Square remains to be seen.

The project will be funded out of £18.4-million levelling-up monies earmarked for enhancing Market Place, Pier Gardens and Sea Road.

Gillespies, which was established 60 years ago, will work alongside NELC's project management team and Equans, with the community invited to chip in with ideas of their own.

Once the design has been finalised, the council will hope to appoint a main contractor, possibly by late summer.

Gillespies say  they are "absolutely  delighted" to have been invited to carry out the design.

Says one of its partners, Tom Walker: "It will be a privilege to helping NELC, local businesses and residents rethink and redesign the Market Place at Cleethorpes. 

"This project is an incredible opportunity to transform a space with enormous potential. 

"What is particularly pleasing is working at a seaside resort and space, where joy, richness, and fun can be the focus."

This example of Gillespies’ design prowess in in Winchester

Media City at Salford Quays near Manchester

Pride restored! Swiftly-cleaned Weelsby Woods lion no longer has to hide his face in embarrassment

 

Hats off to North East Lincolnshire Council's street cleaning for its swift clean-up of the  Weelsby Woods lion after it was daubed with spray paint at the weekend.  Gentle activating agents were today used to lift the paint, with care taken not to  damage the sandstone. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the police on 101, quoting crime reference 24000009722.

Modest hammer price for three-bedroom property that sits within earshot of the roar of the Mariners faithful

 

Despite widespread interest, a three-bedroomed house that backs on to Grimsby Town FC's Blundell Park ground failed to set the heather alight when it came up for auction in London this morning. Bidding was slow, and the price for the property on Harrington Street  only reached £50,000 before the hammer of auctioneer Richard Adamson fell. The identity of the buyer is not known.

* A portfolio of other Grimsby and Cleethorpes properties, including Hainton House, Westbury House and houses on Grimsby Road was withdrawn from today's auction.  

Work starts on restoring Cleethorpes' famous Buck Beck Bench - will it compare with Lincoln Cathedral?

 

Work has this week begun on the restoration of the Buck Beck Bench that was toppled by last week's winds and high tides. Some of the artefacts and mementoes have been gathered from the beach and reinstalled. The hope is that by recreating it on slightly higher ground, it will be less vulnerable to the elements. Meanwhile, for those interested in the recent history of the bench, which enjoys various different names, below is the report we published in April, 2020.

Lord and master Chris Hudson is always to take visitors on a guided tour of the property - and at no charge!

THE sooner I can get back, the better!

That's the view of Cleethorpes' biggest fan - Chris Hudson.

Chris lives in the Nottingham area and works in Derby for the train-maker, Bombardier.

Yet, whenever he can and whatever the weather, he catches a train to return here for a few days, staying at a guesthouse on Queen's Parade.

What is it that brings him here? 

Almost all his time is spent on the outer beach at 'The Alamo' - a structure made of planks, rope and other debris that have been washed up on the tide.

"Don't ask me why I do it," he says. "It's just a labour of love.

"I've returned scores of times over the past few years, and each time I try to find something new  to embellish it - it's a work in progress.

"No one's ever going to call it a stately home, but that's just what it is to me!

"What's more, I meet some lovely people - dogwalkers, birdwatchers and people who just love the sand, the sea, the fresh air  and the sense of space.

"I get to meet people  from all walks of life who are happy to chat about everything under the sun.

"On one occasion, a bird of prey - it might have been a peregrine - flew in from out of nowhere and briefly perched on the ground right next to where I was sitting."

Occasionally, other birds - small migrants such as wheatears or stonechats - also use The Alamo as a perching point.

Chris was not the fellow who established  The Alamo which also goes under the name of 'The Plankcamp' and various others.

But it is he who has taken on the responsibility for maintaining the resort's wackiest attraction.

On at least one occasion, strong winds and high tide have completely destroyed the structure, but that has been no big problem for Chris - he simply reassembles the various components, plus a few more, to wherever most of the pieces have been scattered.

From time to time, passers-by add to the structure, making it a kind of community art project. 

"It's always changing," continues Chris. "A little bit here, and a little bit there. That's just how it should be, and just how I like it." 

Away from The Alamo, Chris is a keen football fan - and the England side has few more loyal devotees.

But he is also an Aston Villa supporter and has relished their return to the Premier League.

Alas, the restrictions on travel have kept Chris away from his favourite place for most of spring.

But one thing's sure - he is counting down the days to when he can get to his own special home, sweet home.

* Below pictures showing The Alamo at various times over the past 18 months.