Decision likely soon on controversial gated housing scheme for Cleethorpes-area village

                                            

The field - with Clarendon Hall care home in the background - faces an uncertain future

A CRUNCH decision looms on the future of a former horse-grazing paddock in  Humberston.

Members of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee will soon be asked to determine whether consent should be given for the overgrown meadow off South View to be transformed into a gated housing development of 10 properties.

A similar proposal - at a time when the council itself owned the site - was surprisingly turned down last year  by councillors against the recommendation of their officers who felt it should be approved.

It prompted the authority to sell the land - for £550,000   - to property developers WHT Partnership.

But now there has been an about-turn by officers. The new owner's application for planning consent is being recommended, not for approval but for refusal.

A report from the case officer states: "The design, layout and scale of development proposed is poor.

"It would detract from the character and appearance of this pleasant residential area and fail to grasp the opportunities to enhance this area and the use of the redirected public footpath. 

"In addition to this, the proposal would detract from the amenities of existing neighbours and occupiers."

The recommendation is certain to please scores of residents who have lobbied vigorously to prevent development on what is a leafy, nature-rich part of the village.

However, even if councillors turn down the proposal at a meeting on Wednesday of next week, it is possible the applicant might appeal.