Cabinet expected to give nod to 'masterplan' for construction of 3,600 homes west of Grimsby

                                     

A MASTERPLAN for the urbanisation of  farmland and countryside to the west of Grimsby is expected to be rubber-stamped at a meeting on Wednesday of  next week.

North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet is being recommended to give the green light to a controversial scheme that could see construction of as many as 3,600 homes and a roads network.

The proposed landholding stretches from the A46 to the west of Morrisons supermarket, through to the A1136 west of Wybers Wood.

Although the cabinet's decision will not represent planning consent, approval would  pave the way for the development to proceed. 

The project is being spearheaded by local property development company M.F. Strawson Ltd and Yorkshire-based regeneration specialists Harworth Group plc.

The potential is clear for creation of many new jobs and a huge economic uplift to Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Immingham and the rest of the borough - and beyond.

However, opponents are fearful of serious harm to a green and pleasant part of the borough along with intense new pressure on health services and other infrastructure.  

If it goes ahead, the development would  effectively create a small town with its own identity, though it is being described as a "sustainable urban extension". 

A report to the cabinet says the masterplan "provides  the framework for the site’s development to ensure that this is undertaken in a comprehensive and coordinated manner."