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| Up to 272 holiday lodges are proposed |
AGENTS for the proposed redevelopment of the former Pleasure Island theme park have confirmed that they are now taking their instructions from discount supermarket chain Lidl.
It is possible that some local property entrepreneurs have retained a stake, but the exact percentage of shareholdings is not known
With Lidl paying the the piper, it is fair to assume that construction of a store will probably represent the first phase of the development, with arrival of the two hotels, 272 holiday lodges and other features further down the track.
The scheme still has not received planning consent from North East Lincolnshire Council, but determination of the application could come this summer.
Following various discussions, Lidl's agents, Lichfields, seem confident senior NELC planner Cheryl Jarvis will recommend approval to the planning committee.
In his latest missive on the subject, Lichfields planning director James Cox says "85 per cent of the site will be dedicated to leisure and recreational uses".
He writes: "These will include indoor leisure facilities, food and drink outlets, play parks and cycle hire.
"These facilities are intended to serve both local residents and visitors, ensuring the site is accessible and inclusive.
"The on-site lake will be open to fishing use which provides a leisure-related water sport activity.
"The proposed retail uses support the overall viability of the development, particularly in serving the needs of holiday lodge users, and are ancillary in nature to the more extensive leisure offering."
The original concept - as outlined by property developer Sze Ming Yeung - was for Pleasure Island to resemble Centre Parcs, with plenty of leisure attractions, but this dream has long faded, all the more so since he was declared bankrupt in September last year.
Ski slope
Continues Mr Cox: "Although alternative concepts such as an indoor ski slope or ice rink have been suggested, the submitted commercial evidence confirms that there is no operator demand for such uses in Cleethorpes.
"The proposed scheme delivers a diverse and realistic range of leisure opportunities which both meets market requirements and will be sustainable over the long term.
"The lodges are intended to provide a mix of accommodation tenures and will be subject to seasonal occupancy - from March 15 to October 31 - preventing permanent year-round residential use.
"In addition, no provision is proposed for camping or mobile homes.
"These measures will help ensure that the development does not place undue pressure on local services or infrastructure."
Lichfields say the scheme has "the potential to generate approximately 475 full-time equivalent jobs, alongside additional opportunities linked to the holiday accommodation."
"Public realm areas will also provide space for community events and initiatives, while the proposed food and drink hall will support start-up businesses through flexible, temporary kitchen spaces."
Casino
The scheme also introduces a hotel offer distinct from existing provision, incorporating features such as a conference facility and casino, thereby broadening the type and range of accommodation currently available within the resort.
"Importantly, the leisure and recreational facilities will be open to all, not solely lodge occupants, further enhancing community value.
The scheme will be delivered on a phased basis, with Lidl acting as lead developer and providing enabling works to facilitate comprehensive redevelopment.
"This co-ordinated approach avoids piecemeal delivery and ensures the site is brought forward in a cohesive and viable manner. "
For obvious reasons, both Tesco and Aldi are opposed to Lidl establishing a major foothold store in Cleethorpes, but Lichfields claim the proposed development "would not give rise to any significant adverse impact" on trading activity in the area.
What about pressure on highways and access, for instance along Meridian Way?
Lichfield says these issues have ben satisfactorily addressed and that the proposed arrangements are "acceptable and would not result in any severe impacts on the local highway network".
The agent notes that "compared with the former theme park use, the proposed development is expected to generate lower visitor numbers overall, particularly as the holiday accommodation will operate on a seasonal basis".
What about the loss of hundreds of mature trees and shrubs which give the site its current parkland character?
Lichfields say: "New and existing tree and hedgerow planting along Kings Road will help soften the visual impact of the development and support ecological connectivity.
"The proposed landscaping scheme will compensate for the loss of existing vegetation on site, whilst also providing new habitats for local wildlife."
Lichfields acknowledges neighbours' concerns about the potential impact of the proposed development on their residential amenity, particularly in relation to noise and privacy.
However, the firm says these concerns "should be considered in the context of the site’s former theme park use and designation within a resort area where uses - of the nature proposed - are actively encouraged".
It says: "The proposed hotel and holiday lodges are set back approximately 100m from the nearest residential properties ensuring that an appropriate buffer is maintained and the amenity of nearby residents is respected.
"The proposal is supported by a comprehensive lighting scheme designed to prevent unacceptable levels of light spill into neighbouring areas."
Mr Cox concludes: "Overall, the development would enhance the range of retail, leisure and hotel provision available to residents and visitors."
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