Birds versus homes - planning inspector will decide whether to approve development on curlew field

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The curlews come to Britain in winter to escape the bitter cold of Scandinavia

AN independent planning inspector will decide whether a house building company should be granted consent to develop a grassland  habitat favoured by birds.

Steven Ibbotson, of Laceby-based Cyden Homes Ltd, has lodged an appeal after North East Lincolnshire Council refused his company’s application to build 225 homes on a site in Humberston.

The application did not go before the authority's planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by senior case officer Richard Limmer.

Largely on the basis of advice from Natural England, he took the view that the proposed development would result in the “irreversible loss" of land that is "functionally linked" to the Humber Estuary, an area which enjoys special protection because it is home to many important wetland birds.

Among these are the curlew, a long-legged wading beastie with an unmistakable long down-curved  bill.

The species’ rapidly-dwindling British population is augmented in peak and late winter by the arrival of others that have mostly bred in Nordic countries, particularly Finland.

However, they are shy birds and their their presence at inland sites such as the field off Midfield Road is always determined by the extent of inadvertent disturbance by dog walkers as well as by other factors such as the weather and the wetness of the ground.

An objection to the proposed development was also submitted by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. 

If the appeal succeeds, access for contractors' vehicles and future householders would be via Midfield Road and Andrew Road, many of whose current residents are opposed to development which, they believe, will lead to traffic intensification and other pressures.

In his refusal notice, the case officer further noted that the applicant has not made any provision for  affordable housing, nor for a financial contribution towards education, such as the monies for a new school, for children.

No date has been set for the planning inquiry, nor whether it will be heard in public, but it is unlikely that the inspector's verdict will be known until well into next year.

The Humberston field - other birds to be seen include  barn owls which hunt for voles and other small mammals

Native woodland on edge of Cleethorpes likely to make way for holiday lodges in New Year

Historically, the woodland was known as Peak's Covert

ONE of the few remaining native woodlands in the Cleethorpes area is likely to be lost in the New Year.

Instead, the eight-acre site, which lies south of the Tesco supermarket on Hewitt's Avenue, will accommodate 44 holiday lodges.

Planning permission  was granted in 2018, but the project stalled in the wake of a dispute over who owned the land.

However, this matter has now been resolved by the courts, paving the way for the trees to be felled subject to sign-off by North East Lincolnshire Council planners at a meeting on Wednesday (November 29).

The  wood is rich in wildlife. Because there are so many songbirds, it is said to have an unrivalled  dawn chorus in spring.

However, loss of the trees will result in loss of the birds and the site will fall silent. 

The applicant, Sean Henderson of Tetney, has not been required to submit a new planning application which would invite  fresh scrutiny both  of the fate of the trees and of other issues such as lorry movements with felled timber, mud deposits on a busy road and loss of biodiversity.

Instead, planners will be asked to authorise a Certificate of Lawfulness - an instrument that will allow fast-tracking of  the proposed development.

The target market for the lodges is described as being "the medium-high net worth Jaguar-Landrover sector".

The wood is home to numerous songbirds which will be lost if the trees are felled

Has anyone got any idea what will be behind doors of council's 'landmark' building on seafront?

 

It seemed like a good idea at the time. But will anyone build it? Will anyone occupy it?

CALLING all builders!

North East Lincolnshire Council hopes to appoint, early next year, a principal contractor  to construct a new amenity building opposite the pier on Cleethorpes seafront.

The design has already been done - it just needs someone to make the three-storey project come to fruition.

The authority is inviting firms to quote for the job, hoping upon hope that the tenders will not come in too expensive.

Once completed - the target date is summer 2025 -  what will be behind the doors?

No one really knows.

Says the council: "It will comprise of state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities as well as commercially lettable space across all floors of the building which may include different providers in retail and hospitality."

In other words, how long is a piece of string - and what colour is it?

Over to council leader Cllr Philip Jackson for clarification.

Feigning enthusiasm, he states: "This iconic building takes us forward in the council’s  ambition to develop a year-round destination. 

"Its appeal as a distinctive landmark will draw visitors and locals who seek a place to meet and socialise. 

"It will form an important part of the town’s strategy to unlock private sector investment, creating a safe and flexible multifunctional space, that serves both residents and visitors. 

"It will be an important social and cultural destination which local people can be proud of."

In other words, don't be surprised if it is a McDonalds or some other fast-food eaterie.

The tender is now open through YORtender for potential applicants and will close on Thursday 18 January at 1pm. 

Jobs before wildlife (and ethics)? Councillors urged to back salmon rearing factory in Cleethorpes

                                       

Rich in wildflowers and butterflies - the land earmarked for intensive salmon rearing

IT looks like a controversial proposal to build a salmon-rearing factory in Cleethorpes will go ahead.

At a North East Lincolnshire Council planning committee meeting next week, members will be recommended to approve the project on former railway sidings land between the sea wall and Grimsby Town FC’s ground at Blundell Park.

Assuming the applicants can secure the £75-million funding to go ahead with the 'aquaculture' development, it will  generate an estimated 80 jobs.

It will also reinforce the area’s longstanding fish processing and production credentials.

The target is to produce as much as 5,000 tonnes of fish per annum.

But if consent is granted, many people will be dismayed - most notably residents in and around Harrington Street who fear their lives will be blighted by smell, noise, light pollution and increased traffic. 

Although mitigation measures have been proposed, they will not compensate for the loss of what is officially recognised as a Local Wildlife Site - one where no fewer than 22 butterfly species have been recorded.

The organisation, Compassion in World Farming, will also be disappointed  by approval because it believes mass-rearing migratory species in confined space is likely to cause the fish acute distress.

Ethical and moral considerations seldom carry any weight in how planning applications are determined, but some committee members might feel tweaks from their consciences if they choose to back the venture.

Recommending approval senior planning case officer Richard Limmer says in his report to next Wednesday’s meeting: "The proposal will represent a significant economic investment into the area, creating a number of jobs through construction and then operation as well as supporting the food processing and manufacturing businesses in the area.

"It is  considered that the proposed development will not cause harm to residential amenities, the visual character of the area or biodiversity."

Police today piecing together information about sequence of events that resulted in foreshore tragedy

 

Police officer on monitoring and security duties this afternoon 

A CRIME investigation has been opened following the tragic weekend death on Cleethorpes foreshore of  a man believed to be a tent-dwelling rough-sleeper.

Police were today gathering material, taking photographs and seeking evidence at the grassy scene behind the row of chalets. 

It is not known if there were two tents or one. Today only one has been in situ.

The identity of the deceased has not been revealed, nor the cause of death. Grieving family members are being supported.

It is reported that another man has been arrested on suspicion of  causing grievous bodily harm, though the death is still being described as "unexplained".

It is understood that Humberside police have also examined CCTV footage obtained from McDonalds and neighbouring fast food eateries located on the retail and entertainments  estate which is nearby.

The force has issued this statement: "We would appeal to anyone who has information that lives in the area and thinks they may be able to assist with our enquiries to contact us on our non-emergency number 101 quoting log 181 of 19 November.

"Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111." 

This tent - and the area surrounding it - were today being examined in scrupulous detail

Tragedy as man - thought to be rough sleeper - found dead behind Cleethorpes foreshore chalets

 

The tent where the rough sleeper dies is believed to have been pitched behind this chalet

 

TRAGEDY befell Cleethorpes foreshore when a man was today reported  dead in a tent behind one of the chalets opposite the rear of the Meridian showground.

Police have launched an investigation.

The identity of the man has not been revealed.

That an individual should have lost his life in such shocking circumstances will inevitably prompt searching questions about how North East Lincolnshire Council - and, indeed, the community at large - treats those who sleep rough.

Over recent months, tents have often been see in and around the seafront as our pictures below show.

With much colder weather on the way, how will their occupants cope? Or will there be more tragedies to come?  

 

Exc - ellie - nt! Grimsby-area entertainer comes up trumps at international show in Panama

Impossible dream? Not for karaoke world champion Ellie Butler 

A 41-year-old Healing woman has triumphed in the Karaoke World Championships in Panama City

On stage in the ballroom of Hotel El Panama, Ellie Butler, of Healing, wowed the judges with her expressive singalong to Jennifer Hudson’s version of The Impossible Dream

It earned her a cheque for 5,000 US dollars, a trophy, a certificate, a splash of showbiz stardom and, most  importantly, a springboard for greater things to come.

"I just can't believe I’ve won!" she beamed after her triumph."It's a feeling out of this world!"

Word of her success even got to the crew on her flight home, and she was feted with champagne courtesy of the airline.

Sadly Ellie’s mum died last year and was unable to share her triumph.

But her dad and seven-year-old Ryan are naturally as pleased (and proud) as punch.

Back in Grimsby, Ellie sings at holiday parks, clubs, weddings and other private events. She is also vocalist with a soul band.

But she regards herself as a country girl, loves the outdoor life and spent many years working as a stable girl.

She helps out at children's after-school clubs and is a Beaver leader.

Runner-up to Ellie was Rafaella Joy Berso, of the Philippines, with third place going to Zarina of Kazahkstan.                            

Poise and passion - Ellie really turned on the style

                                              

The scene in Panama of Ellie's sparkling triumph