Public asked for opinions on new 600-home scheme for Spilsby

A vibrant new scheme to build 600 homes and a doctors’ surgery near the market town of Spilsby is to be unveiled to the local community this week.

Developers want to hear what residents and businesses think of the plans, which they believe will breathe new life into the area’s economic future and meet growing housing demand.

They have set up an initial website for locals to discover more about the ambitious scheme and are appealing for ‘virtual’ and written feedback as the current pandemic has ruled out a public consultation event.

The proposed Spila Fields development, on a 35-hectare site to the east of Spilsby, is included in East Lindsey District Council’s Local Plan for housing development.

A planning application for the site will be lodged with the council at the end of October 2020 and, if approved, work will start in the spring/summer of 2021.

“We are really excited about this scheme and believe it will be transformative both in terms of economic benefits and for people living locally,” said Stuart Robinson, of developers Gin Property (Spilsby) Limited (GPSL).

“We feel that this is an ideal time to help create an economic boost for Spilsby and East Lindsey. The area’s businesses, amenities and retail outlets need support to thrive and grow.

“And while Spila Fields has been designed with local people in mind, we also recognise the importance of attracting people from outside to choose to live and work in this lovely area and to contribute to its future success.”

The bustling historic town of Spilsby – birthplace of the famous Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin – has increasingly suffered a loss of trade to bigger shopping areas in the region, such as Lincoln, Grimsby and Boston.

Mr Robinson added: “We hope that by building homes for new residents and reducing the need for young people to move away for affordable homes and work will help maintain and grow shops and services in the town.”

And he urged people to give their feedback before the planning application is lodged.

“The local community has a vital role to play in helping to shape this development and meet the needs of future generations,” he said.

“We are all having to adapt to huge changes in the way we live our lives during the coronavirus pandemic and the creation of new developments are no exception. That’s why it is essential that we work with local people over these plans and listen to their feedback.

“We genuinely hope that they will come on board and share our vision of breathing new life into an area at a time when it needs it most.”

Find out more about the ambitious plans and lodge your opinions at: www.spilafields.co.uk. The public consultation runs from 14 October to 23 October. The public can leave comments on this website or they can write to Robert Doughty Consultancy, 32 High St, Helpringham, Sleaford NG34 0RA