The Lincolnshire Lakes project has the potential to create a major new sustainable waterside neighbourhood and urban extension for Scunthorpe. Through the development of a number of lakes, the creation of quality housing and employment space, plus opportunities for leisure, sport and recreation - all in an ecologically sound environment, the Lincolnshire Lakes development will provide:
- A bridge to the country providing accessible open space and countryside on the doorstep of Scunthorpe
- A gateway to the town providing a new landscape and image for one of the main approaches to Scunthorpe
- A leisure park where people can enjoy active and passive recreation
- An environmental resource for learning
- A sustainable neighbourhood where new buildings will take advantage of clean energy production
- A resource for business providing opportunities for local employment
The Lincolnshire Lakes project is identified within the Scunthorpe Strategic Development Framework (SDF) as a key component in the transformation of Scunthorpe. Consultants, Halcrow Group Limited, has produced the final feasibility report, which has revealed that the scheme is both technically and financially feasible to deliver. The study, funded by Yorkshire Forward as part of its Renaissance Towns and Cities Programme, assessed economic, transport, legal, environmental, and planning issues, and outlined development scenarios for housing, employment, sustainable power generation, recreation and tourism.
Following the completion of the feasibility study, the council is working closely with the Environment Agency, and Government Office for Yorkshire and Humber, to alleviate concerns about flood risk. The council is currently carrying out tests to show that the proposed Lincolnshire Lakes area is the most appropriate site for a development of this nature in North Lincolnshire.
A Sequential Test, subsequent Exceptions Test and a business case have also been carried out by the council and Halcrow to illustrate that that the proposed Lincolnshire Lakes area is the most appropriate site for a development of this nature in North Lincolnshire. These studies have been funded by Yorkshire Forward.
In August 2010 the council wrote to landowners in the Lincolnshire Lakes area asking them to get in touch to confirm what land they own and informing them about the planned Lincolnshire Lakes project. Progressing further still, an Area Action Plan is to be developed that will provide the opportunity to work up a masterplan and delivery timelines for the project whilst setting in place development principles for the delivery of the scheme. This forms part of the Local Development Framework.
For more information email businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.