Real homes, real communities: Fresh vision for Trent Vale and six new villages

A fresh vision for western Scunthorpe has been revealed – with six new villages set to bring new homes, green space and communities for local families.

The newly defined villages – Burgess Croft, Burleigh Green, Woldmere, Ashmere, Southgate Hollow and Brumby Green – will each have their own identity rooted in the area’s landscape and heritage.

Together, they form Trent Vale, a connected series of communities offering village life with a strong sense of place.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Residents want clarity, certainty and delivery. The new villages set out exactly what the future of this area looks like – not old ideas from another decade, but a clear, practical vision shaped around what local people need now.

“This is about creating real communities, real choices and real opportunities. The six new villages will unlock growth, attract investment and support families for generations.”

The move signals a clear step forward from the long-standing Lincolnshire Lakes concept. While the Lakes framework once guided early thinking, the council is now focused firmly on a practical, deliverable plan that reflects the scale and character of development coming forward today.

The new village approach builds on years of major infrastructure investment already delivered and planned for the western edge of Scunthorpe. The council has focused on putting in place the foundations needed to support future communities – improving access, reducing congestion and strengthening flood protection across the area.

That includes the approval of two new motorway junctions off the M181, plans for the Burringham Bypass and Southern Motorway Link to improve connectivity and traffic flow, and the delivery of the Trent flood defence scheme, which has strengthened protection along the River Trent corridor.
Together, the projects form part of a long-term strategy to open up the area for sustainable growth while protecting existing communities and supporting future investment.

Cllr Waltham added: “This area has evolved and so has our approach. By setting out six distinct villages, we’re giving the western growth area a future that is grounded, achievable and genuinely exciting.
“We have always said infrastructure must come first and now we’ve delivered that – they have always been roundabouts to somewhere new – we promised to deliver infrastructure first and we’ve kept that promise.”

The council will now work with developers and partners to bring forward detailed proposals under the new Trent Vale identity – ensuring each village develops in a way that reflects local character while delivering the homes and jobs.