Thonock and Somerby Estate, advised by DTZ, has taken a
significant step towards securing planning approval for the first
of three new neighbourhoods in Gainsborough.
The neighbourhoods are part of West Lindsey District Council's
(WLDC) Growth Point strategy to double the size of the town. WLDC
has now resolved to grant outline planning approval for the first
neighbourhood. This will see an extension to the south of the town
accommodating up to 2,500 new homes and providing employment and
retail opportunity.
Global real estate adviser, DTZ has been working closely with
Thonock and Somerby Estate on the project for three years,
providing advice on affordable housing, development mix, market
research and financial appraisal. The Southern Neighbourhood
extension forms a key part of the Gainsborough Growth Point
Strategy, which aims to generate sustainable population growth in
the town through increasing the supply of affordable housing,
diversifying the range of businesses and improving the commercial
and retail offer in the town.
This is the first of three neighbourhoods planned to be built
under the proposals, providing up to 2,500 new homes to the south
of Gainsborough. Further proposals also include the provision of
extensive new infrastructure to support the new homes. This will
include a new neighbourhood centre and two local centres, two
primary schools, shops, leisure facilities, a doctor's surgery, new
business and employment opportunities and a green transport
plan.
In accordance with planning policy, the decision by WLDC to
support the application must be referred to the Secretary of State
who has the power to call in the application for further scrutiny
or delegate back to WLDC for approval. A decision is expected
within the next few weeks.
Phil Roebuck, Residential Director at DTZ said: "These proposals
will make a real difference to the town of Gainsborough. The
Southern Neighbourhood alone has the potential to increase the
present population of 19,000 by 30%. DTZ has considerable
experience in providing advice on development and affordable
housing policies. It has played an instrumental role in negotiating
an affordable housing provision of between 10 and 25% in order to
ensure the viable delivery of the scheme.
"These proposals will undoubtedly bring extensive community and
economic benefits to the town and will open up areas of attractive
woodland to the public that are currently not accessible."