Holbeach poised for another new large estate and primary school

Holbeach could see another large estate built, with a third primary school for the town.

The housing development – totalling up to 1,000 homes – is planned for land between the A17 and Spalding Road.
The plot has been earmarked for development for many years, but a plan emerging so soon after a scheme to build 900 homes at Manor Farm was approved might come as a surprise.

Coun Nick Worth

Improvement to the infrastructure of the town – particularly medical facilities – is now likely to take on even greater importance.
Holbeach county councillor and South Holland District Council deputy leader Nick Worth said: “It would appear to be an awful lot of housing but we need to bear in mind that this would not be built in years one to five, it’s a 20-year plan. A gradual process.

“I think it would be really beneficial to Holbeach because the more housing there is, the more interest there is in the town.
“We have the university campus and this would boost our schools and boost our businesses in the town.
“But we need to ensure that the infrastructure is there to support it and that’s going to be my key aim.”

Coun Worth sees the forthcoming planning application as an opportunity to gain benefits for the town through S106 agreements.

Coun Francis Biggadike

Meanwhile, Holbeach district and parish councillor Francis Biggadike – who strongly opposed Ashley King Developments’ scheme for Manor Farm – is not against the latest proposal because of its position.
“You could use the same argument that it’s a big loss of agricultural land but a few years ago we had a consultation and that site was considered the most suitable at the time,” he said. “The problem as I see it is the doctors situation, which will obviously concern the public.”

Kevin Kendall, county property officer at Lincolnshire County Council. said: “There are currently two housing developments proposed for Holbeach,  one of which has received planning permission and the other is to seek approval shortly.

“Lincolnshire County Council will be seeking contributions from both to ensure that any requirement for new school places is taken into account.  We monitor and review the situation regularly across the county so that we have enough school places available for children, ideally close to where they live, and without the need to travel long distances.”

“Before we commit to bring a new school forward we will consult with existing schools in the area, and this would be carefully planned to open at the right time, and as a phased opening, normally starting with a reception year. ”

Bovis Homes is planning to build 200 of the homes, in conjunction with the county council, which owns much of the land.
The public can view draft proposals during a drop-in session at the University of Lincoln Holbeach Campus in Park Road on Thursday, September 17 (noon-7pm).

A Bovis Homes spokesman said: “We are looking forward to sharing our initial proposals and would encourage all residents who are interested in helping to shape this new part of the Holbeach community to come along to the event and offer their views.
“We will assess all feedback received and will look to incorporate ideas wherever possible and practical, ahead of submitting an outline application.
“This development of around 200 properties would provide much-needed new homes for the area and its people, and we are working closely with the local authorities and organisations to develop plans that will fit with the area and offer great benefit to the community – including helping to support the scheme to tackle the traffic problems identified at the junction of the A17 and A151.”

• The version of this report which was published in print on September 10 incorrectly stated that two new primary schools would be built (one also at Manor Farm). We apologise for the error.