Council believes its solar farm objections haven’t been given due regard
West Lindsey District Council believes planners have failed to give sufficient consideration to its objections to the Gate Burton Energy Park just south of Gainsborough.
The development near the communities of Gate Burton, Knaith Park and Willingham-By-Stow covers about 834 hectares comprising of ground mounted solar panels, battery energy storage, substation and associated infrastructure works.
Specific concerns were raised in relation to the loss of agricultural land and impact on national food security, landscape and visual impact, impact on the local communities and concerns regarding highways implications.
Cllr Emma Bailey, Vice Chair of the council’s Prosperous Communities Committee, said: “The news that the Gate Burton Energy Park has been approved is deeply disappointing. It is clear from the decision report that the impact of this development on our local communities, together with the loss of prime agricultural land has been put to one side and not given due regard.”
Four further solar development proposals for land across West Lindsey are at varying stage of the nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) consenting process.
Cllr Bailey added: “With more proposals in the pipeline the council will be lobbying for the thorough and transparent consideration of the cumulative impacts of the developments, which across our district are significant and disproportionate. The Council do not accept that the benefit of solar development outweighs what are considerable social, economic and environmental impacts for cumulative developments at this scale.
“As a host authority in the consenting process, West Lindsey District Council provided formal relevant representations and a local impact report, highlighting the impact of the development on our communities.”
Mablethorpe’s £13.5m leisure centre opens to public
A £13.5 million leisure centre with swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness facilities will open its doors to the public tomorrow.
Station Leisure & Learning Centre in Mablethorpe has been delivered by East Lindsey District Council to bring transformational health and wellbeing opportunities to local residents. The new leisure venue will be operated by Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure & Culture.
The Council secured Government funding through the Town Deal, supported by the Connected Coast Board which oversees the delivery of the Towns Fund in Mablethorpe and Skegness. Construction started in March last year and has been completed on schedule by contractors, ISG.
The facility is the first Town Deal scheme to be completed and delivered by the Council with the Colonnade at Sutton on Sea and the Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe also progressing.
The Leisure and Learning Centre includes:
- A four-lane, 25m long and 1.2m deep swimming pool
- State-of-the-art fitness equipment
- An exercise class programme including instructor-led and virtual classes.
- The Signal Box: The community space bringing learning to the local East Lindsey area
- Study Hubs: Providing social workspace for everyone
- Whistle Stop Bistro:
- Activity Game and Obstacle Arena, MagnaTAG
- A new outdoor play area for the community
South Lincolnshire Councils Partnership appoints Director of Economic Development
The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership has appointed Pranali Parikh as its Director of Economic Development.
Her directorate responsibilities will be to deliver planning, economy and cultural development, and she will be instrumental in driving forward the growth ambitions and priorities for the Partnership.
In her previous role, Pranali was Director for Growth and Regeneration at Melton Borough Council for six years where she was pivotal in the council’s successful Levelling Up funding bid, enhancing regeneration and boosting the town’s reputation as the ‘rural capital of food.’
Partnership working has been a consistent theme for Pranali, having also worked as Regeneration Service Manager for Alliance of High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
Her first role in local Government was Principal Regeneration Manager for Derby City Council and before that she was Urban Design Manager at Derby Cityscape Ltd and Urban Designer at Atkins Ltd.
Pranali said: “I am very much looking forward to getting really engrained into the sub-region, working with the Councils’ leaders, portfolio holders and stakeholders on their priorities as well as understanding local challenges and seeking solutions.
“I am really looking forward to bringing my expertise and insights to the delivery of projects and schemes which support growth and the local economy in south and east Lincolnshire.”
Rob Barlow, Chief Executive, said: “I am really pleased that Pranali has joined our Senior Leadership Team at what is an exciting time for the Partnership. By working collaboratively, the Partnership has been really successful in bringing in Government funding to support economic growth for the entire sub-region.
“This is a new role and was highly competitive so I am delighted the recruitment process has resulted in Pranali joining the team to help drive forward the ambitions of the Partnership.”
Fundraiser tells of early years in Air Ambulance By Your Side podcast series
Following a successful launch last month, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) continues to take you behind the scenes of its life-saving work as host Melvyn Prior discovers how the iconic yellow helicopter was unable to fly just months after the life-saving service began.
Tune in to the conversation with Thirza Dixon, LNAA’s first fundraiser, and the charity’s existing CEO, Karen Jobling, who chat about how far the life-saving charity has come in 30 years.
Thirza avidly explains about the early days when if there were insufficient funds the helicopter stood silent. She said: “It was awful, it was horrible, because people had seen the benefit, and then you take it away from them.”
Hear about the team’s unwavering belief that they would not fail, and that Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance would succeed. Thirty years later, the charity continues to go from strength to strength, with its team of doctors, paramedics and pilots responding to almost 30,000 missions since their first callout on 13 May 1994.
Karen also pays tribute to all the supporters and volunteers that have worked tirelessly each year to raise the funds needed to keep the air ambulance in the skies and fleet of critical care cars on the roads delivering emergency care to communities in Lincs & Notts 24/7, seven-days-a-week.
She said: “We’ve got everything to thank to the people who have come before us, for everyone who has worked hard to sell the dream.”
By Your Side podcast is available on: https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/podcast
Solar farm decisions ‘deeply disappointing’ for Lincolnshire
Two senior county councillors have reacted to the news that the new Secretary of State has granted permission for two giant solar farms in Lincolnshire.
Permission for Gate Burton in West Lindsey and Mallard’s Pass in South Kesteven have been given permission to go ahead, despite considerable local opposition.
Councillor Colin Davie, the county council’s executive councillor for economy and environment, said: “The news that proposals for giant industrial solar parks for both Mallard’s Pass and Gate Burton have been approved is deeply disappointing for all those who will have to live with these huge developments on their doorstep.
“I have repeatedly said that these enormous infrastructure projects should not be dumped in our county, and ruin the quality of life of our residents. Our agricultural land should be protected and it plays a key role in our nation’s food security. But these pleas are not being heard by the Labour government now in charge of environmental policy.”
Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr Martin Hill, added: “Be in no doubt that these are huge-scale developments that will change our county landscapes dramatically. Both proposals are expected to cover around 2000 acres each. The speed with which these decisions have been taken shows that this government is not prepared to listen to communities, local councils and all those fighting for our countryside. The sheer volume of paperwork associated with these proposals means that in no way could these be seen as carefully considered decisions.”
Heather Small – a veteran in the live music scene
Heather Small is a veteran in the live music and touring scene and year on year, Heather’s demand has seen her play shows not just in the UK but internationally.
Heather became one of the seminal British voices of the 1990s, as part of M People, with hits such as ‘Moving On Up’, ‘One Night In Heaven’ and ‘Search For The Hero’ along with albums like Elegant Slumming, Bizarre Fruit, and Fresco, achieving massive worldwide success.
Join us on Friday 27th September at Cambridge Corn Exchange to see her for yourself! Book today on https://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/cornex/events/heather-small
Coming soon to the Plowright Theatre: The Makings of a Murderer 2 – The Real Manhunter
Following sell-out shows nationwide, the UK’s top true crime theatre tour is back with a brand-new lineup!
Featuring Senior Investigating officer Colin Sutton, who caught serial killer Levi Bellfield and ‘Night Stalker’ Delroy Grant.
Join a chilling, thrilling night at the theatre as Colin, who was head of a Metropolitan Police murder squad tells the stories of how he caught some of the UK’s most evil murderers.
In this all-new show, Colin, who the ITV drama series ‘Manhunt,’ played by Martin Clunes, is based on, will talk you through his remarkable career and what it is like to chase and catch a serial killer in a unique and one-off night at the theatre – for true crime fans and theatre goers alike.
The Makings of a Murderer 2 – A Crime Thriller night at the Theatre!
Touring Nationwide from Autumn 2024, the show comes to The Plowright Theatre, in Scunthorpe, on Sunday 8 September 2024.
Grange Farm Park celebrates new wedding licence, Tipi venue and wellness spa
Grange Farm Park has announced a series of exciting developments that make it the ultimate destination for weddings and relaxation in Lincolnshire. Now officially licensed for weddings, the park proudly introduces a stunning new Tipi venue and the addition of a luxurious wellness spa.
New wedding licence and Tipi venue
Couples can now officially exchange vows at Grange Farm Park, surrounded by the natural beauty and serene ambiance that the park offers. The newly unveiled Tipi venue, an elegant and spacious structure, can accommodate sit-down receptions for up to 110 guests. This unique space perfectly aligns with Grange Farm Park’s dedication to creating bespoke festival-style weddings, allowing couples to celebrate their love in a personalized and memorable way.
Bespoke festival-style weddings
Specializing in bespoke festival-style weddings, Grange Farm Park empowers couples to design their dream day. Whether aiming for a rustic, bohemian, or modern theme, each wedding is tailored to reflect the couple’s distinct style and vision. The versatile Tipi offers a charming and flexible setting, ensuring every wedding is as unique as the couple themselves.
On-site accommodation
Grange Farm Park offers a variety of on-site accommodation options, ensuring guests can enjoy the festivities without the need for travel. From glamping pods and luxury lodges to cozy cottages, every guest will find comfort and convenience, enhancing the overall experience of the celebration.
New wellness spa
Adding to the excitement, Grange Farm Park is proud to unveil its new wellness spa. This serene sanctuary offers a swim spa, sauna and ice bath together with relaxation area all designed to rejuvenate and unwind, making it the perfect addition to the park’s offerings. Whether guests are preparing for the big day or simply looking to chill out, the wellness spa provides the ideal retreat.
Book your dream wedding today
With the new wedding licence, the addition of the Tipi venue, the debut of an exquisite summer menu, and the luxurious wellness spa, Grange Farm Park is set to become the premier destination for couples seeking a unique and enchanting wedding experience.
For more information or to book a tour, please visit www.grangefarmpark.co.uk or contact its wedding coordinator at rebecca@grangefarmpark.co.uk.
New North Lincolnshire planning academy allowing people to earn as they learn
Image: Deborah Oikeh, Jack Standerline, Chris Clark, Matthew Gillyon, Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Cllr David Rose, Millie Arden, Rachael Major and Rebecca Leggott, Development Management Lead. Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
New waste collection lorry to raise prostate cancer awareness
South Kesteven District Council’s (SKDC) latest addition to its fleet has been unveiled to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
Prominent health adverts on each side of the eye-catching blue vehicle highlight the fact that one in eight men will suffer from prostate cancer. Latest figures suggest that 144 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day.
The lorry carries the Prostate Cancer UK 30-second risk check message that can save lives, along with a link to the charity website for more information.
It will operate alongside a bright pink freighter launched last year to spread awareness of breast cancer.
The risk of prostate cancer made headlines this year following King Charles III’s treatment for an enlarged prostate, prompting a surge in checks for the condition.
Cllr Paul Wood, who represents the Viking ward on SKDC, discovered that he had prostate cancer through a routine PSA test – despite having no symptoms.
An MRI scan showed there was a 50% chance he had prostate cancer and a subsequent biopsy confirmed that he did.
Cllr Wood said: “I chose surgery to remove the prostate, had the operation in June 2023 and further tests confirmed that the cancer had not spread beyond the prostate.
“I was very lucky, and I would encourage every man to take the risk of prostate cancer seriously, even if they have no symptoms.”
Cllr Ashley Baxter, Leader of SKDC, said: “We are proud to be using a refuse freighter to deliver a vitally important new health message across the district. Our new freighter is eye-catching, not least for its colour but for the information which can literally save lives.”
Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Laura Kerby said: “We’re so grateful for the brilliant support of South Kesteven District Council raising vital risk awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.
“This brilliantly-branded truck puts us and our messaging at the heart of the local community and could be a gamechanger for those men and their loved ones affected by prostate cancer – a disease which affects 1 in 8 men in the UK.
“An early diagnosis can save your life, so it is vital that men know their risk. Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, Black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. Anyone with concerns should visit the charity’s online risk checker.
“This innovative incentive will help drive home the dangers of this disease and help us save and enrich the lives of men with prostate cancer. We can’t thank everyone involved enough.”
Jaspal Phull, Urology consultant at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust and Clinical Director for Surgery, said: “Understanding whether you may have prostate cancer starts with a discussion and in most cases a simple blood test. Some men will need specialist testing to see whether they have early prostate cancer.
“In the UK 144 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day. Age, ethnicity and family history play a significant part in this. Learn more about your prostate and beat this treatable cancer with early risk assessment and blood test detection.”
Image credit: South Kesteven District Council
