Concern over brownfield sites and tackling future flood risk in Lincolnshire
Developing brownfield sites and tackling future flood risk must not be forgotten in shaping central Lincolnshire's growth plans, say residents.
Consultation has begun on moves to build eight urban neighbourhoods by 2031 to help meet a 76,300 population increase.
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In Lincoln, Swanpool could take 2,700 homes, with 2,000 at Greetwell Hollow and 2,800 between Canwick and Bracebridge Heath.
Sleaford could see 3,350 homes over two sites and 7,000 in total are proposed at three locations in Gainsborough.
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Lincolnshire's overall target over the next two decades is 42,800 new homes and more sites will follow the eight already unveiled. Shops, offices, industrial premises, schools and services are also proposed across the area and 26,700 jobs will be created.
Lynn Grundy, 49, from Bracebridge Heath, said it is vital growth is properly planned and the public's voice is heard.
"There is a need for growth but you have to plan it and consult the public," she said.
"If you build houses you have to build schools and shops. If facilities are not there then problems can occur in communities."
Matthew Tindall, 39, a project manager from Nettleham, said: "I don't like to see green fields built on. I would prefer brownfield sites, where available, and I'd like our corridor between us and Lincoln maintained.
"But certainly, where sensible development can take place, I think growth is a good idea.
"What is important is to build communities from the bottom up and provide the extra schools and health services."
David Harby, 61, a landscape gardener, of Carral Close, off Brant Road, Lincoln, said he remains dubious about developing Swanpool.
"My concern is purely because it's low-lying land," he said. "Flood risk needs to assessed by looking forward to 100 years after houses are built, not at the beginning.
"But the development that is needed is not just about population increase.
"It's also a fact that a lot of the housing in the centre of Lincoln is old housing – give it another 20 years and many houses will be nearing the end of their lives.
"If you start to build 100 houses on the edge of a village it's never going to be attractive to run a bus service.
"But every one of these sites would justify public transport."
City of Lincoln Council leader Ric Metcalfe, who sits of the Central Lincolnshire joint strategic planning committee which has drafted the plan, said: "This is opportunity and challenge, but let's not lose the opportunity because of the size of the challenge.
"There's a natural instinct among some people to have some apprehensions about what this growth will bring. Growth is going to happen.
"There's terrific potential but the planning question is how do we manage it."
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