To consider approval of an updated report on the making of a Local Development Order (LDO) for mixed-use development on a site known as ‘Skegness Gateway’.

1. That it be approved to make and formally adopt the Skegness Gateway Local Development Order (LDO), subject to the satisfactory completion of all associated legal agreements; and

2. That the Assistant Director: Planning & Strategic Infrastructure (or alternative Officer as may be authorised by the Chief Executive) in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders, be delegated authority to make amendments to the LDO (including its conditions) and associated documents, including associated legal agreements, as may be required prior to its formal adoption, subject to those amendments not significantly altering the material scope or effect of the LDO.

A report was presented to consider approval of the making of a Local Development Order (LDO) for mixed-use development on a site known as ‘Skegness Gateway’.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Planning highlighted that Members would recall resolving to make and formally adopt proposals for the Skegness Gateway Local Development Order (the ‘LDO’) at Executive Board held on 20 March 2024, Minute No. 75 refers.

Furthermore, Members would similarly recall that at that time, formal objections to the proposals had been received from the Environment Agency on, inter alia, flood risk grounds.  The proposals were also subject to a later, and quite separate letter before claim which was a pre-cursor to potential legal challenge on the basis that the Council’s decision to approve the making and formal adoption of the LDO was irrational amongst other grounds.  Further proposed grounds of claim stemmed from the impacts of the then proposed LDO would have on the veracity of the Council’s existing and emergent, Local Plans.

As a consequence, officers had continued to engage positively with the main landowners, Croftmarsh Limited with a view to progressing revised proposals for an LDO to a successful conclusion.  Positive discussions had also been held with the Environment Agency, amongst others.

The Portfolio for Planning asked that his thanks be passed to all officers and partners involved for getting the LDO to its current position.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 8 of the report, pages 27 to 46 of the Agenda refer.

The Leader of the Council echoed the comments made during the introduction of the report and thanked all involved for their patience, perseverance and determination in getting to this stage.

RESOLVED:

1. That it be approved to make and formally adopt the Skegness Gateway Local Development Order (LDO), subject to the satisfactory completion of all associated legal agreements; and

2. That the Assistant Director: Planning & Strategic Infrastructure (or alternative Officer as may be authorised by the Chief Executive) in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders, be delegated authority to make amendments to the LDO (including its conditions) and associated documents, including associated legal agreements, as may be required prior to its formal adoption, subject to those amendments not significantly altering the material scope or effect of the LDO.

Reasons

The reasons for the recommendations set out above stem directly from the objectives of the LDO itself, which are to:

• Transform the economic fortunes of Skegness and the quality of life and opportunities that are available to its residents, with a focus on economic development and the provision of the new college campus.

• Generate a positive economic impact from land use change to the benefit of both the local area and wider region.

• Support the delivery of local affordable housing to meet the existing evidenced needs of Skegness.

• Directly provide 400 affordable homes, which will meet a significant element of the existing demand in Skegness and the coastal area of East Lindsey in accordance with the adopted Local Plan; and

• Provide supported residential accommodation for people with specialist needs, including older people and former members of the Armed Forces, in the form of up to 150 bed spaces across one or more facility.

The proposals will additionally provide significant biodiversity and environmental enhancements, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and a range of tourism and community uses, together with open space, all in general accordance with the provisions of the Council’s adopted Local Plan.

The reasons for the recommendations also reflect the fact that the proposed LDO specifically aims to front load the permissive process and provide development certainty.  The range of potential benefits to Skegness and the wider locality are plain.

Other Options

Alternatives to the recommendations listed above would be:

1. To defer the decision and refer the matter back to officers (and the promoters) to seek amendments or variations to the LDO and/or legal agreement prior to further consideration of the proposals by the Executive; or

2. To decline to make the LDO at this time, providing reasons for this decision and noting that the LDO may not be continued with.  This is, in effect, the ‘do nothing’ option as the power to make an LDO rests, in this instance, with the Council.

N.B.  Paul Jackson, Executive Programme Manager left the Meeting at 6.10pm.