Derelict Lincolnshire Coast Land to Become Luxury Caravan Sales Site
A proposal to convert a neglected strip of land along the Lincolnshire coast into a sales site for luxury caravans and mobile lodges has received the green light. The plot, formerly known as the Fun City site on North Parade, Skegness, has lain dormant for more than a decade since the closure of the amusement park.
Failed Previous Plans
Previous attempts to develop the area into high-end apartments did not attract any takers, despite planning permission being granted. However, a new plan engineered by David Scott was positively received at a recent East Lindsey District Council planning committee.
Need for Regeneration
The proposal was reportedly called in by Councillor Danny Brookes following recommendations from council officers to limit the length of permission to five years. Councillor Brooks stressed that Skegness stood in strong need of urban renewal, and argued that a temporary permit would only diminish potential investments.
"This proposal not only offers economic benefits but also contributes positively to our community wellbeing in the tourism industry,"
Councillor Brookes told his peers.
Councillor Brookes believes that placing high-quality lodges and homes in Skegness could not only bolster the economy but also lead to an increase in repeat visitors. Additionally, this could incite more spending in the area and bring about environmental and eco-friendly enhancements.
High Quality Accommodation Key to Revitalization
"People are no longer happy to be in a tin-box type caravan; they want better quality accommodation," Councillor Brookes emphasized. He also mentioned that the applicants would be investing more than £100,000 merely to bring the site up to standard before installing the caravans.
Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Andrew Clover revealed that previous efforts to bring high-quality accommodations to the site failed because of various hindrances, including the construction of a nearby Travelodge.
An Eyesore No More
Clover referred to the current condition of the site as a blight, adding that it negatively impacted both the character and economic wellbeing of the area. With the approved plan, he expects to see an escalation in caravan sales from 150-200 per year to around 300-400. The site also anticipates initially employing seven full-time seasonal workers.
Objections and Support
Despite objections from Skegness Town Council on grounds of incompatibility with the area's character, the scheme received 27 letters of support from residents. Furthermore, praising the new plan for the site, Councillor Neil Jones called the application "very pragmatic" while commending officers on a "very good report".
As the final verdict, nine councillors voted in favour of moving ahead with the project.