The display, on proposals by Morbaine Ltd for a centre comprising a 12,000 sq ft convenience store, a number of smaller retail units, a nursery and a restaurant, was attended by nearly 80 residents last month.
Eighty percent who completed a feedback questionnaire agreed that the Corringham Road area needed more amenities within walking distance, with 67% saying Morbaine’s proposal would help to meet that need and a further 27% saying ‘maybe/don’t know’. Only seven percent of respondents disagreed.
But the positive endorsement for Morbaine’s plans came as West Lindsey District Council’s planning officers approved a scheme just a stone’s throw away on Corringham Road under delegated powers, meaning it was not referred to the council’s planning committee.
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The smaller development by Tillbridge Developments includes a 4,000 sq ft Spar store.
But with Gainsborough’s population set to double over 20 years, Morbaine Director Alex Brodie said there was more than enough expected demand for both projects to go ahead.
Mr Brodie said: “We were delighted that so many residents took the time to view our plans last week and we were very encouraged that a clear majority were in favour of our proposal.
“Two-thirds of people actively supported our scheme, while a further quarter were unsure and only seven percent disagreed with it.
“It was important for us to hear the understandable concerns of people whose properties back onto the site and we are keen to continue working with these householders to address their issues as far as possible.
“Notwithstanding this, it was clear that most people living nearby saw our plan as beneficial, with 80% saying the Corringham Road area currently lacked amenities and 91% welcoming the prospect of up to 50 full and part-time jobs, which could be created if this scheme went ahead.”
Other findings from the questionnaire showed that 64% of people said the proposed local centre would help them to make fewer journeys by car, with a further 20% saying maybe.
Gainsborough was awarded Growth Point Status in 2008, meaning the town’s population is set to double to 36,000 over the next 20 years.
Asked if enough was being done to provide amenities to cater for the projected housing growth in the east of Gainsborough, only 9% said yes, with 47% saying no and a further 44% saying they weren’t sure.
(GK)
