'Better public transport and a new sixth form': What 1,300 new Stamford homes could mean
If approved, they'd be built on land between Little Casterton and Ryhall Road
A better public transport system and a new sixth form could be among the possibilities should a new "neighbourhood" be built in Stamford, according to a local councillor.
It's after a planning application was submitted to build 1,350 new houses to the north of Stamford, alongside a new school, shopping centre and parks.
(Independent) Lincolnshire County Councillor, Richard Cleaver, who's lived in Stamford for 25 years, says there 'a number of pros and cons to an increasing population.'
He added that the actual total number of new homes being proposed, when factoring in other existing housing plans, is "way over 2,000":
"In total you're looking at way over 2,000 new homes, we're talking about 5,000 new people in the town - that's a 20% plus increase in the towns population.'
'We want to make sure we get the increase in cultural facilities; leisure facilities that're going to go with that.'
Positives
When any population increases, it usually means an introduction of new local amenities.
Mr Cleaver said, if the plans were to go ahead, the number of new homes could also pave the way for a new and improved transport system, as well as a new sixth form:
'The growth in population does give us opportunity for improved bus services for the whole town, and certainly having a sixth form at Stamford Welland becomes much more achievable with the extra numbers.'
'I know that's something that will be really important for the town to gain', he added.
Negatives
Some residents will be concerned over thousands of extra homes worsening access to existing local facilities, while an influx of people will also have an effect on traffic, according to Mr Cleaver.
'On the negative side, there are lots of potential problems with traffic - and we must make sure they are properly researched and properly mitigated.'
There will also be concern from some residents that an 'acoustic bund' in place next to Stamford AFC, used to deter sound from the matchday and training pitches, will be affected by plans.
1,350 new homes, and what else?
More than a thousand homes could be built in a new Stamford neighbourhood.
Developers claim the new project will be a “wonderful new neighbourhood” for the town, including a primary school, a shopping centre and two parks.
A total of 1,350 new houses are planned on land between Little Casterton and Ryhall Road.
The application from Savills promises it will be fully integrated with Stamford while providing new community facilities.
The local centre could see a pub, wine bar or hot food takeaways built, along with a two-form primary school and a medical centre.
There will be a strip of green space to the north including two parks.
A small amount of the development will cross the boundary into Rutland, meaning the application will need approval from both councils.
The planning application says: “Stamford North will deliver an innovative, integrated and high-quality addition to the town of Stamford.
“It will be a wonderful new neighbourhood – a thriving place in which to live, work, bring up a family and grow old – a place for all. This new place will be made well, to last.
“Stamford North will be a new neighbourhood for the town, not a separate community: it will be fully integrated with Stamford itself, providing new community facilities such as a primary school, a medical centre and places to gather, eat and drink.
“Designed around two new parks, Stamford North will make a positive contribution to local landscape and nature restoration.”
Plans are now on South Kesteven District Council’s website to view and comment on.
The planning committee will rule on them at a later date.
The council had previously expressed caution about a neighbouring Stamford North proposed development.
They wanted to see more proof that the nearby Quarry Farm development wouldn’t impact on Stamford’s transport and environment.