Humberston Avenue public consultation begins

A public consultation launches today to gain feedback from local people on a proposal to develop land south of Humberston Avenue for residential housing, including a substantial proportion of retirement properties.

The proposal is being put forward by Keystone Developments which is part of Longhurst Group and specialises in creating high quality retirement communities. The eighteen hectare area of land is currently owned by the trustees of the Joseph Ogle Trust. The Trustees are keen to ensure that any development is a fitting legacy to the former local timber merchant, Joseph Ogle, and supports the values and objectives of the Trust.

Both the Trust and Keystone Developments share a vision to leave a long-lasting positive legacy for the community by ensuring a high quality, sustainable development that responds directly to local needs. The proposed development will consist of 400 homes – a mixture of a retirement community, family homes and affordable homes. The site will have a network of footpaths, a play area for children, and a community space. Initial plans also include a presumption that up to 30% of the site will remain green open space. Substantial screening from the road will be provided to preserve the scenic view of Humberston Avenue.

A six-week consultation period is being held between Monday 27th June and Sunday 7th August to allow local people to find out more and give feedback on the proposals.

Nick Worboys, Assistant Director of Development for Longhurst Group is keen to ensure local people help shape the proposals, she said, “We are actively consulting with local people so that the proposed development fits with local needs. The whole team understands that Humberston Avenue is a very special place that requires a bespoke development of high quality. Our aim is to create a development that will be in keeping with the local environment, well designed within the landscape.

“There is a clear need for retirement homes in North East Lincolnshire and in particular in Humberston, as well as for family and affordable homes. A few years ago, when the trustees of the Joseph Ogle Trust began exploring possible uses for the land, they held a series of conversations with local people which identified this need. This was later confirmed by more detailed market research.

“Our aspirations for the site focus on meeting the needs of the growing, local population of older people, but at the same time creating a development that matches the aspirations of all local people. We hope residents will attend one of our events to find out more, have their say on our initial plans and help shape the final proposal.”

Three public exhibitions are being held in July to give residents the opportunity to find out more about the proposed development. These are drop in events and there is no need to book.

You can also find out more by visiting http://www.humberstonavenueconsultation.co.uk/

Following the six week public consultation period, and subject to feedback, an outline planning application will be submitted later this year.