Key Considerations
Retail
Existing retail provision in Healing has declined in recent years leaving only the post office/convenience store and 2no. hot food take aways to the north, close to Healing railway station. This area has limited available parking for visitors of these stores, with a narrow street access (with parked cars either side). There is no retail provision to the south of the settlement, and as such, the proposed retail units here, including a convenience store, are intended to fill this gap in provision, being well located (opposite Healing Academy and adjacent to the built up area of the south of Healing). Importantly, the development would assist in providing a better range of services and amenities for the residents of Healing, directly in accordance with Local Plan Policy 5 which supports new local services and community facilities outside of the settlement boundary. Outside of Healing, the closest larger convenience store is the Lincolnshire Co-op at Great Coates, with Grimsby then offering national multiple retailers such as Morrisons, Lidl and Aldi in out of centre locations.
Residential
North East Lincolnshire Council cannot currently demonstrate a five year housing land supply (with the supply now being 3.6 years). As such, the residential element of this proposal would make an important contribution towards the Council’s land supply. The addition of 7 to 8 new residential dwellings in this location is considered to form a logical extension to Healing. There is existing built development to the east and north of the site, with the land immediately to the north benefiting from planning permission for the construction of 2 new dwellings.
Sustainability
The site is in close proximity to Grimsby which provides a wide range of facilities and job opportunities. There is a regular bus services that runs past the site, with bus stops in very close proximity, providing frequent services to Grimsby and Immingham. Healing railway station is around 1km away (circa 15-minute walk). Healing itself has a nursery, primary and secondary schools and a doctor’s surgery. As such, the site is sustainably located, with good access to public transport, schools, doctor’s and surrounding settlements.
Design and Landscaping
The site is bound by mature tree planting along Great Coates Road – a number of these trees are protected by a TPO. As such, existing trees will be retained wherever possible, with some limited pruning. The retail units will have a traditional feel to them. They will be of a high quality design, utilising red bricks and red clay tiles. The layout seeks to ensure satisfactory parking provision and pedestrian access to the site, with the servicing areas screened behind the retail units. It is likely that the residential element of the proposal will be submitted in outline form, meaning details such as layout, scale, appearance and landscaping would be agreed at the next stage (reserved matters).
Highways
Initial highway work has been undertaken which confirms that the proposed access can be delivered in principle. An initial assessment of transport impacts has also been undertaken, confirming that the road network can accommodate the proposed development without any severe impact. As part of any planning application, details will also be provided in terms of parking and lorry manoeuvring, through a Transport Statement and Travel Plan.
Heritage
To the west of the site (c.250 metres away), two moated sites at Healing Hall are identified as Scheduled Monuments – the Hall itself is not a listed building. The Church of St Peter and St Paul, along with the Cross Base (circa 200 metres to the west) are Grade II listed. As such, the proposed masterplan includes areas of landscaping buffers to ensure the proposals respect the setting of these heritage assets, and the proposals are being developed in close liaison with a specialist heritage consultant.
