A decision on controversial plans to build a new Immingham-sized development on the western edge of Grimsby has been deferred.
As previously reported, the scheme would see between 3,500 and 3,800 homes built across three new neighbourhoods, along with retail space and two schools on what is currently agricultural land.
The proposals have sparked strong opposition, with more than 2,000 formal objections submitted. Councillors have raised major concerns about flooding, environmental damage, traffic, and infrastructure capacity. Critics also argue the focus on high-value private homes fails to address the borough’s urgent need for affordable housing.
At a Cabinet meeting yesterday, Wednesday 8 October, members voted to defer any decision until the private developers provide further information in response to issues raised by a recent scrutiny panel.
Developers will now need to submit updated details addressing flood risk and water flow into the River Freshney, the completion of a full traffic assessment, and more detailed visual plans for the proposed Freshney Valley Country Park.
Independent Councillor Lyndsey Downes, is part of the Friends of the Freshney Valley group, which has long campaigned against the development. She told Cabinet that in her view the scale of the project means the decision needs to be a fully democratic one, arguing that it should go to full council.
She told Cabinet that approving the plan would “reshape this borough for generations.”
Councillor Downes continued: “It’s not a small planning tweak — it’s the creation of an entire new town: 3,800 homes bolted onto the western edge of Grimsby. That’s why this isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a democratic one.
“It’s important to note this master plan is non statutory. It is not legally binding. We were told at the developers public presentation, they plan to parcel the plots up and sell to individual developers with a build out rate of approximately 200- NELC officers state that will be closer to 25 a year- some 8 times as long to build this out. No matter who you believe, with a development of this size and build length, the public need reassurances over the strategic matters such as the country park and associated infrastructure– or will we end up making the same mistakes we made with Scartho Top.”
She concluded: “This affects the whole of North East Lincolnshire. It remains my belief that should have been debated in full council, where every councillor — every representative of the people — has to look their voters in the eye and account for their vote. I ask you, and every member here, to remember why you were elected: to represent people, not developers.”
A spokesperson for the North East Lincolnshire Labour Group commended the efforts of the Independent Group to “protect the valley and ensure local voices are heard.”
They added: “This outcome is a positive step for transparency, accountability, and proper democratic oversight, showing what can be achieved when councillors work together cross party in the best interests of our communities.”
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.