• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Long Leys Community

A website for residents of the Long Leys area of Lincoln

  • Home
  • News
  • Local Information
    • Access To A Defibrillator In Long Leys
    • Subscribe to Long Leys Community Emails
    • Carholme Community Forum
    • Mobile Library Service Times
    • StopVeolia Campaign Website
  • LLRA information
    • Feedback to LLRA
    • Key Contacts / Problem Reporting
    • A Guide to the LLRA
    • LLRA Management Committee
    • Management Committee Minutes
      • LLRA 2024-2025
      • LLRA 2023-2024
      • LLRA 2022-2023
      • LLRA 2021-2022
      • LLRA 2020-2021
      • LLRA 2019-2020
      • LLRA 2018-2019 and 2017-2018
    • LLRA Constitution (2024)
    • LLRA Management Committee Elections
    • Stop Veolia Legal & Campaign Fund Status
    • LLRA Data Protection Policy
    • LLRA Health & Safety Policy
    • Submit An Idea
    • AGM’s
      • 2023 LLRA AGM and Community Meeting: Summary
      • 2022 LLRA AGM and Community Meeting
      • 2019 LLRA AGM and Community Meeting
      • 2018 LLRA AGM and Community Meeting
      • 2017 AGM
      • 2016 AGM
  • Neighbourhood Plan
    • Neighbourhood Plan News Articles
    • Key Documents
    • Neighbourhood Plan Supporting Evidence
      • Initial Focus Areas: Neighbourhood Plan
      • Long Leys Housing Needs Assessment
      • Historical Development of Long Leys
      • Habitat & Wildlife
    • Archive
      • NPAG & Minutes
      • Village Centre Project
  • Wildlife & West Common
    • West Common and Burton Ridge Nature
    • Lincoln Commons Advisory Panel
    • Bird-Survey
      • Bird-Survey: Overview and How To Use
      • Bird-Survey: Report Bird Sightings
      • Bird-Survey: Summary of Bird Sightings
      • Habitat Maps
      • Bird-Survey Login
  • About This Site
    • About This Site
    • Comments Policy

Long Leys & The Central Lincolnshire Local Plan

14th April 2017 by Jon Davies 4 Comments

policies map for Central Lincolnshire Local Plan showing Long Leys area detail
Policies Map for Central Lincolnshire Local Plan showing Long Leys area detail
Click map to enlarge in new tab

The recent publication of the Planning Inspectorate’s Report on the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan (see Inspector Publishes Report On Central Lincolnshire Local Plan) means we now have an idea of the likely shape of the Long Leys Community for the next twenty years. Whilst nothing is ever set in stone, the Local Plan gives a strong guide to planners and its final amended version should be adopted this year (Update: plan approved on 24th April 2017). This article provides a personal opinion, from the author, of what it means for our community. The author is by no means a planning expert and there are no doubt other views on what could/should happen in the area. Members of the Long Leys Community are very welcome to express their own opinions via the comments section.

What It Means For Our Community
Overall the Local Plan is very good news for the Long Leys community. We now sit firmly in the centre of a “Green Wedge” (the map area covered with green dots). This makes it very difficult, I hesitate to use the word impossible, for large scale housing developments in the area. The Local Plan runs until 2036 so whilst there may be a level of development in the Long Leys area, such as the proposed nursing home, it should be small in the context of the overall size of our community.

As no one involved in the recent fight against Veolia needs any reminding, the Albion Works on Long Leys Road (referred to as an Established Employment Area) and the former landfill site behind it are now the only major areas of uncertainty. Should one of the businesses on Long Leys Road , such as Travis Perkins or Curtis, decide to relocate elsewhere then this potentially opens up better access to a slightly wider area for further business development and/or housing. We cannot realistically expect our community to be frozen with zero development. What is important is to ensure that any future developments enhance the community rather than take it backwards.

The map below has been obtained from the Local Plan team. The map has been annotated by the author and this is followed by a summary explanation of the various area categories. Extracts of the specific policies from the Local Plan are then provided for those who want to study the detail behind this.

Additional information can also be accessed via these links:
Download the Inspectors Report on the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan
Download the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan Proposed Submission

policies map for Central Lincolnshire Local Plan showing Long Leys area detail
Policies Map for Central Lincolnshire Local Plan showing Long Leys area detail

The Long Leys area can be considered to fall into five broad categories (see map above)

  • Existing developments
    • Predominantly residential, but also including some health facilities, some commercial/ retail and, currently, a church.
  • Established Employment Area
    • Identified as area E10 on the map, we know this as the Albion Works on Long Leys Road. It is covered under Local Plan policy LP5 and allows business developments in use class B1, B2 and B8 where proposals are of a scale that respects the character of the area and/or neighbouring land uses.
  • Undefined Areas
    • Areas shown in white on the map which are not currently developed (such as the site for the proposed Tanglewood nursing home) and are not allocated to any specific local plan policy
  • Green Wedge
    • Long Leys is now sitting in a “Green Wedge” which is covered by policy LP22. This includes West Common and much of the undeveloped land to the north of Long Leys Road. Policy LP22, which is included in more detail at the bottom of this article, has the function of preventing the physical merging of settlements, providing a “green lung” and an accessible recreational resource and providing a wildlife corridor to help with conservation of local wildlife. Development will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the development is essential or is not detrimental to its main function. Whilst this does not guarantee there will be no future development it does put very strong protections in place.
  • Important Open Space
    • We know this as the allotments to the south of Long Leys Road and it is covered under policy LP23. This policy does put protections in place (see detail below) which again rules out development other than in very special circumstances.

Policy Details
Listed below are extracts from the local plan for:

  • Policy LP5: Important Established Employment Areas (EEA)
  • Policy LP22: Green Wedges
  • Policy LP23: Local Green Space and other Important Open Space

Note that there is further detail around these specific policies in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan


Policy LP5: Important Established Employment Areas (EEA)
Established employment sites, as identified on the Policies Map, perform an important role in the local economy and therefore are in need of protection for employment (B Class) purposes. They also offer potential for intensification and/or renewal.

Proposals for new B1/B2/B8 employment developments and/or redevelopment of sites for B1/B2/B8 uses that come forward in the following important established employment sites will be supported provided the proposed development is of a scale that respects the character of the area and/or neighbouring land uses. Proposals within the identified areas for any use not listed below will be refused, unless clearly ancillary to the uses identified below.


Policy LP22: Green Wedges
Green Wedges, as identified on the Policies Map, have been identified to fulfil one or more of the following functions and policy aims:

  • Prevention of the physical merging of settlements, preserving their separate identity, local character and historic character;
  • Creation of a multi-functional ‘green lung’ to offer communities a direct and continuous link to the open countryside beyond the urban area;
  • Provision of an accessible recreational resource, with both formal and informal opportunities, close to where people live, where public access is maximised without compromising the
    integrity of the Green Wedge;
  • Conservation and enhancement of local wildlife and protection of links between wildlife sites to support wildlife corridors.

Within the Green Wedges planning permission will not be granted for any form of development, including changes of use, unless:

  • a. it can be demonstrated that the development is not contrary or detrimental to the above functions and aims; or
  • b. it is essential for the proposed development to be located within the Green Wedge, and the benefits of which override the potential impact on the Green Wedge.
  • Development proposals within a Green Wedge will be expected to have regard to:
  • c. the need to retain the open and undeveloped character of the Green Wedge, physical separation between settlements, historic environment character and green infrastructure
    value;
  • d. the maintenance and enhancement of the network of footpaths, cycleways and bridleways, and their links to the countryside, to retain and enhance public access, where appropriate
    to the role and function of the Green Wedge;
  • e. opportunities to improve the quality and function of green infrastructure within the Green Wedge with regard to the Central Lincolnshire Green Infrastructure network and Biodiversity Opportunity Mapping.

Development proposals adjacent to the Green Wedges will be expected to demonstrate that:

  • f. they do not adversely impact on the function of the Green Wedge, taking into account scale,
    siting, design, materials and landscape treatment;
  • g. They have considered linkages to and enhancements of the adjacent Green Wedge.

Policy LP23: Local Green Space and other Important Open Space
An area identified as a Local Green Space on the Policies Map will be protected from development in line with the NPPF, which rules out development on these sites other than in very special
circumstances.

An area identified as an Important Open Space on the Policies Map is safeguarded from
development unless it can be demonstrated that:

  • a. There is an identified over provision of that particular type of open space in the community area and the site is not required for alternative recreational uses;
  • b. Suitable alternative open space can be provided on a replacement site or by enhancing existing open space serving the community area; and
  • c. There are no significant detrimental impacts on amenity, the character of the surrounding area, ecology and any heritage assets.

Filed Under: News

Reader Interactions

What Others Are Saying:

Comments are moderated. See our Comments Policy for further details.
  1. John Shipton says

    14th April 2017 at 2:09 pm

    The land behind the Long Leys Road allotments (LP 23) is currently rented to the local riding club. The owner is a local resident called Keith Sharpe who used it to store excess building materials and disused equipment after building the housing development on Oakleigh Drive between 1996 and 1999. His company, called Sharwood Homes, wanted to build new houses on the site before Westbury Homes built their new housing which Westbury called Westley Croft.. They failed to meet the conditions laid down by the City of Lincoln Council..
    There was an access point to the field he owned but after a resident built a house due to their own specification and later built a gated gateway to the property, no access was available except to the pumping station owned by Anglian Water which was adopted.. The only access to the field would be in using the farmland near to to the Lincoln by-pass bridge. Government “green wedge” policy is no longer strict and this piece of farmland could be sold on for the purpose of housing development, and of course, gaining access to the appropriate field. It will depend on the owner of the field has a interest in the farmland if and when sold or the field and the farmland is sold to another developer!
    Cemex Ready Mix still own their disused site on Albion Works. It has not been used for a few years. At this moment Cemex is dismantling their operational equipment and buildings. Cemex has no further usage for their depot. After its clearance, the directors will decide about selling the land off due to being surplus to their requirements.
    It is interesting what people can find when they are prepared to look!

    Reply
  2. John Shipton says

    20th April 2017 at 2:54 pm

    Received this news update this morning regarding the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan which is awaiting adoption…

    Dear Mr Shipton

    As per your telephone call earlier today I can confirm that the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan is to be reported to the Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning committee on Monday 24th of April with a recommendation for adoption.

    The Committee report, Inspectors Report, Local Plan proposed for adoption and associated Policy Plans can be viewed from here n-kesteven.gov.uk/central-lincolnshire

    Regards

    Gill Wilson
    Principal Development Officer
    T 01522 873818
    cid:681143712@12052015-3405
    City of Lincoln Council
    City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln, LN1 1DD
    http://www.lincoln.gov.uk/do-it-online

    Reply
  3. John Shipton says

    25th April 2017 at 1:59 pm

    The Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee met at City Hall 10am, 24th April 2017, to discuss the adoption of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan. The new Local Plan was adopted and it is now full steam ahead for implementation.

    Reply
  4. Deborah Lisseman says

    22nd June 2017 at 5:59 pm

    Thanks to John Shipton for sharing the following:

    http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2017/06/23k-new-homes-set-greater-lincoln-next-25-years-launch-local-plan/

    Reply

What Others Are Saying: Cancel reply

Please read Comments Policy before commenting.
Comments may be moderated, against our comments policy, prior to being published.

Note: Long Leys website moderators are keen to encourage engagement within comment pages. Please keep comments respectful and consider the feelings and self-esteem of all members of our community.
Please use your real name when leaving a comment, not a nickname, so that everyone in the Long Leys community can identify who is commenting. Also provide a valid email address. Your email address will not be published or used for purposes other than responding to your comment. Required fields are marked *.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome to the Long Leys Community website. Its purpose is to help build wider community engagement in the Long Leys area of Lincoln and harness the enthusiasm and skills of all Long Leys residents to more actively shape our area; helping us together to build the local community we want over the coming years.

Upcoming Events

Saturday 31 May 10.15am – 11:45 am: West Common Nature Walk. Read further details.

Feedback

Long Leys Residents’ Association welcomes information and feedback from residents. To give feedback you can either email LLRA@long-leys.org or use the contact form.

Subscribe to the Long Leys Community Email List to get updates on activities in Long Leys.

Tweets by LongLeysLincoln

Latest posts

  • West Common Nature Walk – Saturday 31 May 10.15 am
  • Lincoln Grand Prix Sunday 11 May 2025 + Road Closures
  • Volunteers Needed: Vehicle Speed Reduction on Long Leys Road
  • Additional Bus Service: Retford to Lincoln via Long Leys
  • Thank You To Our Volunteers on the Long Leys Spring Tidy Up

Copyright Long Leys Community © 2025     

Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}