Monday 30 July 2018

Holdingham housing developments: a community as part of Sleaford?

I have put in a Ward Report to the Sleaford Town Council (STC)! The subject is about the developments in and around Holdingham Grange.

 

  A video is at this Youtube address: it isa Town Council debate on the development of Holdingham Grange and the improvements that have been made and outstanding improvements that are needed. . The aim of the report is to draw STC's attention to issues that will help provide a cohesive community. Many of the issues are outside the direct control of the Town Councl. However the report is attached below. New Care home first residents.



Date 29 July 2018-07-28

 Holdingham Grange: Associated Issues Update
The work done at the entrance to the Holdingham Grange Estate appears to be complete (at least as far as the Builders (Persimmon)) are concerned. Houses are still being built within Phase 1 of this development and work continues to develop the Care Home (developed by Glenholme). Integration with the rest of Holdingham (and Sleaford) will need addressing.

1.      Overview
There are still issues to be resolved as to who is responsible for what! The key focal points are:
Cycle Track and signage (dismount signs are to be seen on one side of the road but not (yet) as cyclists approach from the Farm Bridge. Note Cycling and adequately managed Cycle Lanes have and still are a vital aim of development around Sleaford. 
Litter:  Extensive litter can be seen on the grass verges near the mini-Roundabout (as yet uncut). Who is responsible for this and also the junctions with Holdingham Lane and Lincoln Road? What is the roll-out plan for litter picking as phase 1 (and eventually phase 2) are completed? Will support still be provided by the “Fast Food”outlets.
Buses: The original idea was for bus services to serve Holdingham Grange. Do we (STC) have knowledge of any roll-out plan and what input if any STC will have as Consultees?
Road Safety Many residents use Hockmeyers (including Spar Shop) and McDonalds (also others including Kentucky Fried Chicken). The Lincoln Road is increasingly congested:  adequate signage and crossing access is important to avoid accidents. Crossing points are difficult for pedestrians.
Policing, Care and other Community Facilities:  As above, there are issues here outside the direct control of the Town Council (and in many cases the District Council).  However STC will need to be involved in the provision of services.

2.       Conclusions
This brief report is to bring Councils attention to changes within Holdingham which will put increasing pressure on resources. It may need to be incorporated into a Neighbourhood Plan in order to attract the necessary resources.  Note: the Sleaford Town Council is still committed to developing a Neighbourhood Plan (STC 2015/16 refers). Support from Local Businesses will be needed.

Photos are attached to indicate some key locations mentioned in this report.

3.       Recommendations.
That STC note the issues raised above and reaffirm its desire to input to a comprehensive Plan of action in keeping with its policy of developing an appropriate Neighbourhood Plan (or Community Plan) that is contained within the Central Lincolnshire/ Local Plan.



Mini-Roundabout near Hockmeyers  and McDonalds leading to main Roundabout

 

Cycle Track from Farm Bridge (lack of warning sign)
 

To Whittle Road: Holdingham Grange & Care Home
 
Holdingham Grange (potential Bus Route)