Approval for new commercial development off A1

Plans for a large-scale commercial development off the A1 near Grantham have been approved, with councillors told it could lead to more than 2,000 new jobs.

The commercial and industrial development, approved by South Kesteven District Council, will span about 35.5 hectares (87 acres) - the equivalent of more than 50 football pitches - on land south of Gorse Lane.

The proposal aims to create up to 140,000 sq m (34 acres) of floor-space for general industrial use, storage and distribution, as well as office space.

Councillor Helen Crawford said: "I'm really pleased to see that we've got something coming through employment land for Grantham."

At a meeting on Thursday, Phil Jones, managing director of applicant Mulberry Commercial, said the development would boost economic growth.

He said: "The site has direct access to the A1, representing a huge opportunity to invest in Grantham and the surrounding areas, contributing to the town's emerging status as a regional hub of choice for both businesses and home owners."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, access to the site would be via a new junction, forming a western arm on to the newly constructed roundabout off the A1.

Councillors heard the development was expected to create about 2,200 full-time jobs once it is completed.

Councillor Charmaine Morgan said: "It's actually really important. We've got all these new housing developments and those people need jobs.

"The other thing is that we do have some very highly skilled young folk as well.

"We've got some excellent grammar schools and we've got the college, so it would be really good to see some opportunities for our younger generation."

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