Unfinished housing estate an 'absolute eyesore'

An unfinished housing estate has become a target for anti-social behaviour, local residents have claimed.

The development on Lea Road in Gainsborough was due have 220 flats and a number of shops, but work on the site has stopped.

One person who lives opposite told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that it was "awful looking at it every day".

"There's a lot of fly tipping, which kids set on fire," they said.

"There was some machinery there when work stopped, and that was set on fire too. I've lost count of how many times the fire brigade has been out.

"It will be three years in February since there was last work happening," they added.

"They were going for 18 months and slowed down over the winter – then one day it just stopped, and they never came back. We've never been told properly why.

"It would be great if they could finish it off, but I'll believe it when I see it after this long."

West Lindsey District Council has attempted to work with the developer to get the project finished, according to the LDRS.

The council is now trying to determine if there is a new owner, with hopes this could be a "catalyst" to get the project moving again.

Council leader Jackie Brockway told a meeting last month: "We have consistently attempted to engage with the owners, and our enforcement position is regularly under review.

"We are seeking to establish if there's a new owner of the site. Once we understand, we will engage to understand their objections and make them aware of what we require with regards to the land.

Gainsborough councillor Trevor Young labelled the unfinished project an "absolute eyesore" which was "adversely affecting local residents and deterring further investment in the town."

The LDRS has contacted the company behind the original planning application for a response.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.