Skegness: Plans for major town expansion approved

The development will be built on land to the west of the town

Plans for a major expansion of Skegness, including 1,000 new homes and industrial space, have been approved, despite concerns over flooding.

The Skegness Gateway development would be built on a 336-acre (136-hectare) site to the west of the town.

Officials said the scheme would attract more than £300m in economic benefits and deliver hundreds of local jobs.

However, opponents have objected over the potential impact on services and the risk of flooding.

At a meeting on Thursday, East Lindsey District Council approved a local development order (LDO) for the scheme, which also includes provision for a new crematorium, green open space, college and local centre.

A new Skegness TEC college will provide opportunities for local people, officials said

Councillor Steve Kirk, East Lindsey's portfolio holder for coastal economy, said the development would help to create new jobs, training and opportunities for businesses and the local economy.

"This is yet another example that shows Skegness is a great place to live, work, play and invest," he said.

However, the Environment Agency has opposed the plans, principally as a result of the inclusion of housing in what it says is a high flood risk area.

A spokesperson said: "We take our commitment to work with partners in managing flood risk issues seriously, but it is ultimately a local authority decision to make a LDO.

"As a statutory consultee we have made our position clear throughout the consultation process."

Analysis by Sharon Edwards, Political Reporter, BBC Lincolnshire

The Skegness Gateway project has reignited the debate on development in flood risk zones

In recent times the need for more, affordable housing and a year-round economy that doesn't rely on tourism has clashed with fears over climate change and Skegness's ageing flood defences.

According to the 2021 Census, home ownership levels in Skegness are significantly lower than average.

There's also a higher than average proportion of those over the age of 65 and, historically, there haven't been a big enough mix of industries to provide the employment for those of working age.

However, the Environment Agency argues that the site has the potential for widespread flooding with depths of up to three metres.

Developers say modern engineering can mitigate the risks and deliver the modern development Skegness needs.

In 2022, Minister of State for Housing Michael Gove blocked attempts by East Lindsey District Council to allow caravan owners to occupy them all year round, based on flood risk.

The government may again have to step in again to have the final say on the Gateway project.