Has Natural England sounded death knell for theme park redevelopment project on Lincolnshire Coast?

Sunlight through the trees on an autumn day at former theme park - but is there light at end of tunnel for developers?

THERE has been a fresh setback to a longstanding  scheme to redevelop  the site of a former theme park  on the Lincolnshire Coast.

A consortium led by supermarket chain Lidl wants to clear Pleasure Island, including almost all the trees and shrubs, to make way for a discount supermarket, 272 holiday 'lodges', a games arcade and, eventually, two hotels.

The project would change the face of this part of Cleethorpes and give a boost to the economy of this part of the seaside town.

But the Government body, Natural England, has this week again warned that it "may need to oppose the application".

This is because the consortium's agents have so far been unable to provide evidence that their client  has either the will or the capacity to safeguard the birds and other wildlife - both on the site and on the neighbouring shoreline which is a designated Special Protection Area. 

It is insisting that much more ecological survey work is required - work that will be expensive and take months, if not years, to complete.

Even then, there is no guarantee that it will meet Natural England's stipulations.

Specific NE concerns include:

* Noise  disturbance 

* After dark light spill

* Air contamination from dust during construction and road traffic during operation

* Holidaymakers spilling on to sensitive shoreline habitat to partake of watersports activities

* Provision of a suitably qualified wildlife ranger/warden and staff

Natural England is not convinced either that the consortium's  proposed policy of banning dogs will be steadfast.

It is seeking assurances both on "how this would be secured and on the enforceability of it for the lifespan of the development". 

In determining the application, the planning authority at North East Lincolnshire Council is not compelled to abide by Natural England's stipulation, but it would risk significant reputational damage if it were to show wilful disregard for the welfare of nature and the advice of a Government body.

There is also another abiding headache for the consortium. 

Despite talks, there is no indication yet that the Environment Agency has withdrawn its longstanding objection over potential flood risk - either from a coastal surge or overtopping of the Buck Beck in the event of extreme rainfall.