THE LANDOWNER 'competing' for backing to build major housing developments in Humberston Avenue has urged the public to "think carefully" over who they choose.
Stuart Hewson, owner of the 64-acre plot of land earmarked for 400 homes at the New Waltham end of the avenue, is holding a public consultation in the village and another in Humberston tomorrow – and he wants a good turnout.
Meanwhile, Keystone Developments wants to build 400 homes on four fields belonging to the Joseph Ogle Trust, at the opposite end of the avenue.
Now, Mr Hewson is urging residents – who have widely opposed both schemes – to "work with them", stating: "You have a choice over who you favour."
He said: "We know our proposal for 400 homes competes with other schemes proposed for land off Humberston Avenue. The simple fact is residents have a choice over which they favour.
"New homes will be built in that area over the coming years, whether people like it or not. It is a lovely part of North East Lincolnshire and where people want to live.
"We recognise the need to build homes that will complement the Humberston Avenue area, not detract from it."
Both proposals are among six major developments for the Humberston and New Waltham area, including: 1,500 homes at Weelsby Hall Farm, 150 homes on the neighbouring field in Humberston Road, Grimsby, 200 homes on land off Louth Road, Grimsby and 110 homes on the old Humberston Park golf course.
But just because one gets the go-ahead does not mean the others will not – all six could be approved.
As reported, in 15 years, more than 5,000 extra homes could be built in the leafy villages surrounding Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Mr Hewson believes their development will be the perfect place for young people struggling to get on the property ladder – proposing 100 affordable homes, to be made available with a 10 per cent deposit and paid for by the yet-to-be-established £1-million Millennium Park Affordable Housing Fund.
Mr Hewson pledged to keep the community involved throughout the design, which includes 30 acres dedicated to a 'community use' and could include a cemetery, school, retirement home or warden homes for the elderly – similar to the Keystone Developments' offer.
He added: "We live in this community and understand the concerns raised by some. It is why, from the outset, we have been keen to work with residents, elected representatives and North East Lincolnshire Council about the proposed development."
Leader of the Save Our Fields campaign group Nikki Hale is against both developments and branded developers "insulting and unfair".
She said: "It isn't fair for the landowner to be pressurising the residents into accepting something that we do not agree with and if they are starting to employ these tactics it is very sad. They should leave the residents to make their own minds up. We are intelligent people after all."
The consultation meetings take place tomorrow at Humberston Country Club from 9am to 12noon and at New Waltham Village Hall from 1pm to 4pm.
