Debate over new homes plan in Old Clee hots up as exhibition outlines vision to harness geothermal heat from plot of land

TEMPERATURES have reached boiling point in a row over a proposal for new homes and businesses on greenfields in Old Clee.

Known locally as the old horses field, the five-acre site could soon have between 25 and 30 houses and become the first plot of land in North East Lincolnshire to harness geothermal heat.

The natural heat source is below North East Lincolnshire and could be piped into the homes, businesses and greenhouses.

The farmland sits between King George V stadium and Old Clee Primary School's playing field.

But residents claimed the increase in traffic, especially in the construction phase, could disrupt weddings and funerals at Old Clee Church.

At a public exhibition at Old Clee church hall, director of CRG insolvency and financial recovery firm Charles Ranby-Gorwood outlined his vision for the site which could become the base for CRG Research And Development Ltd. He said: "We are looking at using this as an exemplar and showing how bore hole technology can be used for a development.

"There will be a community greenhouse for people to grow their own food. It will also supply heat for the homes. They will have their own greenhouses. We will use the heat source for our own business offices."

The director said: "We are trying to take the research on geothermal energy done in 1985 and 1986 here and apply it.

He said there had been mixed feedback on the innovative proposal.

Mr Ranby-Gorwood said: "Some people have asked when can they move in, while others are against it and others want it left as it is, which is difficult because it is farmland in the heart of a town."

He said he had also held talks about using the site to provide training for people with learning difficulties which could provide a route into employment.

He added: "This is the first site I have found that is suitable in our view. We are listening to people."

No formal application to North East Lincolnshire Council planners has yet been submitted.

Further meetings among residents are due to be held next week, and a time and date will be announced in the Grimsby Telegraph.

Anita Andrews, of Colin Avenue, said: "We are losing all the green spaces. We used to walk that way to Weelsby Woods."

Old Clee Preservation Society chairman Geoffrey White said: "We have got to discuss traffic and they are talking about holding private meetings with the society so there will be more consultation. There is a long way to go yet."

Andy King, of Frobisher Avenue, said: "We are concerned about the traffic and if a development goes ahead that it has architectural integrity."

Joan L Stannard, of Hawkins Grove, said: "There are quite a lot of questions to be asked. My husband Jack thinks it would be good for the area, but I have yet to be convinced."

Neighbour Jean Dawson said: "What about the funerals at the church? There would be no dignity if there is all this traffic going through. It would be the same at weddings."

Henry Burns, of Church Lane, Old Clee, said: "There have been accidents involving school children along here because there are not enough pavements. They have to cross the road twice to be on a pavement. We live in a conservation area, this is going to spoil it. It will be an eyesore."

Glenn Wilson, of Drake Avenue, said: "They have already pulled up a hedgerow and they are going to get rid of another large one in the centre of the site. What will happen to all the wildlife?"

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