Land off the A16 in Spalding goes under offer with Savills

There is the prospect of a new commercial site on the outskirts of Spalding after a prominent parcel of land went ‘under offer’.

The 3.80 acre site, which is opposite McDonald’s on Holbeach Road and runs to the east of the A16, has now gone under offer with agents Savills - and could have potential for a number of businesses.

In the mid 2000s, plans were approved to create a ‘commercial development’ including a hotel, pub/restaurant and drive thru on the site.

According to the agent’s sales brochure, the planning consent was subject to a number of conditions including that the development ‘must have commenced within five years’.

The brochure added: “It is believed that this planning consent was implemented at the time with groundworks undertaken; and an application to the council for a certificate of lawful development has been made.”

While Savills is unable to divulge any details of what could be proposed for the site, it did tell the Spalding Guardian it expects a planning application will be submitted ‘later this year’.

South Holland district councillor Nick Worth, portfolio holder for people, places and economy, said he wouldn’t want to see a restaurant on the site.

“I don’t want to see too much like that being built on the outskirts of Spalding really,” he said.

“I would rather see restaurants in the town.

“We do need more accommodation options in the area but I’m not sure about a hotel there.

“I think if it were more commercial, more business orientated, then that might be more interesting.

“I just don’t feel it’s the right place for restaurants - I’m not a fan of them being out of the town centre.”

Planning permission granted for the site in 2004 was subject to a condition that ‘no part of the development would be commenced’ until improvements to the A151 Holbeach Road had been made by the applicant.

Coun Worth feels access would remain an issue for the site. “It’s the wrong side of the A16 really for connecting to the town,” he said.

“I think highways will always be a challenge for that site.

“However, if they can get the correct access it will be interesting to see what they do with it. We will have to wait and see.”

An application was submitted last month to build a Wendy’s restaurant and drive-thru at the Lincs Gateway site, which is a short distance south along the A16 near Apple Green.

If approved, plans submitted to South Holland District Council could see construction of a 65-seat drive through Wendy’s restaurant plus another 30-seat café/restaurant drive through and the potential for a future 1,100 square foot restaurant unit.

Wendy’s would be joining Taco Bell and KFC on the site.