Western School site housing development moves a step closer

A major housing development in North East Lincolnshire at the former Western School site is a step closer, with the completion of the land agreement with top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat.

The housebuilder will regenerate the 22.9 acre brownfield site, which will see a multi-million pound investment to create a community of around 318 properties, including potentially one to four bedroom houses, along with affordable housing and retirement dwellings.

The former school site was closed more than a decade ago due to falling numbers and an over provision of places, with pupils reallocated at the time to other schools in the area.

Funding to progress the site was obtained through the Homes England Accelerated Construction Programme, enabling North East Lincolnshire Council to prepare the site and complete key utility, site preparation and access works, as well as developing and securing the outline planning permission a few years ago.

This was followed by Keepmoat designing the transformation of the site and securing planning permission earlier this year, subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement.

The top 10 housebuilder is set to start on regenerating the site this week to deliver the 318 sustainable properties, which will be launched in winter 2026 - representing a £65 million investment to create the multi-tenure development.

Ben Hindley, Regional Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, said: “It’s always an exciting time at Keepmoat when we’re able to commence construction on a new development, particularly when it leads to the provision of affordable housing to people who really need it.

“As one of the UK’s leading partnership housebuilders, building strong links with local authorities, communities and housing associations is crucial. We’re working closely with North East Lincolnshire Council and Ongo to develop the area and provide local people with a great place to live and work.

“The site is a great example of the public and private sectors working together, unlocking funding being obtained by the authority enabling the Council to obtain outline planning permission and complete key infrastructure. We look forward to obtaining planning permission and making a start on site.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “We want to boost the local economy, and provide good quality housing to do this – both for our existing population and for people who want to move to the area.

“For the good of the environment, using brownfield sites has to be our preference. The delivery of new and affordable homes, built in places that support sustainable growth of our communities is key. Alongside our plans for urban housing in the centre of Grimsby, this development will provide significant numbers of good quality, new accommodation in the borough for our residents.”

Keepmoat were also announced in September this year as the developers for the central town site in Grimsby, Alexandra Docks, which will see approximately 130 new homes and supporting commercial premises on the site.

To find out more about the site, please visit: www.keepmoat.com