PLANS to develop a lake into a holiday complex for fishermen look set to be scuppered – because planning officials think it will not be popular enough.
A leisure firm is hoping to build 31 log-cabin-style lodges at Langtoft Lakes, near Market Deeping, as part of plans to transform the site into an angling resort.
But the proposals appear likely to fall at the first hurdle when they go before a So
uth Kesteven District Council planning committee next week.
Planning experts have told councillors to throw out the scheme, claiming it will have limited appeal as a tourist attraction and is too far away from the nearest towns and villages.
The lakes between the villages of Langtoft and Baston have been used by jet-skiers since 1991, but Nottinghamshire-leisure company LCH Property Developments is hoping to reserve the 75-acre site exclusively for fishing.
The 31 lakeside holiday lodges would be used solely by people visiting for angling trips, and the firm intends to invest an initial £40,000 in stocking the water with fish. A similar planning application was rejected by councillors last year because of concerns it would have a negative impact on the surrounding countryside.
It was also feared tourist activity would actually reduce at the site because the lake would no longer be suitable for jet-skiers.
And although changes have been made in the latest application, planning officials maintain the lake cannot attract enough tourists.
A report published to the council's planning committee said: "The proposed development would not be associated with any significant tourist or recreational facilities in the locality.
"Furthermore, if approved, the jet-ski use at the site would cease, reducing the attractions in the area.
"Additionally, the site lies outside of the settlement of Langtoft in an unsustainable location.
"The occupiers of the proposed development would therefore be reliant upon trips by motor vehicle to surrounding settlements for essential facilities and access to recreation and tourist attractions."
The proposals will be examined by councillors at a meeting in Grantham on Tuesday, and a spokesman for the would-be developer has called for them to ignore the advice of the planning experts.
In a letter to the planning committee, property agent Derek Kitson said the resort would be an ideal use for the site. It is difficult to understand the logic behind (the objections)," he said. "
The full article contains 405 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
