Dear Constituent,
Thank you for visiting this website.

We are all aware of the interesting times ahead of us and as a community representative I know the challenge will be to direct resources to services that make a real difference to the quality of peoples lives. There will be some difficult decisions to be made and I will focus my attention on how ELDC priorities affect local need.

We live in a wonderful part of Lincolnshire and I know many residents don’t want to see the unique character of our district and county changing beyond recognition. The new Conservative led coalition are very keen to empower local communities and to this end the Localism Bill will enable residents to have a greater say in local planning issues and decisions. Care must be taken to recognise that the Bill does not mean we can say no to all development but communities will be able to produce meaningful local design statements that Local Planning Authorities must take note of.
It is my view that we must balance the need for growth against it’s impact, both positive and negative. The focus needs to be on quality and in this respect our past should influence our future, especially in Woodhall Spa, with its unique heritage and character.

I constantly encourage our Parish Councils to fully participate in the planning process with considered inputs that are based on material planning considerations. The Localism Bill will enable local communities to influence district and regional planning priorities. Woodhall Spa Parish Council have taken this work very seriously and are embarking on training to better understand planning policy. They are also creating a Village Design Statement to identify and protect local  architectural features of note. The Design Statement will also give a valuable cue to developers as to what sort of buildings will be suitable in the setting of Woodhall Spa.

Woodhall Spa and Kirkby on Bain have many niche businesses that rely on the tourist trade for their profitability and existence. We are lucky….our history and our surroundings have created a destination of quiet charm and character. We need to nurture this to secure economic benefit for our businesses. Residents also benefit from successful shops. Our business community provide employment, vitality and interest as well as valued services. We have seen significant investment in the tourism infrastructure recently. We need to be mindful of the quality on offer. The recent refusal by the Planning Inspectorate of a major log chalet development in Roughton is, in my opinion, a good indicator that we have the balance right in the locality for such developments.

The future of Jubilee Park is now secured with a major investment by ELDC. As part of the Big Society initiative this much loved local tourist attraction will now be in local ownership with overall control vested in Woodhall Spa Parish Council. I am immensely proud to be part of this achievement. Initially the Friends of Jubilee Park secured the interest and attention of ELDC with a dedicated working committee of Woodhall Parish Council taking the baton over the finish line. Well done to all involved!!

I have also worked to establish the Woodhall Spa Chamber of Trade and Tourism so that local businesses ( including those in Kirkby on Bain)  can have a co-ordinated voice to resolve local issues and support the local community. I am pleased to say that this group is now established and I am sure will be a positive force for good in the community.

This last year has seen Woodhall Spa looking its very best with the success of Woodhall in Bloom and the illuminated Christmas Trees. The revival and refurbishment of Coronation Hall has created a fantastic community asset. I firmly believe in enabling communities to better themselves. As local authorities seek more cost effective ways to spend ratepayers money, I know this is the way forward.

If you'd like to know more about what I do on your behalf at ELDC please CLICK HERE.

As your elected member I am always interested to hear about issues that affect you. Please contact me with your concerns as a resident.

Kind Regards
Cllr Craig Leyland