Skegness Gateway Local Development Order (LDO)
Lead consultant delivering a Local Development Order adopted for a major sustainable urban extension covering approximately 120 hectares on the edge of Skegness.
Our approach
RDC was appointed by Croftmarsh Limited, as lead consultant to prepare and deliver a Local Development Order (LDO) for Skegness Gateway, a major sustainable urban extension supporting the long-term growth of the coastal town.
Covering 120 hectares, the Skegness Gateway project is designed to deliver a comprehensive mixed-use development including affordable housing, employment opportunities, and supporting infrastructure, all set within a high-quality green framework. The adoption of the LDO in 2025 marked a significant milestone in enabling a more streamlined and coordinated approach to development delivery in a location seeking to diversify beyond its traditional seasonal tourism economy.
The team at RDC led the preparation of the LDO, coordinating a multi-disciplinary team and managing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process alongside the development of a robust planning and landscape strategy. This included the integration of highways, drainage, ecology, and heritage considerations into a cohesive framework capable of supporting long-term, phased delivery.
Skegness is one of many settlements on the Lincolnshire Coast where there is inherent risk of flooding from the sea. Addressing the site’s coastal location and associated flood risk was a key challenge for the project. Working closely with the Environment Agency, detailed modelling was undertaken to assess the implications of a potential breach in sea defences and to ensure that appropriate mitigation measures and emergency planning requirements were embedded within the LDO. This work was fundamental in demonstrating that development could be delivered safely and responsibly over the lifetime of the scheme.
Extensive stakeholder and community engagement formed a central part of the process, informing a series of refinements to the proposals. These included a reduction in overall housing numbers to focus on the delivery of 100% affordable homes, the removal of a previously proposed primary school site, and the introduction of new community-focused elements such as a memorial garden and chapel of rest. Biodiversity and flood mitigation strategies were also reviewed and refined, reducing the overall land take while maintaining environmental performance.
The approved LDO is supported by a comprehensive Design Code and Delivery Strategy, providing clear guidance for future development and ensuring a consistent, high-quality approach to placemaking across the site. Together, these tools help reduce planning risk, provide certainty for developers, and support the efficient delivery of the scheme.
Through careful coordination, technical expertise, and ongoing engagement, RDC helped secure unanimous approval of the LDO. The project demonstrates how a well-prepared Local Development Order can unlock complex sites, enabling sustainable growth, attracting investment, and supporting long-term resilience in coastal communities.
Our strategic planning and EIA work helped shape a deliverable, community-aligned vision, enabling East Lindsey to unlock long-term opportunities for growth and local resilience in Skegness.
