Full Breakdown
Cleethorpes Market Place Revamp Stalls as Council Panel Calls for Public Consultation
7/12/2026, 4:33:55 AM
Core Decision and Vote
A North East Lincolnshire Council panel voted 5-1 to recommend a formal public consultation before proceeding with the proposed changes to Cleethorpes Market Place. The sole dissenting vote came from Reform UK councillor Cllr Tony Charlesworth (Scartho). The recommendation will be considered by the council’s Reform UK cabinet on 15 July.
Background and Prior Plans
The Market Place redesign stems from the Cleethorpes Masterplan, which incorporated feedback from the town’s largest ever consultation. Former council leader Cllr Philip Jackson (Conservative, Waltham) noted that the pedestrianisation proposals originated from that masterplan and that “the majority were in favour” despite a small number of business objections. Earlier public meetings and engagements formed the basis of the current proposal, which includes the removal of 12 parking spaces to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Financial Implications
Council leader Cllr Oliver Freeston (Reform UK, Croft Baker) estimated the scheme will cost £160,000 over two years. The bulk of the expense, about £145,000, is projected to be lost revenue from a free-parking trial that the council plans to fund from its reserves. Freeston described the trial as “a basis” and said its success will hinge on “customer habits and how people react to that.”
Key Figures and Positions
- Cllr Oliver Freeston – Reform UK council leader, advocates the changes and cites the party’s election platform and social-media feedback as evidence of public appetite.
- Cllr Malcolm Morland – Labour and Co-op chair (Croft Baker), emphasised the need for robust scrutiny and a formal consultation.
- Cllr Philip Jackson – Former Conservative leader, defended the original consultation process that informed the masterplan.
- Cllr Dawkins (Liberal Democrat, East Marsh) – Questioned the representativeness of informal engagement and urged a formal consultation.
- Cllr Paul Henderson (Independents for North East Lincolnshire Group, Yarborough) – Supported Freeston’s view that officers could quickly produce a robust proposal without another consultation.
Official Statements & Responses
Freeston argued that “supporting local businesses is essential” and warned that “waiting for another consultation will lead to another delay in the project.” Morland countered that “the consultation is the bit that’s unacceptable” if it is bypassed, stressing that democratic legitimacy requires public input. Henderson offered a compromise, stating council officers are “more than capable of coming up with a robust proposal that can be done relatively quickly.”
Criticism and Opposition
Opponents highlighted several concerns: the lack of representation for residents not active on social media, the potential loss of parking revenue, and the risk that “al-fresco dining in November” would be impractical. Cllr Dawkins asked, “Saying that we’ve had informal engagement, what does that mean?” while Cllr Freeston expressed frustration, declaring, “If you don’t let me respond, I’m going to get out and leave this meeting.”
Why It Matters
The outcome will affect local commerce, traffic flow, and the future of the Cleethorpes Parking Zone, which Freeston said will be reviewed later. A formal consultation could extend the timeline, whereas proceeding without one may accelerate implementation but risk public backlash.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Unfortunately, it will depend on customer habits and how people react to that.” — Cllr Oliver Freeston
- “To support local businesses is essential,” — Cllr Oliver Freeston
- “Saying that we've had informal engagement, what does that mean?” — Cllr Dawkins
- “If you don't let me respond, I'm going to get out and leave this meeting,” — Cllr Oliver Freeston
- “What I'm hearing from everybody is the consultation is the bit that's unacceptable,” — Cllr Dawkins
What’s Next
The Reform UK cabinet will meet on 15 July to decide whether to adopt the panel’s recommendation for a public consultation, determining the next phase of the Market Place redevelopment.
