A developer has criticised the county council for propping up a major development in Grantham with taxpayers’ money.
Karl Hick is managing director of Larkfleet Homes, a company attempting to build around 1,000 homes at Manthorpe.
Mr Hick said he is concerned about Lincolnshire County Council’s decision to provide a loan of £30m of public funds. The money will be used to build the relief road between the A1 and A52 south of Grantham.
He said: “People should be aware that at the Core Strategy the developers did not need help but suddenly they say they need money from the taxpayer. Why should they change their mind and everyone brush it under the table?
“Initially they said they were not going to need any help. Clearly the council does not know how it is going to be repaid and this is effectively our council tax money. Are they going to get it back?”
“It is not good for Grantham to have a scheme with lots of public money going in. Ours supports itself. We don’t need help from anyone.”
The county council insisted “the money will be recovered in due course from the developers” and the taxpayer won’t be left with the bill.