Ambitious plans for country park

Normanby Hall Country Park could be set for a £30m development

About 180 jobs could be created in North Lincolnshire after a developer floated plans for a £30m leisure park and sports facility in the area.

The company behind the scheme, Investorin Ltd, wants to develop a leisure complex at Normanby Hall Country Park near Scunthorpe.

The scheme, which would include a new hotel and log cabins, must now undergo a full impact assessment.

If the plan wins approval from the council it will open in 2010.

Under the plans submitted to North Lincolnshire Council the existing facilities including the hall, farming museum, Victorian walled gardens, paddocks and children's play areas would stay.

First-class destination

Proposals for the complex include an equestrian school of excellence, polo pitches, polocrosse and eventing.

A motorsport facility for corporate entertainment along with shooting and rowing facilities would be added while the existing golf course and fishing facilities would be improved.

Councillor Mark Kirk, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "We are very excited about the enquiry, but I must stress; it is only an inquiry at this stage.

"If the project comes to fruition, it could provide a fantastic boost to the local economy and create jobs for local people.

"We would have on our doorstep a first-class tourist destination, capable of holding top national and international events at Olympic standard.

Gordon Tulley of Investorin added: "We are very pleased with the very positive reception our plans have received from North Lincolnshire Council.

"Their upbeat encouragement has engaged our mindset to forge ideas together and develop the format for a truly brilliant facility for all the area to benefit."