A £100 Million warehousing and industrial development promising 1,700 jobs near Grantham has been approved by councillors.

Members of the planning committee of South Kesteven District Council backed the scheme at their meeting this afternoon.

As Nub News previously reported, the scheme, seeking to erect buildings totalling 86,400m2 for B2 and B8 industrial storage and similar uses.

Carta Real Estate (Grantham) seek to build the project on a 26.45 site at Spittlegate Level, between the A1 and the B1174 on a triangular plot, currently used for agriculture.

At the meeting this afternoon, James Ridings a director for Carta Real Estate said the scheme was three years in the making. With the company working with SKDC's 'design pad' and making changes in its design.

"We believe that the proposed development is a true reflection of the collective view."

"This is an investment of nearly £100M situated at one of Grantham's key gateways, with access by sustainable travel.

"The development will provide a pioneering and sustainable environment to attract new businesses to Grantham and house existing Grantham businesses."

InvestSK, the district council's development company, Mr Ridings continued, said the scheme would be a "game changer" for Grantham, putting it on a level playing field with places like Peterborough and Doncaster, for such warehousing facilities.

InvestSK supported the scheme, he added, and was already talking to potential occupiers of the development.

Former Grantham Mayor, Iain Selby said he welcomed the £100M investment and the 1700 jobs promised, which he hoped would go to locals. The scheme complemented the proposed housing for the south of Grantham.

Coun Selby also liked the fact that its traffic would not need to drive through Grantham, which is the case for vehicles needing to get to Alma Park.

Coun Paul Wood described the scheme as 'ideal' and a 'no brainer.'

"It creates jobs, it's in the right area, though there are a few little problems that can be sorted out."

Coun Jacky Smith, a former council chairman, said: "This is a major development for the people of Grantham. It's something we have waited for a long long time."

The veteran councillor added she would "shout for joy" to see it completed.

Despite several councillors expressing a few concerns over potential damage to possible archaeological remains, they then all voted to approve the scheme.