A plan to build homes in a Grantham town centre car park has been shelved.

The move was revealed as South Kesteven District Council launched public consultation on other plans at its rear in Swinegate, as previously reported by Nub News.

The Watergate car park plan would have seen 15 'high quality townhouses' built by the major approach road to the town centre from the north.

When announced last year, South Kesteven District Council said the multi-million pound scheme would help regenerate the town centre.

However, a recent statement from SKDC has confirmed: "There are no plans in the current climate to bring forward development of the Watergate car park or to increase the number of parking spaces there."

The council further commented on the Swinegate plans at the rear of the car park: "This proposal would provide much-needed council homes in Grantham.

"As this town centre living scheme would be aimed at those on the SKDC housing register in urgent need of social housing, and would provide easy access to the town centre and the public transport network, residents' parking spaces are not included.

"This is a proposal in preparation for a later planning application that will include further details and offer residents another opportunity to share their views. Two or three parking spaces would be lost if it went ahead."

Ward councillor Ray Wootten told Nub News: "The proposed (Watergate) development would have enhanced the area and brought more footfall to the town centre.

"Retail habits have changed but, I do believe converting unused shops into residential homes could help regenerate the town centre."

Coun Wootten added: "In the plans for Swinegate at a minimal cost of lost car spaces a number of much needed homes can be achieved .

"I understand SKDC have budgeted to put more social housing into their portfolio and low cost starter homes are a priority."