Plans submitted to transform disused warehouse into new flats

A planning application has been submitted to Boston Borough Council seeking permission to convert a notorious former warehouse in Hubberts Bridge into 25 residential apartments.

J.E.D Design (Architectural Services) Ltd has submitted the plans on behalf of Cioffi & Jones Ltd for the redevelopment of the old Kingsway Tyre Plant site, located off Station Road behind The Wheatsheaf. The proposed scheme includes the creation of 24 one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment, complete with parking, secure cycle storage, and shared courtyard space.

The prominent brick building, which borders the South Forty Foot Drain, has had a chequered past. Once home to Kingsway Tyres, the site was subject to redevelopment plans in 2019 by local figures Sam Beeson of The Biz Theatre School and Linda Baxter of Evolution Martial Arts. Their vision to create a shared creative and martial arts facility ultimately never progressed beyond the initial design phase.

In 2023, the property made headlines for much darker reasons. Lincolnshire Police uncovered what was described as “one of the largest cannabis grows in Lincolnshire” inside the warehouse. Over 5,000 cannabis plants were discovered across 49 rooms in the building, leading to the arrest of three men.

While two men faced no further action, 43-year-old Minh Nguyen, of no fixed address, stood trial and was found guilty following a four-day hearing. He received a two-year prison sentence. During police interviews, Nguyen claimed he had been approached by two men while homeless in Birmingham, who offered him food and shelter before bringing him to Lincolnshire.

Despite its troubled recent history, the current applicants hope to restore the building’s reputation with a well-considered housing scheme that respects its original character.

T.M. Bale of J.E.D Design said the development retains the existing brick façade, reopens long-blocked original windows, and introduces a central courtyard by removing a later modern infill. “We’re aiming to breathe fresh life into a commanding structure while preserving its form, heritage and presence in the community,” Bale said.

Environmental features such as roof-mounted solar panels and a grey water recycling system are planned to increase sustainability. The homes will also be built with floors raised 300mm above current levels to enhance flood resilience.

The proposed redevelopment would bring new housing to a primarily residential area, while eliminating the industrial and criminal past associated with the site.

The application will now go through Boston Borough Council’s planning process, with a period of public consultation expected to follow.