Ashland site to be decided

Ashfield District Council Planning Committee is due to decide on Thursday whether the development proposed by Wilson homes on land off Ashland Road will be given the green light.

The proposal, which is recommended to be approved subject to conditions, seeks detailed approval for 201 dwellings with public open space on a 10.5 hectare site designated as Countryside in the Ashfield Local Plan.

The proposed development would incorporate a range of new homes to cater for all potential household sizes, primarily aimed at families.

Sutton resident and former councillor Ray Butterey urged people concerned about the plans to attend the demonstration outside the council offices in Kirby planned for 6pm.

He said: “On Thursday 15 councillors will decide whether it goes ahead stops or defers it.

“My main objections are that it will ruin the park, there is a lack of infrastructure such as schools, doctors and road capacity.

“Another 200 houses means about 400 more cars and more children.

“We have a five year land supply so let’s put this in abeyance.

“There is Japanes knotweed on the west of the site and that will take four years to sort out.

“Why can’t we redevelop brownfield sites instead such as the site of the Quantum building at Huthwaite rather than spoil a greenfield site.”

Other residents are worried that the site would ruin the ambience of the park and join the boundaries of Sutton and Huthwaite with no green spaces in between.

The proposals say the application is able to provide 100 per cent of the policy requirement of planning obligations, including contributions towards education, libraries, public realm, highway improvements, and on-site affordable housing. For 42 additional primary pupils £481, 110 and 32 additional secondary pupils £552, 320.

Contributions of £502,500 would be required for improvements to public realm, recreation grounds and park access.