Bestwood Village ‘hostel’ plans

Residents were expected to turn out in force at Ashfield District Council’s planning committee meeting as the Dispatch went to press on Thursday night.
Forge Mill, Mill Lane, Bestwood Village.Forge Mill, Mill Lane, Bestwood Village.
Forge Mill, Mill Lane, Bestwood Village.

An application for a hostel at Forge Mill in Bestwood Village has prompted heavy opposition by residents.

When news of the application became public earlier this year, it sparked a heated public meeting with hundreds of residents attending to air their views on the proposal.

MP Mark Spencer and leader of Ashfield District Council, Chris Baron, also attended to hear the objections to the plans from the Mill’s neighbours and villagers who formed the Millbank Place Residents’ Group.

Oxfordshire-based Mike Pepper, of Baybe.org Ltd, is the mill owner who has submitted several planning applications for the Mill Lane building since he acquired it in 2012.

Residents believe that this latest application is to convert the Grade II listed mill into a residential hostel for ex-offenders.

Officers have recommended the plans are approved but the final decision will be made by the committee.Visit www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk for result and reactions.