Newark and Sherwood defends its decision

Permission for the homes at Ash Farm was granted in December last year despite a development plan by Newark and Sherwood District Council which limited the amount of homes to 70.

Mike Salt, clerk at Farnsfield Parish Council said residents had accepted the homes were needed as part of an housing strategy in Farnsfield over the next 20 years.

But he added: “The problem is it was designated at 70 and has now gone up to 88.

“A rigorous defence of the planning policy has become an interpretation of the policy.

“We fear there will be problems because the development is 25 per cent bigger than it should be.”

Residents also worry that the housing could lead to flooding in a sewage system which overflowed in 2007 and 2010.

Bruce Laughton, Newark and Sherwood District Councillor for Farnsfield, said: “There is no doubt there is a surface water drainage problem in Farnsfield.

“A hotel was turned down at White Post Farm roundabout because they said the sewage system could not cope.

“The locals are quite rightly up in arms.”

Coun Laughton said it was possible the sewage system may be upgraded and residents would ask the committee to turn down the application until this had been completed.

To view the plans visit planning at newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk and enter the reference number 13/01862/RMAM.