3,000 homes: Hucknall folk urged to fight to save the green belt as developers start Whyburn consultation

But one Hucknall councillor has labelled the consultation ‘worthless’ and the town’s MP and councillors say they will continue to oppose any proposals to build on land at Whyburn or Misk Hills, where developers are still seeking to build 100 new homes off Common Lane.

Bloor Homes and Peveril Homes have begun consulting on their proposals to build 3,000 new homes at Whyburn Farm, which campaginers have been fighting to protect since 2021.

Earlier this year, developers submitting a scoping application for Whyburn to the council and campaigners are fearful that sites like Whyburn and Misk Hills remain highly vulnerable to development because there is still no formal local plan in place for the district.

The council’s new draft local plan does not include either site for development but it is still unadopted and unapproved.

On the consulation site, developers said: “We’re collecting community feedback during this consultation.

"We’ll review and refine the plans based on the feedback we receive.

“An outline planning application will be submitted to Ashfield Council later this year.

"Residents will have another opportunity to comment through the council’s formal process.

"Updates will be shared on this website as the project progresses.”

Jemma Chambers, founder of campaigner group Hucknall Against Whyburn Farm Development (HAWFD), voiced her fury on the group’s Facebook page, posting: “Keep being angry, we SHOULD be angry, we live here and we were loud and solid in our objections, so much so that the land was taken out of the draft local plan by the council.

"What gives faceless organisations the right to attempt to override us – the residents, the community, the people who live, work and learn here?

"Let’s hope the people we voted in, all of them, national, county and district, represent what WE want when it comes to the crunch and the request for planning sits with the council for decision

"They are there to represent their constituents.

"Be loud and let them know you aren’t happy with this.”

Coun Lee Waters (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall Central on the council, said: “We are totally opposed to any development on the greenbelt at Whyburn Farm.

“This site is not in the local plan and should not be built on under any circumstances.

"Local people have made their opposition clear, and I stand with them.

“Ashfield Council has submitted a strong local plan that meets every Government target, even after Labour had moved the goalposts several times and delayed approval.

"As soon as the Government signs off the local plan, this speculative consultation from developers will be worthless.”

Coun David Shaw (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall West, added: “This land is not in the local plan, if the developer wishes to go to consultation, it is their choice.”

Coun Richard Darrington (Reform), who represents Hucknall South at the county council, said: “Hucknall is under attack from all four sides and our infrastructure simply can’t cope.

"We’ve got another battle on our hands but this one is bigger than anything we’ve had before and I remember when Top Wighay Farm happened.

"I said at a council meeting a few weeks ago, Oak House is just the gateway, it’s the key to the gateway right the way down to the Robin Hood Line.

"But we can’t let this happen because we haven’t got the infrastructure in the town.”

Coun Phil Rostance (Con), who represents Hucknall West on Ashfield Council, posted on the HAWFD page: “I fully support and stand with the HAWFD group.

"This latest move confirms what we’ve suspected all along – that the developers were just waiting in the wings for another chance to push this through.

"They are now actively seeking residents’ views, and we must respond with a united front.

"This proposal would see 3,000-plus homes built on Hucknall’s green belt – land that the town has fought hard to protect and successfully removed from Ashfield’s local plan after thousands of residents joined the fight.

"I have already submitted my formal objection to the current scoping application and I will continue to oppose this at every level.

"The infrastructure simply isn’t there.

"Our roads, schools, healthcare and public services are already under immense pressure – and this development will only make things worse.

“This is another serious attempt to bring back a plan that the people of Hucknall overwhelmingly rejected.

“Please have your say, please make your objections known.”

Hucknall MP Michelle Welsh (Lab), said: “As the MP for Hucknall, I remain absolutely committed to protecting Whyburn Farm and the wider Misk Hills area – a landscape that means so much to our community.

“At the beginning of the year, I formally requested a meeting with the developers to discuss their plans for Whyburn Farm and to raise residents’ concerns.

"I followed up again but I received no response.

"It is deeply disappointing that those proposing such significant changes to our community have chosen not to engage with the town’s elected representative.

"Whyburn Farm and Misk Hills are not ‘development sites’ - they are part of Hucknall’s green heart.

"The community has spoken time and again in opposition to development here.

"I am continuing to campaign for the area to be formally protected through the creation of a country park, ensuring it remains a green haven for wildlife, families, and future generations.

"We must resist the creeping erosion of our green belt.

"Once it is gone, it is gone forever.

"I urge every Hucknall resident to take part in the consultation and make your views known.

“Together, we can protect our town’s green heritage and build a sustainable future that respects both the environment and the will of the people.”

The consultation runs until August 5, visit newhomes-whyburn.co.uk/?fbclid and click on ‘have your say’.

Alternatively, email [email protected]