Decision on whether to build more than 100 new homes in Bulwell has been pushed back

The project, which is technically two separate applications, sought to build 45 houses on the Henry Mellish site, in Highbury Road, and 57 houses on the sports ground known as Piccadilly Fields.

Although two different schemes, they were brought by the same developer, and are within yards of each other.

In Nottingham City Council’s planning committee, councillors raised worries about the appearance of the buildings, the layout of the scheme, the make-up of the houses, the safety of the roads and the quality of the building design, among others.

Both developments had been put forward by Godwins Group, of which former council leader Jon Collins is now a public sector relations adviser.

In a meeting on Wednesday, November 18, councillors overwhelmingly voted to delay the decision so more work could be done on the plans.

Coun Sam Gardiner, who represents the Bulwell Forest ward for Labour, said more than a year ago councillors held a full consultation with local residents, after which he was assured conversations were taking place with the developer to address concerns.

However a year on, having heard nothing, he said the "exact same’" scheme came back.

He said: “The residents of Bulwell Forest are reasonable people, and we accept the land has been allocated for housing and that houses will be built there. But we really want to get this right.

“The current plans are not the right plans, and it’s not the right solution for our area.

“The community will accept the proposals if there are some changes which address the genuine concerns.

He went on to say "almost zero" of the concerns had been listened to and addressed by the developers.

“This is not a mixed development. There’s nothing for the elderly here, the disabled or larger families, and there’s nothing about affordable housing. Overall it seems a rushed application.

“There’s been an illusion of a consultation, but in reality residents have largely been ignored.

“While it may be legal within planning law, it’s certainly not the right thing to inflict upon our communities.

"Let’s give the developers the opportunity to get round the table with us and improve this scheme.”

He went on to say: “I’m happy to arrange a socially-distanced site visit for you to see that this is not anything that’s sympathetic to the local area.

“While the developer has come with this half-baked idea, and they will probably give you all the assurances that they will look into it, it’s just not ready yet, and that shows how rushed this application has been.

“There are a lot of concerns here.”

Coun AJ Matsiko represents Sherwood for Labour, and said: “I don’t think we’ve had the concerns raised adequately answered.

“I’m minded to delay so we can get some more information and ensure residents are involved in this process.

Councillors Wendy Smith represents Bilborough for Labour, and said: “Having seen the quite stunning house designs for Wollaton (Which had been discussed earlier in the meeting), and then looking at these, they just appear to be very grim.

“I’m also concerned about the shared space.”

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