Hucknall MP Michelle Welsh has criticised developers Bloor Homes and Peveril Homes and Leicester University after archaeological investigation works got underway on Whyburn Farm.

The green belt site is at the centre of controversial proposals by the developers to build 3,000 new homes on what is green belt land.

For a development of this size, British planning laws dictate that exhaustive environmental impact and heritage assessments must be performed.

The University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) is an award-winning unit and one of the premier commercial archaeological units in the UK that is regularly commissioned by developers, land agents, and local councils to perform these necessary pre-construction field surveys, trenching evaluations, and historic building assessments across the East Midlands.

Michelle Welsh says she and residents should have been better informed about archaelogical dig works on Whyburn Farm. Photo: Submitted

placeholder image — Michelle Welsh says she and residents should have been better informed about archaelogical dig works on Whyburn Farm. Photo: Submitted

This work is now underway on the Whyburn site, to the dismay of local residents opposed to the plans who fear it is merely allowing the developers to tick another box towards getting the green light for the Whyburn plans.

Ms Welsh has now written to both the developers and the university to criticise them for not informing her the works were taking place.

In her letter to the developers, seen by your Dispatch, she said: "I was extremely disappointed to learn about these works only second hand.

"Given my role as the MP, and my longstanding involvement in the concerns surrounding the proposed development at Whyburn Farm and Misk Hills, I should have been informed directly and in advance.

"It is disgraceful that you continue to push for a development that is not wanted or needed.

"While I recognise that archaeological investigations form part of the planning process, and do not themselves constitute planning approval, the fact that these works are now being undertaken will understandably cause concern among local residents.”

In her letter to the university, also seen by your Dispatch, she said: "I am disappointed to see that you are supporting a mass speculative housing development that is not in the local plan.

"I kindly ask, as the MP, that you distance yourselves from this highly controversial development.

"Given the level of community interest in the site, I would have expected there to be appropriate communication and the community about the proposed archaeological works.

"I would therefore be grateful if you could provide me with further information about the investigations, including the areas that will be subject to trial trenching, the anticipated timetable, access arrangements and what will happen to any archaeological findings identified.

"I would also appreciate clarification as to how the findings will be reported and made available as part of any future planning process.”

In a joint response from Bloor Homes and Peveril Homes and Leicester University, a spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of minimising concerns of local residents.

"As per our agreed practices we informed all local councillors in Hucknall as well as those local residents who have approached us for further information.

"This work is undertaken by an independent contractor and will be minimally invasive, causing no discernible disruption.

“The investigation works are likely to be complete within the next few weeks.

"The information gathered will then be collated and the findings will be presented to the county council’s archaeological records team in accordance with established protocols.”