Multi-million pound plans have been drawn up to build nearly 50 homes at the site of a former gym in Long Eaton.
A range of properties could be built off Oakleys Road, between Co-Operative Street and Acton Road.
The developer behind the ambitious project clarified the estate was earmarked for a former mill site, most recently used as a gym.
Buildings have already been flattened and a range of one to four-bedroom properties are in the pipeline as part of an £8m scheme.
Michael Gisborne, project director of the Leicestershire-based firm Kaplan Property Group, said: "It's a site close to Long Eaton town centre, the layout proposed creates its own environment.
"It's an ideal-sized site for first-time buyers and small families with good transport links and links to employment."
He said the location was in a residential area, adding: "The mix is designed really to fit the brief from the local authority.
"Essentially it meets local-identified need in terms of the unit types and sizes."
The homes are designed for people to rent and buy outright, with options for shared ownership.
Plans have been tabled for outline permission, meaning the build could go ahead in principle.
The developer would like outline permission secured by spring 2020 and construction work could start later that year, after more detailed plans are submitted to Erewash Borough Council.
Up to 44 two-storey homes are planned as well as four one-bedroom apartments.
Mr Gisborne said: "We're keen to work within Erewash.
"We have got an application in for 22 units at Ilkeston at the moment.
"This represents, I suppose, our second scheme within the borough."
Erewash Borough Council's deputy major, Conservative Councillor Donna Briggs, said: "The site does need clearing up, definitely.
"It's been quite a derelict (site) for quite a long time.
"I have not seen or studied the plans, I can say anything specific. We do need new housing."
The planning agent was listed as Lance Wiggins, of Landmark Planning Limited.
