Residents in a Nottinghamshire town have hit out at proposals for a new development after plans were lodged for up to 300 homes near a cherished country park.
Developers Bellway Homes submitted plans for the ‘Ashlands’ development in Sutton in Ashfield , close to Brierley Forest Park, on March 17.
Described as “much-needed” by Bellway, the development off Ashland Road West would bring a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom properties to the area - with an “interspersed” number of affordable properties.
In planning documents submitted to Ashfield District Council , the developers say it comes in response to a “severe lack” of this type of property.
However, residents in the area have opposed the development on the council’s planning portal, saying that it will affect nature, traffic and local infrastructure.
Rachel Mallatratt, who lives on nearby Barker Street, said: "I don’t think this land should be used as it is a natural habitat for deer and other such animals.
“The Ashland Road West junction with Sutton Road is busy enough without the addition of 300 cars and extra people. This is an added strain on the people of Huthwaite and Sutton.”
Paul Fox, another local resident, said the development would be “disastrous” for wildlife on nearby Brierley Forest Park.
“The encroachment on our park would be disastrous for wildlife that has come to the park”, he said.
“The park is one of our most loved places in Huthwaite and surrounding areas. It is an asset that cannot be sullied by a development.
“Please oppose all development there for the sake of our children. Many, many other people feel the same way as myself, and will oppose this.”
In its planning documents, Bellway states that it will “enhance facilities” at the park while providing “much-needed fluidity” in Sutton’s housing market.
The documents state: “The residential scheme will provide much needed new housing in the area, offering a range of sizes, types and tenure options.
“The majority of the development will be made up of open market housing for sale to local people.
“It will be interspersed with affordable housing options including affordable rent, shared ownership and smaller units ideal for local first-time buyers and key workers such as teachers, and nurses who need to get a foot on the property ladder.
“There will also be larger homes with gardens, for growing families. The development will be within easy reach of local facilities such as Brierley Forest Park, that will receive financial contributions to enhance facilities.
The documents add: “Our feedback suggests that the housing market locally really is suffering from a form of stagnation.
“Some residents who want to downsize while remaining in the local vicinity have no opportunity to do that due to the lack of smaller units.
“The tenure of the housing proposed in the development will create much needed fluidity in the local market and redress some of the stagnation issues.”
The plans will be reviewed by Ashfield District Council’s planning committee at a later date.
