200-home plan on greenfield land at Mansfield-Rainworth border recommended for go-ahead

Blidworth Lane, Rainworth
By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to build 200 homes on greenfield land between Mansfield and Rainworth could be given the go-ahead this month.

Mansfield District Council’s planning committee is recommended to approve the plans, at Three Thorn Hollow Farm, in Blidworth Lane, when councillors meet on May 9.

The development has been put forward by developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes.

If approved, the homes would be based off a busy country road behind homes on Southwell Road East, in Rainworth, and follow other large developments being approved in nearby Blidworth Village.

There have been some objections from nearby residents, with nine submissions totalling 44 specific concerns raised to Mansfield District Council.

These include potential flooding and drainage issues, highway safety concerns, additional traffic in Rainworth and Blidworth, the impact on surrounding nature and woodland, and on biodiversity.

Other concerns include the impact on existing infrastructure like schools, dentists and GP surgeries, a loss of privacy for nearby homes, and issues with drainage, water, air and noise pollution.

However, Mansfield District Council’s planning department believes the plans will provide a “suitable and sustainable development”, while Barratt and David Wilson Homes says its proposals will improve the area.

Statements submitted on behalf of the developer said: “The proposals include a range of open spaces, including a wildlife corridor and a new children’s play area at the centre of the site.

“The design will create a character that is both unique to the scheme but also reflects the identity of the local area.

“The scheme also promotes better access to local facilities and public transport, with clear access into the site and the potential for good pedestrian links to its surroundings.”

Documents published ahead of the meeting next week confirm Mansfield District Council will request £108,375 in Section 106 developer contributions to be provided to the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group.

This will be used to “mitigate against the effects of the development” on local healthcare facilities.

Nottinghamshire County Council, the local highways authority, adds it is also “in a position to support the application” permitting a series of conditions are placed on the application to ensure it is safe and constructed correctly.

Mansfield District Council’s planning department added: “The site is considered to represent a deliverable residential development scheme within a suitable and sustainable location.

“The proposals can deliver significant benefits to the district, alongside making a significant contribution to Mansfield District Council’s housing requirements over the next 11 years.”

Members of the authority’s planning committee are recommended to give the plans ‘reserved matters’ permission – confirming its final details – next week.

It follows initial ‘outline’ permission being approved for the site in July last year.