By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Up to 95 new homes could be built in a Nottinghamshire village if plans are approved next week.
Applicant Romo Holdings Limited submitted proposals for the development in seven hectares of land in Rufford Colliery Lane, Rainworth.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has been recommended to approve the development at its planning committee on October 5.
The plans were first submitted in 2021.
The plans state “it is likely that the land was used historically in connection with the Rufford Colliery and/or the adjoining redundant railway line due to evidence of excavation/tipping of materials on the site.”.
In March 2022, the applicant changed the proposed access to the development to Rufford Colliery Lane, instead of directly onto
the A17 Rainworth bypass.
The council said this is the main reason for the delay in a decision on the application.
The local NHS has requested a financial contribution of £982 per dwelling (£93,290 in total) for enhancing the capacity within local GP surgeries – Hill View Surgery, Rainworth Centre and Abbey Medical Group.
But Rainworth Parish Council has objected to the plans, citing that the site would be better suited for business use which is needed in the area.
They said: “A rapid growth in dwellings has led to population growth whilst schools, doctors surgeries and local retail businesses have remained the same.
“Rainworth is at bursting point, residents have to wait unacceptable lengths of time to get a doctors appointment and local children are struggling to gain entry to their chosen schools.
“There needs to be a growth in retail and business to meet the day to day convenience and service needs of its local catchment population. There are minimal employment opportunities in Rainworth.”
They also raised concerns over the flood risk and the change of access to a road which is “used by many local children”.
The council’s tree officer said the plans will “result in the loss of habitat”.
They said: “A measurement of the likely impact of the proposal has not been included, there is clear potential for protected species to be impacted on by the development and a significant carbon loss resultant from the development.”
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust also objected to the plans.
Three local residents commented that the roads in the area were not suitable for the extra vehicles which would come with the development.
One of the residents added: “The village does not have the infrastructure for more dwellings.”
Council documents stated: “The site is allocated in the Development Plan for employment development. The proposed development therefore represents a departure from the Development Plan. It has been demonstrated that there is no reasonable prospect of the site being developed for employment purposes. The proposed development of the site for residential purposes in therefore considered an acceptable alternative form of built development on this site given its location within the Urban Boundary of Rainworth.
“As is expected for an outline application, the level of detail provided is limited.
“Nevertheless the supporting documentation demonstrates that the site could appropriately deliver up to 95 residential units without imposing specific harm in relation to the principle of development.”
A decision on the plans will be made on October 5.
