By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
A council housing scheme which was put on hold more than two years ago due to questions over its value for money is being restarted.
An application for five new homes around a derelict cottage on Ilkeston Road in Bramcote was approved in 2021.
But it was put on hold by Broxtowe Borough Council before construction started, after estimates reportedly went half a million pounds over budget.
The council will now resume the project before planning permission expires, saying possible grants have made it more affordable.
The original contractor has agreed to resume work, with a modest price increase for inflation.
However, councillors at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (February 6) have voiced fresh concerns about the project.
The scheme would include three houses, a block of two apartments and the refurbishment of a derelict cottage, which sits at the junction with Oakland Court.
Councillor Vanessa Smith (Lab), the Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “It is a good opportunity as already we have the land and planning permission.
“We can build much needed-homes available for social rent and there will be a mixture of housing types, accommodating different people on the waiting list.”
Ward Councillor Andrew Kingdon (Lib Dem) said: “There’s significant disquiet about this in the area. We’ve seen extensive flooding on Ilkeston Road this winter.
“Water hasn’t got into properties yet because this land has been there to accommodate it, but what happens if we develop it?”
Councillor Hannah Land (Lib Dem) said: “Most residents in Bramcote are happy to see these plans resurrected. There’s acceptance that housing needs to be on the site, but this many feels like too much.”
Councillor Philip Owen (Con) said: “This scheme was put on hold two and a half years ago for being too costly.
“Now it’s apparently not too costly, although we’ve had a period of significant inflation. I’m interested to know what’s changed that makes it viable now.”
Councillors were told that it was expected a grant from Homes England would bridge the financial gap.
The developer will also look into how the cottage, which is currently in danger of falling down, can be refurbished and brought back into use.
The planning consent will expire in June unless the council makes progress with the development.
Construction work is set to start in the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.
