By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Residents haven’t been consulted over the restart of a council housing project in Bramcote that was previously scrapped, councillors say.
The plans for five new homes on Ilkeston Road were put on hold by Broxtowe Borough Council in 2021 over concerns about value for money.
The authority decided to restart the project again earlier this month, saying it was value for money given the costs have increased less than inflation.
But five councillors have challenged the decision, saying it was taken without local residents being consulted.
The three ward members – Councillors David Watts (Lib Dem), Andrew Kingdon (Lib Dem) and Hannah Land (Lib Dem) – have joined with Cllr Stephen Carr (Ind) and Cllr Barbara Carr (Ind) to oppose the scheme.
It would include three houses, a block of two apartments and the refurbishment of a derelict cottage, which sits at the junction with Oakland Court.
A meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 28 to determine whether the ‘call-in’ should be heard, meaning whether a review should be held into whether the council made the decision incorrectly.
Cllr Watts said: “The project has been rushed through by Cabinet without any real publicity, and has come out of the blue for residents.
“We struggle to see how it is now value for money if it wasn’t two years ago, when prices have got more expensive.
“It seems to have been done in a drive for as much housing as possible. I understand that, but we need to think about where we build.
“We want it to be done with transparency and proper consultation.”
At the cabinet meeting earlier this month, councillors were told that it was hoped a grant from Homes England would bridge the financial gap.
A spokesperson for Broxtowe Borough Council said: “The tendered cost in 2022 of the works to the newbuild homes in the grounds of the Cottage was within the originally approved budget. The tenderer is prepared to carry out the works in 2024/25 at a price increased by 2.13 per cent.
“When compared to general construction cost inflation of 4.6 per cent per year since June 2022, the 2.13 per cent increase in price represents value for money. The costs are almost the same as tendered two years ago as it is two per cent higher.
“In February, Cabinet was asked to approve the restarting of the originally-approved scheme, at the revised cost, plus a budget allowance to carry out works to the existing cottage.”
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.
