Councillors have agreed outline planning permission for up to 3,000 new homes on land at Fairham Pastures near Clifton despite objections from parish councils and residents.
The vast development, off the A453, is a key part of the council’s method of hitting a target of building 13,500 new homes in Rushcliffe by 2028.
However three local parish councils were opposed to the scheme and dozens of letters of objection were submitted, many arguing against the size and design, or saying more affordable housing was needed.
But Rushcliffe Borough Council approved the plans on Thursday night (January 25) after hearing it could create new jobs and help meet demand for new homes.
Besides up to 3,000 residential properties, the application also includes 100,000 sq m of employment land which could generate more than 2,500 new jobs, including shops and offices, plus a new primary school, community buildings, parks, sports pitches, and space for four gypsy and traveller pitches.
Cllr Roger Upton, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, said: “This major strategic site will help to provide much needed housing for Rushcliffe and contribute towards a viable five year housing supply required by central government.
“It will also deliver more employment opportunities to this part of Rushcliffe and the surrounding area.
“We want high quality housing and good quality jobs in this new ‘Gateway’ development.
“In reaching the decision, the planning committee took into account all of the views of those who spoke and who commented in prior consultations following the initial submission in 2014.
“Sports pitches, childrens’ play areas, a community park and woodland and significant tree planting will also form part of this development.”
The 3,000 new houses will be a mix of one to five bedroom homes and a mixture of townhouses and detached properties. Further planning applications will be needed to determine the exact design and layout of the site.
Affordable housing will make up around 10 per cent of the development, although the council said in a statement talks were ongoing to raise this.
Development company CWC Group are behind the employment section of the development.
The residential side is being put forward by Trustees of JH & CEA Plowright, Mrs D C Plowright, John A Wells Ltd, Serviced Land No.2 JV GP Ltd & One Property Group (UK) Ltd, represented by agents Oxalis Planning, of Edwalton.
CWC Group’s land and planning director, Robert Hepwood said: “This is the most important development in the East Midlands. It will deliver in excess of 2,500 new jobs as well as up to 3,000 new homes in a sustainable and strategic location just minutes from Nottingham city centre.
“Connecting by road directly to the M1, East Midlands Airport and the future HS2 station at Toton, it will be an ideal location for people to live, work and play in. This approval is a key milestone in bringing our exciting plans to fruition and establishing Nottinghamshire’s premier business and residential district.”
The 100,000sqm of employment land will be a mix of light industrial or office space, general industry and storage and distribution.
