By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A council leader said he was “more than happy to proceed” with plans for council housing around a historic cottage despite concerns from opposition members.
Broxtowe Borough Council initially launched the Bramcote project in 2021, but decided to put it on hold months later over concerns it wasn’t good value for money.
The plans include the building of five cottages on land around the landmark Fish Pond Cottage, which could also be repaired after falling into ruin.
The plans were unexpectedly restarted earlier this month, but councillors on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee sent the decision back to the authority’s cabinet for a second look – otherwise known as a ‘call in’.
But at a cabinet meeting on March 12, councillors agreed to proceed with the plans despite the concerns from opposition councillors.
The council expects to receive a £500,000 grant from Homes England which would help make the scheme more financially viable.
Leader of the authority Cllr Milan Radulovic (Lab) said during the meeting: “We have considered the issues that have been raised with the financial viability of the scheme.
“With the Homes England grant, I am more than happy that we recommend to proceed.”
But Cllr Steve Carr (Ind) said: “I am not at all satisfied. Not one cabinet member other than yourself has commented.
“The whole scrutiny process was not satisfactory to those who called it in.
“The call in procedure at this council needs a really good look at. It’s not fit for purpose.”
Cllr Greg Marshall (Lab) said: “It’s a little disingenuous to infer that cabinet members aren’t discharging their responsibilities.”
Ward Councillor David Watts (Lib Dem), one of five members to ‘call in’ the project, said the decision to proceed with the project was taken without consultation with residents.
Other councillors questioned how the cottage has got into a state of disrepair. Others raised concerns that development on the site could make traffic and flooding on Ilkeston Road worse.
