By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Controversial plans to build up to 50 homes and a children’s play area in Edwinstowe have been met with fierce objection from people worried the historic village is getting too big.
Planning officers from Newark and Sherwood District Council have recommended the plans off Mansfield Road are given planning approval.
But local councillors say the development will be detrimental to the area as the village is becoming far too large.
Applicants, the Trustees of the Thoresby Settlement, have submitted an outline planning application for the development of up to 50 homes, including affordable housing.
The application also includes open space, a children’s play area and a new access to the site off Mansfield Road.
Edwinstowe Parish Council have objected to the plans stressing that “Mansfield Road is a very busy road, and that further traffic would exacerbate traffic problems”.
The council said: “Additional traffic will present problems for residents wishing to access Jubliee Park. Local schools are full and the new primary school at Thorseby Vale is uncertain.
“Around 120 new houses have been completed in the past two years, add on 800 at Thorseby Vale and 30 on Ollerton Road and there is an enormous strain on the High Street, meaning residents will look for alternative shopping opportunities.”
Cllr Paul Peacock (Lab), ward councillor for Edwinstowe and Clipstone at Newark and Sherwood District Council, added: “Edwinstowe has already grown exponentially in terms of numbers of homes built but this has not been reflected in the availability of services and facilities.
“There is too much traffic on the roads and not enough parking on the High Street.
“The site is prime agricultural land and should not be lost for the sake of short-term profit. Mansfield Road is a busy road and the 30mph speed limit is regularly ignored.”
Cllr Scott Carlton (Con), from Nottinghamshire County Council, also stressed: “Housing growth in Edwinstowe in recent times has been significant, including at Thoresby Colliery, which is starting to place significant pressure on the amenities of the village.
“It is already becoming harder to access the GP. This application will also add additional pressures on current and future planned schooling.”
However, planning officers said the site has been allocated for residential development and has been recommended for approval.
They said: “Despite the concerns raised locally regarding the level of residential development which is due to come forward in Edwinstowe, the residential delivery of the site will make a meaningful contribution to the district’s housing supply in a sustainable settlement.
“Moreover, through the associated legal agreement, the applicant has demonstrated that the development would provide for infrastructure required through the additional 50 houses proposed.
“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 50 residential units without imposing specific harm worthy of refusal at outline stage.”
Councillors sitting on the planning committee will decide the fate of the application on Tuesday, March 15.
