By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to build new homes next to a historic cottage with links to a famous Victorian artist and writer have been deferred by councillors.
Outline planning permission was sought by Newark and Sherwood District Council to build up to three homes in the garden to the rear of Ullyats Cottage in Fiskerton Road, Rolleston.
The applicant is Nottinghamshire County Council.
Concerns were raised by residents and groups around the effect this would have on the history of the site, which they state has links to Kate Greenaway.
She was a Victorian artist and writer, known for her children’s book illustrations, and there is a blue plaque on the cottage
Nottinghamshire Building Preservation Trust objected to the plans due to the artist’s connection with the area.
They said: “The application site is not only connected with, but also clearly recorded in illustrations by the artist.
“Development on the site would destroy important views, which are little altered since first illustrated by the artist. The development of the land would clearly also have a detrimental effect on the amenity of the cottage.
“The significance of the cottage and the connection with Kate Greenaway is acknowledged by a blue plaque fixed to the cottage wall.
“The loss of this open space and the effect on the existing public footpath, hedgerow and wildlife is unacceptable.
Residents also expressed concerns that if Ullyats Cottage garden was destroyed it would result in a “loss of significance” and would “undermine the cottage where Kate Greenaway grew up.”
However, council planning officers called on councillors to grant planning permission.
They said: “The building does have a local connection with Kate Greenaway, a Victorian illustrator whom from the mid 19th century spent significant periods of time there.
“However, this was not her home and she is commonly associated with London where she was born and subsequently died.
“Whilst this is an important connection to the village and indeed local residents have set up The Kate Greenaway Trail and a blue plaque has been awarded to Ullyatts Cottage in her recognition, these are not overriding factors in ensuring the importance of the cottage or the surrounding land.”
Councillors sitting on the planning committee on Tuesday, April 12, decided to defer the application for more clarity on ‘highway arrangements.’
Cllr Mathew Skinner (Cons), representing the Beacon ward, felt the application was “too crammed in for three plots.” His feelings were also shared by another councillor.
Cllr Yvonne Woodhead (Lab), representing Rainworth South and Blidworth, said she would have voted against the application in its present form.
The same view was shared by Cllr Malcolm Brock (Lib Dem).
The application has therefore been deferred for more detail to be presented to the committee before a decision is made.
