By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans have been refused for 124 homes near Ashfield due to flooding and highway safety concerns.
The scheme would have been built on green space next to the River Meden in Teversal – described on the village forum’s website as ‘one of the most unspoilt villages in Nottinghamshire’.
The two to four-bedroom homes would have been built off Fackley Road and Crompton Street.
Ashfield District Council’s planning committee feared the development would worsen road safety and exacerbate the flooding problems recently seen during Storm Babet.
Craig Devonshire of the Teversal Neighbourhood Forum told the committee: “There is very limited public transport, oversubscribed doctors’ surgeries and limited capacity in schools.
“The limited local employment will turn this development into commuter homes, increasing car usage. Crompton Street will suffer the most.”
Ashfield District Council had received 76 written objections and a petition against it with 139 signatures.
A council report said a pond for flood water would help to mitigate problems in the area.
George Breed, representing the applicant Persimmon Homes, said: “There have been concerns about flooding on Fackley Road following latest extreme storm.
“The development itself won’t increase run-off rates to the River Meden. Should there be any localised flooding, the Fackley Road access will provide an alternate access for the people on Crompton Street.”
Although the scheme had been recommended for approval by planning officers, the committee voted to reject it.
Councillor Helen-Ann Smith (Ash Ind) said flooding issues should be dealt with first.
“The area has got massive problems with highways and flooding – I don’t think this is the right place for this development,” she said.
“It floods opposite the entrance to Crompton Street every time we have a bit of rain – most recently a few days ago when the snow melted. A basin on that site won’t help people get into their houses.
Councillor Rachel Madden (Ash Ind) said she knew the area well and the road safety “is dodgy around there, full stop.
“Safety is going to be worse with this extra access point.”
