By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
Initial permission for 95 homes in Rainworth has been granted despite concerns the village is at “bursting point”.
Applicant Romo Holdings put basic plans in to build up to 95 homes on land west of Rufford Colliery Lane.
The plans submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council are for outline permission only and more detailed plans including appearance, access, layout, landscaping and scale will require approval further down the line.
According to the council, it is likely the land was used in connection with
the former Rufford Colliery and a nearby redundant railway line due to evidence of excavation and tipping of materials.
The southern part of the land is a designated local wildlife site.
Rainworth Parish Council objected to the proposals, citing concerns over a lack of school places and flooding.
It also argued the land would be better used for commercial purposes.
The parish council said: “Rainworth is at bursting point, residents have to wait unacceptable lengths of time to get a doctor’s appointment and local children are struggling to gain entry to their chosen schools.”
During a Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, October 5, councillors discussed the concerns.
Cllr Sue Saddington (Con) said: “I am absolutely amazed they are not asking for education places because 95 houses, however you look at it, could be over 200 children.
“I just wonder when at County Hall they will be shouting they do not have enough child places around this area because it is no mean feat to have that amount of children put in schools.
“The other thing I think is important is the acoustic fencing because when those houses are built it won’t be long before they will be saying they have got the noise from the A617 and what are they going to do about it.”
According to planning documents, there would be no deficit in provision of school places for primary school children.
The proposed development of 95 homes would yield an additional 20 primary and 15 secondary aged pupils, documents say.
While secondary school places are deemed insufficient, it is said contributions to address these will be covered under the Community Infrastructure Levy.
This is a charge which can be levied by local authorities on new development in their area, helping them deliver the infrastructure needed to support development.
There will also be a contribution of £982 per home, or £93,290 in total, to improve capacity within existing local GP practices including Hill View Surgery, Rainworth Centre or the Abbey Medical Group.
Cllr Andy Freeman (Lab), the chairman of the meeting, said: “Usually I am one of the people that will speak out about developments in open countryside but there are exceptions that prove the room and this is one for me.
“I am happy to move the recommendations as per the officer’s recommendations in the report.”
The outline plans were unanimously approved.
