Key decision to be made on 265 new homes in Clifton after ‘dangerous’ traffic concerns
Access to the new estate would be from Hawksley Gardens
By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
A key decision will soon be made on plans for 265 homes in Clifton.
Plans have been submitted to build the homes on a large area of land off the Barton Green estate, but some people living nearby are concerned about possible dangers from traffic.
The plot is next to ancient woodland which forms part of a Grade II registered park and garden associated with the Grade I listed Clifton Hall.
On the land is an agricultural field once owned by Nottingham City Council, as well as a disused playing field formerly owned by Nottingham Trent University.
Initial ‘outline’ permission was approved in December 2018, and now developer Avant Homes has submitted more detailed plans, known as ‘reserved matters’, for 265 homes.
The application seeks approval for the outstanding matters relating to layout, scale, appearance and landscaping, and has been recommended for approval at a Planning Committee meeting on February 21.
“It is proposed to develop the site with 265 dwellings comprising 16 one-bedroom, 57 two-bedroom, 105 three-bedroom, 82 four-bedroom and five five-bedroom dwellings,” documents say.
“These are to provided as a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, all with associated parking.”
The development of housing on the site has been earmarked for this part of Clifton since 1997.
However residents living in Hawksley Gardens, a cul-de-sac through which access to the new estate is proposed, have raised concerns.
A petition was set up by resident Jacky Holmes in 2021, which has been signed by more than 500 people.
She says: “We are not objecting to the development – we accept the need for housing.
“But we are objecting to the access road onto the new estate. We feel there is a more suitable option from the A453 which should be reconsidered.
“It appears that very little awareness has been raised with local residents about the impact that the increase in traffic and congestion will have on our estate and the potential disruption from heavy goods vehicles and machinery along Hartness Road and Hawksley Gardens.
“We will see an impact on our quality of life with increased pollution and the reduction in open green space. There is also a potential danger for dog walkers, horse riders and pedestrians who use the bridle path as vehicles will have to cross it to enter the new development.”
Planning documents show residents have proposed a separate route from Mill Hill island, Green Street and Fox Covert Lane.
“It is feasible and was used to enable access for survey work,” they add.
“Otherwise, huge lorries, plant and machinery coming onto Hartness Road and
Hawksley Gardens will be dangerous.”
The Highways department have raised no objections, subject to the conditions of a construction traffic management plan to include a construction traffic routing agreement, parking, cycle provision and electric vehicle charging points.
Reserved matters typically follow an approved outline application, with the aim of getting permission for outstanding details that were not drawn up before.
Getting reserved matters approval is the next step before a full application.
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