By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans for a huge new development in Nottinghamshire with more than 800 homes have taken a step forward after a company was selected to build the project.
The new Top Wighay Farm neighbourhood near Hucknall will provide up to 805 houses, a primary school, local shops and employment land.
Nottinghamshire County Council said some land has also been “safeguarded” to be used for a possible tram extension in the future.
The council says the £205m project, which is expected to bring more than 1,000 jobs to the area, is the biggest they’ve ever dealt with.
The authority’s new £15.7m offices are also being planned as part of the site, despite criticism from some councillors about the costs of the project.
On April 19, housebuilder Vistry was announced as the chosen developer for the site, which was given outline planning permission in April 2021.
Councillor Keith Girling (Con), chairman of the council’s economic development and asset management committee, said: “I’m really delighted that we have moved as quickly as we have.
“This is the biggest project this council have ever had, that’s the scale of what we’re doing here.
“This is going to be a significant influence on the economy of Hucknall in a positive way.
“We’re connecting cycle routes with Hucknall and part of the deal will see a substantial amount of new bus routes too.
“We’ve also safeguarded land so the tram can be extended there in the future to reduce the impact on the roads infrastructure.
“We have decided that the preferred developer is Vistry, they have the right ethos for us.
“We’re not just building boxes, we’re building homes for people to make memories in.”
Concerns have been raised previously about the impact of hundreds of new homes on local infrastructure including healthcare services.
Cllr Girling added: “If there is a need for a doctor’s surgery, there is no reason why we can’t do that.
“We will work with primary care services to see if they want a surgery on this site.”
In response to the criticism over the flagship council offices which are in the pipeline, Cllr Girling added: “Residents are going to have council services delivered on their doorstep in a building that’s going to be unique in Nottinghamshire.
“The building will be as green as it can be, which is a subject close to people’s hearts.
“I would rather overestimate on the costs.”
He added that Vistry has indicated the work could be completed within six years.
Councillors unanimously approved the plans during the Economic Development and Asset Management Committee on April 19.
