Ambitious plans for Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border to be revealed
Ambitious plans to create jobs, housing and transport links connecting old and new communities on the borders of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire over the next 20 years will be unveiled this week.
Residents around Toton, Chilwell, Stapleford, Sandiacre and Long Eaton, as well as the surrounding areas are being asked for their views on plans for the area. The consultation will run from Monday 12 October until Sunday 22 November.
Leaflets will be sent to over 80,000 residents over the next few weeks asking for their views. People can view the plans and leave their views in a ‘virtual’ display room which go into detail about the different aspects of the plans.
The scheduled closure of the historic Chetwynd Barracks in 2024 and the start of works at Toton East Midlands Hub has prompted planners to seek additional views ahead of a formal public consultation next year.
The initial plans include the development of cycle pathways, green spaces, new schools, healthcare facilities and modern communities which offer affordable and carbon neutral homes.
Councillor Kay Cutts, chair of the Toton Delivery Board and HS2 Executive Board, said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a bright future for decades to come. The region has really come together behind these bold and ambitious proposals for Toton and Chetwynd.
“A proposed new green village will create local jobs, new carbon neutral, affordable homes, and new community facilities including a new school. There will also be green spaces and more roads, paths and cycleways, including more traffic-free links to places for the family to enjoy such as the Attenborough Nature Reserve, Erewash Canal and the River Erewash.
“The Toton interchange is a catalyst for our wider infrastructure plans to make it much easier for people in all of our communities to move around and this matters to our towns and villages as much as our cities.
“These plans have the needs of the local community at heart of them. Our position as one of the best located counties in the UK means there is huge potential for job creation and skills development across our county and beyond. This is more vital than ever as we look to boost economic recovery in light of the pandemic.
“We really want everyone’s views about these plans which aim to improve the way future generations work, live and spend their leisure time in this area.”
Councillor Cutts added: “Proposals showcase new, clean and green models of development, with living, working and learning all overlapping. This will allow us to realise our ambitions to deliver a pioneering net zero carbon development.”
The proposals for Toton & Chetwynd also form part of an ambitious long-term vision for the future of the regional economy which is being developed under the banner of the proposed East Midlands Development Corporation.
The vision will see coordinated development around Toton & Chetwynd, Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station and East Midlands Airport, with the aim of creating 84,000 jobs and adding £4.8bn to the value of the regional economy.
Speaking about the Toton & Chetwynd proposals, councillor Milan Radulovic, leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, said: “The pandemic has made us all look at how resilient and connected the East Midlands is to the rest of the UK. We have a lot to offer this country and we think it’s about time our transport links and connections were evolved into something ready for the future.
“The jobs, the business opportunities and the economic boost this new link will offer, is an exciting prospect and something to look forward to in 2021 and beyond. Whether you are a business owner, resident or frequent visitor, we want to hear what you think about our Masterplan, so please take part in this virtual consultation and share your views.”
“This is not just about those areas directly affected by developments. Job creation and connectivity will have positive affects across the whole of Broxtowe stretching from Toton up to Kimberley and Eastwood, across Long Eaton, Sandiacre and beyond.”
Councillor Tim Hallam said: “The Masterplan to support the development of the Toton hub has initial benefits but also some very long-term value for our region too.
“Job opportunities aren’t limited to the construction phase, this new transport link opens up the East Midlands, so that businesses can extend and flourish.
“The Masterplan supports HS2 but keeps the needs of Broxtowe very much at the centre of what we want to do.
“We are putting forward plans which take what is good about now and make it great for future generations, but, we want to know what you think too, so, if you live or work in Broxtowe, please share your feedback before the deadline.”
Toton and Chetwynd Barracks is scheduled to close, opening the opportunity for major developments, whilst there are other major growth opportunities related to the three sites identified as priorities by the proposed Development Corporation.
Due to COVID restrictions in place responses will be collected by an innovative ‘virtual exhibition’. This will allow people to view plans online as well as submit their views.
