Final approval nears for housing development on toxic Derbyshire landfill

Avant Homes is looking for final approval for a £47m housing project on the Nether Farm site in Somercotes, Derbyshire.

The site’s history of contamination requires special construction measures to protect future residents.

The development would include 60 affordable homes (45 for rent and 15 for shared ownership), with properties ranging from two to four bedrooms.

A total of 26 objection letters have been sent with objections primarily revolving around concerns regarding site contamination, road safety on nearby routes, strain on infrastructure, and reduced privacy for current residents.

One objection highlights uncertainty about the extent and intensity of contamination under the site and the associated risks for future and current residents

Earlier this year, residents voiced concerns at a public council meeting, alleging that people in Somercotes were getting sick due to work on housing developments near old landfill sites, including the Nether Farm and Stanley Street sites.

However, the Stanley Street project received its final planning approval in May through delegated powers rather than the council planning committee.

Council officers addressed the complaints and said: “Concerns with regards to contamination have been addressed as part of the outline planning application permission which includes a number of conditions, which specifically deal with contamination.”

Amber Valley Borough Council planners have now recommended approval for the plans, with a meeting scheduled for Monday, September 11.