New proposal for 300 homes in Nottinghamshire after double rejection

Despite resistance to the development, housebuilder Bellway is progressing with plans to build hundreds of new homes in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.

The proposed 300-home estate, situated between Ashland Road West and Brierley Forest Park, faced initial rejection by Ashfield District Council in March 2021.

While local campaigners celebrated the council’s decision, the government’s Planning Inspectorate overruled it in December 2021.

In a recently-filed reserved matters application, the firm indicated its intention to construct 43 two-bedroom, 151 three-bedroom, and 106 four-bedroom properties.

The plan includes the development of 30 affordable homes, comprising 17 two-bedroom and 13 three-bedroom residences.

The northern boundary of the project is next to Brierley Forest Park, a country park formed in part from the pit heap of the former Huthwaite Colliery.

Bellway has said there will be a “significant emphasis on creating an appropriate interaction with this important natural environment,” intending to preserve hedges and trees where possible.

For accessibility, two entry points from Ashland Road would connect to a new loop road within the development.

Previous attempts to secure planning permission for housing on the site faced setbacks in 2016 and as far back as 1988.

In a planning document, STEN Architecture on behalf of Bellway, said: “The proposal includes a variety of house types, new open space, and pleasant street scenes.

“New homes are set around a simpler movement framework to create a character in keeping with near development. The private amenity of both new and existing residents is recognised with buildings and streets aligned with the existing built form to ensure a cohesive and integrated design solution. In summary, the proposal is sustainable and a well-designed residential development.”

Ashfield District Council is currently reviewing the planning application