MP calling for rethink as major housing plan set to go on show
A PLANNED housing development at Teal Close could save greenfield areas at Top Wighay and Papplewick Lane, says Sherwood MP Mark Spencer.
Plans for 830 homes at Teal Close, on the border of Netherfield and Stoke Bardolph, go on show for the second time this Thursday after huge public interest.
Gedling Borough Council has earmarked Top Wighay for 1,000 houses and Papplewick Lane for 600 as part of its 7,250 target by the end of 2028.
But Conservative MP Mr Spencer believes that the Labour council is over-estimating the need for housing.
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He questioned council priorities, saying the authority would get money from the Government's New Homes Bonus scheme for large developments.
"It boils down to numbers," he said.
"But the number of houses they want to deliver was too high in the first place. I think they should go back to the drawing board and look at both sites to see the impact Teal Close will have."
Councillor Darrell Pulk, the council's portfolio holder for leisure and development, said the authority had to identify land suitable for housing and employment.
He said: "It may have an impact on other sites, but we can't just make the figures up – it has to be evidence-based.
"The Government would take a very dim view if we decided to cut the number significantly."
Papplewick Lane resident Roberta Norris, 60, whose home falls in Ashfield district, said the impact of the extra residents of Gedling would not be felt in that district there but in neighbouring Ashfield.
"The councils are supposed to work together but we weren't consulted at all when these plans first came to life. Our local services are stretched as it is but the people who move into Papplewick Lane will be using services in Ashfield rather than Gedling."
But Mr Pulk believes that the development is more likely to boost Ashfield's economy than suffocate its services: "I live in Gedling but I use amenities all over the city."
Linby parish councillor Denise Ireland said Gedling was not sticking to national guidance: She said: "The council should only use these greenfield sites as a last resort if they have explored all the other options."
The parish council spent £3,500 on a consultant in a bid to prove that the development was neither legal nor sound.
"I think the developments at the Gedling Colliery and Rolls-Royce sites are more worthwhile," she added.
2 Comments
by Nathenmonkey9
Thursday, March 21 2013, 5:31PM
“The comment above is obviously a GBC planning officer. Teal Close I believe was bought to the table last May prior to the consultation!!! Broxtowe have decided to step back in light of high speed rail - why not Gedling!!! This is not about good planning decisions it is about money. Notts County Council want to make money - which in turn will mean GBC do!!! Teal Close should be a strategic site in the ACS not Top Wighay!!!”
by Fizissist
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 9:37AM
“The 7,250 figure has to be evidence based. It is.
The Teal Close proposal came to the council after the housing strategy had been developed and consulted on.
Obviously, any development at Teal Close or at other sites not in the plan, will reduce the need for housing to be built at planned locations such as Top Wighay.
It is important to remember it is plan to build houses if needed, not a commitment to build all the houses by 2028 come what may!!”