THE leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council has written to councillors to explain why the authority pulled out of Nottingham's World Cup bid.

Rushcliffe's withdrawal from the bid comes just weeks after Notts County Council backed out.

Coun Neil Clarke, leader of the borough council, said the authority may in the future have to decide on a planning application for a new stadium which is a vital part of the World Cup bid.

He wrote to colleagues: "It has become increasingly difficult to portray Rushcliffe Borough Council's neutral position in respect of being the planning authority."

But Coun Clarke is also concerned about opposition to the proposal to build a new football stadium and housing east of Gamston.

He said other options still exist, possibly in the Cattle Market area of Nottingham. This has been refuted by Nottingham Forest and Nottingham City Council.

However, Coun Clarke does appear to see some merit in the Gamston scheme and he criticised Nottingham Forest for not complying with a request from the council to consult with residents about their plans.

He said: "This has resulted in mainly negative views of residents being portrayed – and I believe this is in particular due to the lack of details regarding the proposals adjacent to Gamston, and especially the added benefits their proposals may contain."

Coun Clarke is aware Rushcliffe is required by the government to build a large number of houses. It must find space for more than 10,000 homes within or adjoining the existing urban area.

The borough council is developing its core strategy – a long-term development plan – which must highlight where this house building will take place.

Consultation on a draft of the core strategy is due to begin in January.

Nottingham Forest and the landowners east of Gamston, which include Havenwood (a developer), Nottingham City Council, and Nottingham Airport have submitted their proposal to the borough council for consideration as part of the core strategy process.

They have emphasised the benefits of the scheme in the context of Rushcliffe's housing allocation.

These include three country parks, play areas, new sports facilities and improved public transport, cycle and walking routes.

But in his letter, Coun Clarke suggests a new Conservative government would drastically reduce the housing requirement on boroughs such as Rushcliffe, which potentially reduces the need for the council to identify as much development land.

He said: "A potential future Conservative Government would remove the current unreasonable housing development allocation targets being placed upon many councils and, in particular, Rushcliffe."

However, it is not clear how and when a Conservative government, if elected, would overturn the current system, and in the meantime Rushcliffe must develop its core strategy in line with the requirements of the present government.

If the council fails to plan for future development adequately, it runs the risk of receiving ad hoc planning applications from developers.

These may be in areas where the council does not want homes to be built, or may not bring significant benefit to existing residents.

Speaking to the Evening Post, Coun Clarke accepted there was a risk if the council put its faith in a new government to reduce its housing allocation.

He said: "It is very complex and there is no easy answer."

Coun Clarke said the proposals and any subsequent planning application would get a fair hearing by the council.

Meanwhile, Coun Jon Collins, the leader of Nottingham City Council, said: "Given Nottinghamshire County Council's recent withdrawal from the bid team, the City Council understands Rushcliffe's decision to follow suit, particularly since they are the planning authority for the proposed new stadium site at Gamston.

"The bid involves a wider range of partners than just the councils. So long as other partners remain committed and with public support for the bid running at such high levels in the city, the conurbation and the county, then Nottingham City Council remains ambitious and fully committed to the bid.

"Bringing the 2018 FIFA World Cup to Nottingham will mean massive economic benefits during the tournament and a significant long-term legacy – not least a new stadium for Nottingham Forest and a "Wembley" for women's football."

The leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor Kay Cutts, has said previously the authority is opposed to the scheme and its land within the development area is not for sale.

A spokesman for the county council said: "We maintain our position. We would be happy to speak to the city if they are prepared to look at an alternative location."