Controversial 400-home site in Derby moves forward after ‘lots of activity’ seen

400 new homes could be built next to Stoney Lane and the A52. Image by Google Maps.

Plans to build a massive development of up to 450 homes next to the A52 in Derby are moving forward – despite “strong opposition”.

Residents living in and around Stoney Lane in Spondon have been sent leaflets which detail a proposal to build on vacant green land off the major road connecting Derby and Nottingham.

The leaflet was to inform local residents of an “intention to submit an outline planning application” and invite comments on the scheme.

The consultation for comments closed on Monday (October 12th).

Derby City Council has allocated the land for possible development as part of its next Local Plan – a strategic masterplan on where 12,500 new homes can be built across the city over the next 17 years.

But its allocation has proved controversial and was met with “strong opposition” when the council put the masterplan out for public consultation.

The land in question was previously classified as green belt – meaning it was strictly protected from development.

However, according to the council, studies have shown the site can now be identified as “grey belt”, potentially allowing housing development.

Spondon councillors have told residents via Facebook they have been aware of “lots of activity” around the site in recent weeks and expect a planning application to be submitted to the council soon.

The consultation leaflet is from developer the Harworth Group.

It says: “The site is able to support an integrated residential community with a range of house types, sizes and tenures, including affordable homes, suited to families and older people.

“Where possible, the proposals seek to retain existing trees and hedgerows, and provide new green spaces including public open space, play facilities and amenity routes.

“A green buffer is proposed along the western edge of the site to the rear of existing properties.”

Harworth Group say its consultant team will review and consider all comments received.

Concerned residents spoke out against the proposals when chatting with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) in the summer.

Ellie Wibberly, who has lived on the street for six years, said she was worried the countryside next to her home would be lost when it is valued highly.

The 33-year-old said: “I think this will be the fourth new-build [housing estate] planned for Spondon. I don’t think Spondon is big enough.”

Fellow resident Shane Downing was furious about it and called the proposals the “horrendous”.

He said: “We don’t need another 400 new homes. At this rate there will be no countryside left. Where is the traffic going to go?”

Spondon councillors – Jonathan Smale, Chris Poulter and Nicola Roulstone – said in a post that there was “limited information” in relation to impacts on public transport, health services and traffic.