400 homes next to A52 still on table despite traffic concern

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

Plans to build at least 400 homes next to the A52 in Derby remain a realistic possibility, despite “strong opposition” from the public over traffic concerns.

Last year, very early plans were announced for a huge development off Stoney Lane, in Spondon – right next to the busy Brian Clough Way, connecting Derby and Nottingham.

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

However, recent analysis has shown the site is now identified as ‘grey belt’ – meaning development for housing is possible there.

Grey belt is a term for “lower-quality” land within the Green Belt that can be prioritised for new housing.

The plans are part of Derby City Council’s new Local Plan, which sets out where at least 12,000 new homes can be built across the city over the next 17 years.

According to draft Local Plan documents, the development will expand the eastern side of Spondon and aims to deliver a minimum of 40 per cent affordable housing.

It also indicates that a buffer area will be created, to help mitigate noise from A52 traffic.

But highway issues were one of the key concerns raised when a public consultation was carried out on draft proposals – including the Stoney Lane development – earlier this year.

A new council report reveals there was “strong opposition” to releasing green belt land at Stoney Lane.

Council bosses state there was strong opposition on grounds of “cumulative traffic impact (particularly at the A52 junction), pressure on local services, Green Belt release, and village character”.

But the council states the allocation [for housing] “has been retained given the Grey Belt classification identified in the independent Green Belt Review and exceptional circumstances arising from housing need”. 

The draft report, published before the consultation, added: “Releasing this site from Green Belt for housing development can not only meet quantitative needs for new homes which are demonstrably deliverable but can also boost the delivery of affordable homes.”

The council warns that a planning application for the site may be submitted to the authority in due course.

The new Local Plan for Derby is set to move forward next week.

The council’s Labour cabinet will meet on Wednesday (June 10th) to approve the the latest version of the master-plan document for a second public consultation this summer.

Residents will get another chance to provide feedback on the document after more than 500 people responded to the first consultation.

Feedback from this has been reviewed, and proposals have been updated where possible.

Councillor Shiraz Khan, cabinet member for housing, said: “It’s only right that our proposals reflect the needs of the people of Derby.

“That’s why we’ve taken your existing feedback on board when revising the proposals, and soon you will have the chance to share your views again.”