Legal talks to be held over A38 homes

A decision to build nearly 100 homes next to the A38 is on hold so legal talks over the plans can be held.

It follows a public disagreement between councillors and officers over a planning application submitted to build 96 new homes on the edge of Littleover.

A decision was due to be made on the controversial plans on land off The Hollow at a Derby City Council meeting on Thursday 13th November.

But it was delayed so legal discussions could be held. Concerned councillors had called for proceedings to be halted on the grounds of “fairness”.

The application was submitted by developer Wheeldon Homes last year to build the homes next to one of the city’s busiest roads.

The 96-home development will consist of two, three and four-bed homes, both semi-detached and detached. A new access road off The Hollow is also part of the proposals. 

There have been 36 objections to the plans, including written concerns raised by Mickleover councillors Miles Pattison and Alison Holmes – mainly surrounding the location of the development.

But councillors in Mickleover recently raised concerns that a decision was scheduled to be made before an important public consultation on Derby’s future. 

The consultation seeks views on a draft Local Plan. This is a long and detailed report into where specifically thousands of new homes should be built across Derby in the next 18 years. 

However, there has been a disagreement because the plan for the 96 new homes is included in the Local Plan document – for which public feedback is sought.

Mickleover councillors were unhappy a decision was scheduled before the public could have their say on whether or not homes should be built there.

Derby City Council’s planning officers had recommended councillors to approve the 96 new homes.

However, Paul Clark, chief planning officer, told the council’s planning meeting on Thursday that a decision was withdrawn so legal discussions could take place with a barrister.  

He said: “There has been considerable discussion concerning the status of the draft Local Plan and importantly the weight planning committee can apply to its policies and specifically allocations going forwards.

“To that end we have instructed counsel to provide a clarifying opinion that will help not only this application but future proposals and the weight we should apply in the decision-making process.”

Depending on those discussions, a decision on the plans could be made at that meeting. 

Image by Wheeldon Brothers.