Plans for 200 homes on contentious land

Plans have been submitted to build up to 200 homes next to Acorn Way, Derby. Image by Keepmoat Homes

By Nigel Slater – Local Democracy Reporting Service

Controversial plans to build up to 200 homes on “vital” green land next to a busy Derby road have triggered much concern.

Keepmoat Homes is seeking permission from Derby City Council to build a “vibrant” estate consisting of dozens of homes off Acorn Way.

The road links Oakwood and Chaddesden with Spondon. The application site is towards the Spondon end adjacent to Derby Road but is on Green Wedge land which separates the city suburbs.

This is a matter of concern from local councillors who are set to hold meetings with planning bosses about the proposals.

A statement from Spondon councillors says they are requesting any decision be made by the planning committee rather than delegated to council’s own officers.

Should the plans be approved, a new access road to the estate would be created on Acorn Way.

The development is likely to consist of a mix of one- to four-bed properties. Around 30 per cent of the scheme would be classed as affordable.

A planning statement on behalf of Keepmoat Homes said: “The proposals, including the parameter plans proposed, are considered to fully accord with all relevant national and local design requirements and guidance, along with best practice guidance. 

“Therefore, the proposals will allow for a residential development to be devised at Reserved Matters application stage that would result in good place making and the creation of an attractive, vibrant and stimulating environment.”

This is not the first time plans have been submitted for homes on the land.

Previous schemes have all gone to appeal but have been refused.

The sensitivity behind the development is the issue of building on Green Wedge land.

A statement from Spondon Councillors said: “This land is earmarked as a Green Wedge and has been vital in maintaining a break between the boundaries of Spondon, Chaddesden and Oakwood.

“In the new (Local Plan) draft it has remained designated as Green Wedge as part of the Green Belt and Green Wedge Strategy. This is not the news we wanted to share.”

The issue of building on the Green Wedge was a contentious issue last year when a Planning Inquiry was held over plans to build homes off Royal Hill Road – another area in Spondon.

The application was refused by the council’s planning committee but was overturned by a Planning Inspector.

It is well documented that Derby City Council cannot meet a legally required five-year housing supply and is requiring help from neighbourhood authorities to help deliver housing numbers.

Because of this, a “titled balance” approach is applied allowing any plans to build new homes “significant weight” in decision making, unless a development may cause harm to the area.

The busy road has been closed several times in recent years due to flooding.