Residents "horrified" over scaled-back housing plans re-submitted near a "hazardous" Erewash congestion hotspot

Residents have said that they are “horrified” that scaled-back housing plans have been re-submitted near a Derbyshire congestion hotspot.

The plans, submitted by Birmingham firm Waterville Land Ltd to Erewash Borough Council, would see 16 homes built in Little Hallam Hill, Ilkeston, opposite the Ambivet vets.

Borough council officials have recommended that the plans are approved at a meeting on Wednesday, August 13th.

This comes nearly a year after an undisclosed developer saw plans for 26 homes on the same site rejected by councillors after the firm refused to pay for new school places.

The developer – who had pitched 26 affordable homes – had owed £117,288 in contributions to schools to offset the impact of the scheme,

Now a new scheme is set for approval, with the developer being asked to pay £25,099 for school improvements and enhancements at the Oak Apple Crescent play area, along with 15 per cent affordable housing on-site – two bungalows.

Last September councillors had been torn about the lack of money for schools due to the contribution promised in terms of affordable housing, with a trade-off between what to accept.

This new plan sees 24 fewer affordable homes and a much lower contribution to schools due to the perceived reduced impact of 16 homes versus 26.

Residents have consistently raised concerns over the site being a congestion hotspot with road safety issues around a notorious blind dip in the road.

They have said they are “amazed and horrified” at the new plans, which they claim represent an “accident waiting to happen”.

Seven objection letters have been lodged with the council this time, compared to 27 with the previous application, detailing worries about a listed neighbouring wall, the “extremely hazardous” junction, pedestrian safety, development of green space, and protection of wildlife and their habitats.

Council officers, recommending approval, wrote: “The proposal would make more efficient use of the land than its current undeveloped nature and would contribute to the borough’s housing supply. 

“The layout and design of the proposal is considered acceptable, as is the impact of the proposal on future occupiers, neighbouring properties and the wider community. 

“While there would be some impact on the setting of a neighbouring listed building, the delivery of 16 dwellings in this sustainable location is considered to mitigate this limited harm. 

“The development proposes an acceptable level of car parking and the highway authority are satisfied that the highway alterations and internal highway layout are acceptable. 

“The impact on ecology and biodiversity, including on protected species, is considered acceptable subject to conditions. 

“The application would deliver the necessary developer contributions in the form of affordable housing and financial contributions towards education and open space to mitigate the impact of the development.”