100 homes planned near site of castle

GRESLEY DEVELOPMENT CLOSE TO SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT

historical significance. The developer says that the development site is largely obscured from view from the castle due to a railway line and an array of trees.

It says that this would be further obscured by further “landscaping mitigating features” around the boundary of the proposed housing site. Meanwhile, the main access to the site would be off Hillside Road, with an access point for emergency services and pedestrians off Linton Road close to the Post Office.

Around 4.6 acres of open space would be provided on the site, which will “contribute to the health and wellbeing of new and existing residents,” says Heyford. The up to 100 houses on the site would include affordable housing – houses which are offered at 80 per cent of the average market rent in the area.

The percentage of houses on the site which would be affordable housing has not been stated, but the district council would request that this is 30 per cent, due to the size of the scheme.

Two large flood attenuation ponds would be built to the south and north west of the site.

A report compiled by Heyford on the plans states: “A mix of houses is proposed which will help to meet the housing needs of local people.

“The inclusion of a range of different house sizes will help to increase choice in the local housing market, whether that is for first time buyers or those looking to move up the housing ladder.”

Historic England says: “Castle Gresley motte and bailey castle is an extensive and well-preserved example which has suffered only minimal disturbance and therefore retains intact archaeological remains throughout.”

Residents are encouraged to submit their comments on the development proposals to Heyford by 5pm tomorrow.

This can be done by e-mailing rachel.mwythen@gva.co.uk; writing to Rachel Mythen, GVA PDR 640, 3 Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2JB; or filling out the form at http://bit. ly/2zYpffu

Castle Gresley Parish Council is holding a meeting to discuss the plans today from 7pm at the Linton Brick Room.