Trams could run to airport
EXTENSION OF NOTTINGHAM NETWORK IS A POSSIBILITY
PEOPLE may be able to catch a tram to East Midlands Airport if a proposal suggested as part of a major development becomes a reality.
The idea has been put forward as plans for an £800 million scheme, described as “one of the largest housing and employment developments” in the region, begin to take shape.
The Fairham scheme, at Clifton Pastures, involves 3,000 homes being built north-east of the airport over 10 to 15 years and could involve an extension of Nottingham’s tram network.
Outline permission has been passed for one million square feet of employment space, a primary school, community and sports facilities, a neighbourhood centre and more than 200 acres of green space across the 606-acre site.
Developers recently submitted a number of reserved matters applications to Rushcliffe Borough Council, to do with the drainage and landscaping.
The main contractor, Winvic Construction Ltd, has been appointed for the first phase of infrastructure work, which began in September.
The first housing plots and roads are due to take shape this year.
Robert Hepwood, of Clowes Developments, which is part of the scheme, said: “Over the coming 12 months we will be progressing the site at pace by working closely with our partners and the public will soon see some big changes to the landscape as we move forward.”
A spokesman for Fairham said: “The project includes a protected new route for a future Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram extension towards East Midlands Airport, although the details of this will be subject to NET and its partners bringing forward their own plans in the future.
“This new neighbourhood for Nottingham is due to bring 3,000 homes, 2,000 jobs and amenities to the area, including a school, medical centre and sports and leisure space in a highly sustainable and green environment.
“Fairham is a long-term investment being made by Derbyshirebased Clowes Developments in partnership with Homes England, the government’s housing accelerator.
“It will be an exemplary mixeduse scheme of regional importance to the whole East Midlands.
“The involvement of Homes England helps to ensure there will be a broad mix of housing types, including hundreds of affordable homes, with the first homes beginning construction in 2021.
“With £100 million of new infrastructure across the site, there will be miles of cycle and footpaths as well as 50 acres of wildlife space.”