Plans for 600 houses on land next to city golf course

CONCERNS RAISED OVER UNEXPLODED SECOND WORLD WAR BOMBS AND FLOODING

DEVELOPERS have stated an intention to submit a plan for 600 houses on former greenbelt land at Eastern Green.

Bracebridge Holdings Ltd are hoping to build homes on land at Windmill Hotel and Golf Course, in Allesley, which is known as the ‘Windmill Green Site.’

As part of the process, the developer has engaged with relevant council departments, and other national organisations.

No objections have been made to the proposal in principle, but the scoping report highlighted potential issues.

In a report, the developer stated its intention to submit an outline planning application addressing some of the concerns raised.

It said: “It is anticipated that an outline planning application will be submitted to provide 600 dwellings comprising a mix of housing types, sizes and tenures including 200-250 private social rented units.

“The proposed development will be refined through the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) process and in response to consultations with statutory and no statutory consultees and the local community.”

Highways England was among the consultees who raised concerns, stating a “robust” transport plan is needed as the development could open up a new traffic corridor towards M6 Junction 3, which is already “significantly congested”.

The Environment Agency warned there is a potential flood risk due to the nearby Pickford Brook, recommending flood resilience measures and an eight-metre buffer.

Additionally, the council’s Environmental Protection team said they have received reports the site could include several high-explosive Second World War bombs, but have “no evidence”.

The site forms part of the Eastern Green, which was allocated for 2,250 houses in the council’s Local Plan after it was removed from the green belt in December 2017.

An outline planning application for up to 2,625 dwellings, a new primary school, retail centre and business units was submitted by Hallam Land Management last November.

But the developer’s transport assessment states it could in fact comprise of 3,495 houses - a staggering 55 per cent increase on what was originally planned.

The Conservative group have called on the Planning Inspector to intervene on the issue, with leader Cllr Gary Ridley expressing fears over the increasing size of the scheme.

Bablake ward councillor Glenn Williams also wants a review of the Local Plan.

He said: “This council seems determined to cram in as many houses as they onto the green areas of Bablake ward and to hell with local residents.

“At a full council meeting last year I asked for the Local Plan to be reviewed but they wouldn’t; along with others, I shall continue to put pressure on this Council and the planning department.”

A council spokesman previously said the 2,250 homes allocated in the Local Plan was a “guide”.

She added: “The independent inspector that approved our Local Plan was very clear that the number needed to be a minimum number because we cannot fit all of our required houses inside our own boundary.”

This council seems determined to cram in as many houses as they onto the green areas of Bablake ward and to hell with local residents Cllr Glenn Williams