Two houses set to go so site can be used for 45 affordable homes
PLANS for affordable homes in a Derbyshire town are set for approval despite more than 70 objections.
The application, submitted by local developer Ian Jowett, would see 45 affordable homes built on land off Longmoor Lane in Sandiacre.
If approved, two houses, including the sizeable property Springfield House, would be demolished to make way for the project, which sits on disused land opposite Longmoor Lodge Care Home. cre’s borough councillors have
Erewash Borough Council planopposed the plans. ning officers have recommended Among them, Cllr Wayne Major, that the plans are approved at a deputy leader of the borough counmeeting on Wednesday, October 7. cil, said the proposed plans repre
If approved, the affordable homes sented “garden-grabbing”, overwould be built and managed by a development and out of keeping. housing association. Sandiacre Parish Council also
The 45 homes would include two objects to the plans, saying the one-bed flats, four two-bed bungascheme represents an “overdeveloplows, 23 two-bed houses, 15 threement” and that the designs show bed houses and one four-bed “cramped” houses. house. It also has concerns over
One of the two propthe number of parking erties which would spaces and potential be demolished issues with the prowould be Springposed access to the field House, site. built in around Meanwhile, the 1830. council’s housing
There is also a strategy officer bungalow and said: “There’s a former sunken great need for swimming pool on affordable housing the site. in every area of the
All three of Sandia- borough.”
Derbyshire County Council’s archaeologist said that Springfield House was an “undesignated heritage asset” and that retention and reuse would be a better option.
Sandiacre History Society has also objected and suggested that Springfield House be retained and restored, possibly as flats.
It said the scheme was an “unimaginative design and layout has all the hallmarks of a run-down estate in the future”.
More than 70 objections were submitted by residents with concerns over access; the size and design of the proposed homes; noise, air and light pollution; and damage to protected trees.
Council officers, recommending approval, wrote: “Inevitably, the development of this site will result in many changes for those residents who live nearby.
“The site is currently largely undeveloped and inevitably the development of 45 dwellings will result in physical and visual changes to the area and will result in more noise than has been experienced from the site.
“However, the benefits afforded from the currently undeveloped nature of the site, such as an open and treed outlook, are not an entitlement of the neighbourhood.
“The site forms part of a residential garden and is not a public commodity. Furthermore, officers are satisfied that the development has been designed such that the impact arising from the development would not result in unacceptable harm to the residential amenity of surrounding properties.
“The retention of Springfield House was explored and the local planning authority (the council) was advised that the retention of Springfield House was not appropriate.
“The agent advises that the condition and age of the building is such that the renovation costs are significant to improve the visual appearance of the building and to meet modern building regulations.
“The agent also believes that the retention of Springfield House in a modern starter home development would be incongruous.
“The loss of Springfield House is regrettable. However, it is considered that incorporating this building successfully into a modern scheme would be difficult and, the delivery of 45 good quality, well designed houses in a sustainable location is considered to outweigh the loss of Springfield House.”
Inevitably, the development of this site will result in many changes for those residents who live nearby. Planners