Mixed opinions on plans to build 2,250 homes
SCHOOL, LOCAL CENTRE, TAKEAWAY AND SHOP ALSO PROPOSED
PEOPLE in Gamston have given a mixed response to plans for more than 2,000 homes and a school.
In January last year, plans were submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council by developers Taylor Wimpey and Barwood Land to build 2,250 homes, a primary school, local centre, a hot food takeaway and shop.
The development would create 3,800 jobs.
A few homeowners said they had concerns about the development being built on the fields near the A52.
Pam Deacon, 70, said: “It will have to improve – we need to improve the infrastructure. I don’t know about that – not what we really want to have green space taken up. My head says it’s got to be done but my heart says don’t do it.”
Jo Raynor, 59, also highlighted her concerns.
She said: “There’s already so many houses. It’s green belt land until the powers that be want to build houses.
“The green spaces are really important – it’s ridiculous. If they’re going to build 2,000 plus homes – the schools are all full. If they’re going to build, it needs the stuff to support it.”
Retired Esther Wright, 74, thought the homes would help families, freeing up other properties as starter homes.
She said: “First-time houses, like for refugees – some of the old-fashioned homes could be freed up for those trying to get up the ladder.
“Some of these houses need freeing up.
“When they move up, which people tend to do when they start a family. It’s great to think about the green space but people need homes. There’s plenty of countryside – there’s Rushcliffe Country Park and there’s places for people to go.”
A resident who didn’t want to be named explained that when she first moved to Gamston 27 years ago there were only a few homes where she was. She had no issues with the new homes.
She said: “It’s progress – stuff gets built. It’s change. People need houses.
“Providing they put the infrastructure in place I don’t have a problem and providing the planning is done properly. There have been a lot of new builds in the area.”
But Manjeet Ridan said: “I wouldn’t be hugely excited.
“I do appreciate there is a housing crisis and people need housing.
“I think it is very beautiful here – it’s the landscaping, the lovely trees.
I know there’s a pressure to build affordable housing – they have just done one in Edwalton, with the shops and Mcdonald’s.
“It’s important to wildlife.”
A Rushcliffe Borough Council spokesperson said: “A planning application was submitted to the authority in December 2020 for part of the site to the east of Gamston which is allocated for development.
“The application is still being determined and the council is currently awaiting further technical work to be completed and submitted by the applicant. “Alongside this planning application, it has been working with the main landowners to prepare planning guidance and a masterplan to support and coordinate the delivery of development across the whole of the allocated site with work ongoing. “All proposals to develop the whole or parts of the site will be expected to follow this guidance and masterplan in full before the council is in a position to grant any planning permissions for new housing development on the site.”
There’s already so many houses. The green spaces are really important – it’s ridiculous Jo Raynor