Controversial plan for major homes development in Keyworth set for approval

A plan to build more than 70 homes in a Nottinghamshire village has been recommended for approval, despite significant objections.

Developer David Wilson Homes wants to build 73 homes on Bunny Lane on the outskirts of Keyworth, which has seen considerable expansion in recent years.

The development will comprise a mix of homes, including bungalows, semi-detached and detached properties with between two and five bedrooms, 15 of which would be designated as affordable.

Major housing developments have previously been approved on Nicker Hill, Station Road and the opposite side of Bunny Lane.

A previous proposal for 77 properties at the Hillside Farm site was refused in 2021.

The application has been recommended for approval, subject to conditions, by council planning officers and will be decided by Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday, September 14.

The controversial plan has received 141 letters of objection, with just 26 in support.

Those backing the development claim the plan is “a natural extension to the village” and “will encourage people to support local businesses”.

‘Residents feel ignored’

However, concerns have also been raised over dust, noise, odour and the proximity to a nearby sewage treatment works and working farm.

Residents of the Keyworth Rise estate opposite have also raised issues with flies and an intense smell from a nearby farmyard, which prevented the use of gardens and opening windows during last summer’s heatwave.

Keyworth Parish Council, which objected to the plan, said the altered development “in no way addresses the concerns raised previously” and the authority is “fed up of plans with only minor revisions coming before them”.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s highways department raised no objections to the plan, but noted that the parking provision under the revised layout has been reduced and “does not now comply with parking standards”, which has “the potential to result in displaced parking on-street”.

As part of the development, a mini-roundabout would be built at the junction of Pendock Lane and the A60 in Bradmore and the speed limit reduced between Bunny and Bradmore from 40mph to 30mph, to mitigate an increase in traffic.

Rushcliffe Borough Council has designated the site as a “key rural sustainable settlement” as part of Part Two of its Local Plan, which has a target to build around 600 homes in Keyworth by 2028.

A Local Plan is a document that sets out how developments, including housing and infrastructure, can best benefit an area a council is responsible for.

It follows similar schemes nearby, which have seen the expansion of neighbouring areas in Ruddington, Edwalton and East Leake.

A report prepared for planning committee councillors said: “Whilst the number of local objections to the proposed development are noted there are no objections to the proposal from any statutory consultees.

“Subject to conditions as outlined it is considered that the proposed development would comply with relevant policies in the development plan.”