Almost 500 homes have been approved in Bramcote, despite local councillors describing the scheme as a “flawed development” with concerns raised about flooding.
The 470 new homes will be located on the former Bramcote School playing field on Coventry Lane, with the sale expected to deliver a long-awaited secondary school for the village.
But serious questions were asked by Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning committee about whether the plans were good enough.
Ward Councillor David Watts (Lib Dem) said: “This was an open goal – and somehow the developer has missed it. The design is rubbish.
“It’s a poorly-designed, cramped estate, aimed to maximise profits. It will create a huge number of problems for the local authority to deal with.
“The field drains poorly – I have a picture of a dog literally swimming on the field during the floods two weeks ago, and the water still hasn’t gone.”
He added that he wasn’t a ‘NIMBY’ (which stands for ‘Not In My Back Yard’; someone who resists to development proposals near where they live) but wanted to see suitable housing built.
Councillor Andrew Kingdon (Lib Dem), also representing Bramcote, said: “Residents want to make clear this is a flawed development which has been designed by a flawed process.
“470 homes is too many for this site, especially given Bramcote’s insufficient school places and GPs.”
Cllr Lydia Ball (Con) said: “This development is the size of a small village, but will there be a village hall? Nice walks and open spaces?
“From the pictures it looks pretty boring. There doesn’t seem to have been consideration for quality of life.”
Cllr Greg Marshall (Lab) urged approval despite members’ reservations.
“There are 1,700 people on our council housing waiting list, many with heartbreaking stories,” he said.
“We don’t have the luxury of waiting for an ideal or perfect scheme.
“This is a significant opportunity to help those most in need and increase our social housing.”
He added there are “legitimate concerns” but noted that no authorities had raised concerns over the flooding on the field.
Andrea Caplan, representing applicant Avant Homes and the White Hills Park Trust, said: “It will deliver a significant number of market homes in the next five years, meeting the need in Broxtowe.
“The 30 per cent affordable homes will also assist many households who need a place to call home, and will be built to the same standard.”
The developer is set to agree a £1.6m contribution to local bus services, healthcare and enviornmental enhancements.
Six members of the committee voted in favour and none against it, with three abstentions.
