Plans for a new residential estate consisting of 96 homes have been approved.
The project, submitted by Davidsons Developments Ltd, will see the construction of homes on a 4.53-hectare site located east of Gypsum Way. This development, which exceeds the village’s original allocation for housing, has sparked considerable debate within the community, raising issues related to infrastructure, parking, and flood management.
Development Plans
The proposal includes a mix of 2- to 5-bedroom homes, including two-bedroom bungalows, alongside provisions for affordable housing. A total of 1.62 hectares of open space will feature green areas, a play zone, and ecological zones designed to support local biodiversity. The plans also involve an intricate network of sustainable drainage systems aimed at addressing longstanding flooding issues in the area. However, the development requires the demolition of four existing residential properties to facilitate access.
Despite its benefits, including efforts to retain trees and hedgerows, local resistance remains. Concerns have been raised by local councillors and residents, many of whom argue that the project represents overdevelopment and will strain Gotham’s infrastructure.
History
The land in question was previously part of a nursery and has no recent planning history.
The site is allocated for residential development under Policy 9 of the Local Plan Part 2, adopted in October 2019, which initially estimated that approximately 70 homes would be sustainable for Gotham.
However, Davidsons’ plans for 96 homes represent a 37% increase above the local plan’s recommendation, drawing objections from local councillors and the parish council.
Councillor Richard Walker expressed concerns over Gotham’s infrastructure, particularly related to flooding and the capacity of the local water system. He pointed out that Severn Trent Water had previously restricted surface water from entering the foul water system due to localised flooding, an issue which has plagued the area in recent years. The revised plan addresses some of these concerns, particularly around drainage, but opponents remain unconvinced about the potential strain on local services.
Community Response
Opposition to the development has been widespread. Gotham Parish Council, along with numerous residents, cited fears over sewage capacity, traffic safety, and the displacement of parking along Leake Road. Residents are particularly worried about the potential loss of on-street parking, especially given the well-known congestion and traffic speed issues along the road.
To mitigate this, the developers say they have proposed creating alternative parking spaces for displaced vehicles. However, many feel this is insufficient, with some noting that on-street parking will remain an attractive option for residents, potentially exacerbating existing issues.
Flooding also remains a primary concern. Gotham has experienced significant surface water flooding in recent years, most notably in 2016 when heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, flooding several homes. Davidsons Developments aims to address these issues through a combination of sustainable drainage solutions, including swales and an attenuation basin. These systems are designed to manage surface water and prevent future incidents, but scepticism remains about their effectiveness.
Infrastructure Challenges
In addition to the environmental and traffic concerns, local officials have raised questions about Gotham’s ability to accommodate a development of this size. Both the sewerage and water systems are already under pressure, with Severn Trent Water’s capacity being called into question due to recent sewage floods.
The developers have pledged to work closely with Severn Trent to ensure the local sewage system can accommodate the additional load. A foul water pumping station and surface water culvert will be constructed to address these issues, with maintenance duties falling to management companies and landowners.
Moving Forward
Despite the vocal opposition, the project has been approved, with conditions aimed at addressing many of the issues raised. The development will feature a range of homes, from affordable properties to larger family houses.
Local authorities and statutory consultees, including the Lead Local Flood Authority and Severn Trent Water, have raised no objections, signalling their approval of the drainage and infrastructure plans, although these remain a point of contention for residents. The project will also contribute towards local infrastructure through Section 106 contributions, although healthcare services, originally requested by the NHS, are expected to be covered by the Community Infrastructure Levy.
