A call has been made to protect access to a scenic brook after a gate was bolted shut amid plans for a new development.
United Living, Nottingham Community Housing Association and Keon Homes are looking to build 198 homes off Summerwood Lane in Clifton, on land that was once home to the Fairham School and Summerwood Day Centre.
The former school and day centre buildings, which were located on the northern half of the site, have been demolished.
Fencing has now been put up on the southern half of the site, which was previously used as playing fields before the school’s closure.
A public consultation was held in March this year, with the developers aiming to get the thoughts of nearby residents before plans are submitted in the next few months.
Clifton councillor Andrew Rule, of the Nottingham Independents and Independent Group, said he would be ensuring access to the Fairham Brook, which runs along the site and sits in the green belt, is maintained for the public.
Access to the brook from Summerwood Lane was gated off, but it is understood this was only temporary while an environment assessment took place.
Cllr Rule said: “Over the last few weeks we’ve had increasing complaints from walkers and dog walkers that were unable to get through the gate at the end of the footpath that leads onto Summerwood Lane, which had been bolted shut.
“We are pleased to say as of yesterday afternoon (March 25) bolt cutters came out and now that is accessible for everybody.
“It is a really well-used route that leads to the Fairham Brook and it is something we will be monitoring as the development goes off to ensure access isn’t interfered with by the development.”
In May 2023 the council agreed to sell the site to raise “significant” amounts of money, which could be used to fund its services and facilitate house building in the area.
The site had been allocated for housing under its local plan.
According to the developers, a full team of consultants has been appointed including architects, drainage and highway engineers, noise and air quality consultants, ecologists and landscape architects.
They have maintained that the land to the east, across to Fairham Brook, will remain as public open space with new tree planting and enhancements.
The proposed new homes will be affordable to help meet the needs of the local area, and they will be delivered as a mix of shared ownership and social rented housing, managed by Nottingham Community Housing Association.
Cllr Kevin Clarke, who represents the ward, added: “We’ve heard one or two concerns about rights of way and that, but at the end of the day it is a development that is welcome in Clifton.
“There is a general shortage of family homes throughout the whole city, and Clifton especially, so people are welcoming it. It is going to be a great thing for the estate I’m sure.
“There is always a little bit of concern when you are touching green belt land, it is inevitable it is going to happen with the housing stock that is required. I do believe it will be for the better for Clifton.”
