Plans for new homes close to a historic cottage have been refused by councillors concerned the development would affect trees in the area.
A decision on the controversial development was deferred at the last Newark and Sherwood District Council planning meeting in April.
Councillors met again on Tuesday, 10 May, to refuse the application after advice was sought from a tree landscaping officer.
Applicant, Nottinghamshire County Council, want to build up to three homes to the rear of the historic Ullyats Cottage in Fiskerton Road, Rolleston.
The application site was formally part of the council’s smallholding.
Objectors argue the building has historical importance as Victorian artist and illustrator Kate Greenaway grew up at the cottage.
There is a blue plaque on the cottage, but this alone was not an “overriding factor” to refuse the application, a report on the plans said.
Ward member councillor Roger Blaney (Con) called the application to a planning committee due to the “over-intensive development” in April.
A deferral was made at that meeting for more clarity on highway arrangements but since then a tree landscaping officer has visited the site.
He looked at the trees on the site “now and into the future” and concluded that a tree preservation order should be made to protect them.
Officers at the council said they had been in consultation with the applicant to reduce the number of homes to two but “they wanted three”.
It was therefore recommended by officers to refuse the application on the grounds it will affect trees on the site.
Cllr Malcolm Brock (Lib Dem) said: “I think in this instance the officer’s recommendation is sound and I will support it.”
Cllr Laurence Goff (Lab) said the preservation of trees is “an important part of our environment” and supported the refusal.
Planning officers at the council concluded in their report: “In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the existing trees on the site provide for amenity value and as such a provisional Tree Preservation Order has been served.
“It is therefore considered that the trees within the site are worthy of retention and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the area.
