Residents in Radcliffe-on-Trent have spoken about the impact of major housing growth in the area, as hundreds of new homes continue to be built around the town.
The 400-home Princes Place development, off Shelford Road, is one of three major schemes currently under construction in Radcliffe. Hackett Grange, a 102-home development, is being built on the approach to Radcliffe from the A52 on the Nottingham side, while Sherbourne, a 280-home development, is also being built just off the A52 on the route out of the town.
Radcliffe, which has a population of around 8,000, is one of Rushcliffe’s larger settlements. Rushcliffe Borough Council identifies it as one of its “key settlements”, alongside Bingham, Cotgrave, East Leake, Keyworth and Ruddington.
The town was designated as an area for growth and housebuilding when the council prepared its local plan in 2014.
However, much of the countryside and farmland surrounding Radcliffe is also designated as Green Belt land, where development should only take place in “very special circumstances” to prevent urban areas from merging through expansion.
The issue remains a concern for some residents, particularly following changes proposed by the Labour government which could allow some Green Belt land to be reclassified as “grey belt” if it is considered unlikely to contribute strongly to preventing urban sprawl.
Mick Jones, 78, who has lived in Radcliffe for 40 years, said: “There were sheep grazing in that field two years ago.”
Speaking while walking around the new Princes Place estate for the first time since the homes were built, he added: “They’ve done a good job with it. It could’ve been a very bleak environment because of the dry paving and narrow roads but they have made an effort with all of the planting.”
But Mr Jones said he remained opposed in principle to building on Green Belt land.
“As a matter of principle green belt development is undesirable in my view,” he said. “I’m just grateful that the river flood plain does protect Radcliffe from the city.”
Radcliffe is separated from Nottingham by the River Trent, and some areas around the town are unlikely to be suitable for development because of flood risk.
While further growth around larger settlements such as Radcliffe is widely seen as likely as demand for housing continues, residents remain divided over whether the expansion is positive or damaging.
One common concern is that local infrastructure and services have not kept pace with the number of new homes being built.
Stuart Walder, who lives near Princes Place, said: “The infrastructure is just not built for the amount of traffic there is. Local services like the GP… the reality is you just can’t get an appointment because waiting lists are so long.”
Plans to expand Radcliffe’s health centre are currently going through the planning system, with proposals including seven additional consultation rooms and other facilities.
Mr Walder, who moved to Radcliffe shortly before work began on Princes Place, said he did not believe the town’s expansion had brought clear benefits.
“I fail to see any real, tangible benefits,” he said. “The incidence of crime and petty crime is increasing significantly. So is traffic flow.”
Chris Ward, whose home backs directly onto Princes Place, said he also felt Radcliffe had changed.
“It’s changed for the worse,” he said. “Anti-social behaviour is worse. Traffic is worse. Shopping on Shelford Road is worse. I’ve got no problem with the new houses.
“(But) we have a tiny little Main Street that more and more people are driving on. It’s a lot more congested than it used to be. Bus services don’t improve at the same rate as housing development.”
Further development is also planned.
Near Hackett Grange, outline permission has been granted for a 75-home development called The Paddocks, which is expected to provide 50 properties for social rent and 25 for shared ownership.
Rushcliffe Borough Council has also committed £1 million to Radcliffe in its 2026-27 budget to support work on a “masterplan” for the town.
Council documents state that the funding will be used for “the acquisition of land or property”. Radcliffe ward councillor Abby Brennan has indicated that the money is expected to support improvements to the town centre.
Not all residents are opposed to the town’s growth.
John Hudson, 82, who has lived in Radcliffe for around 50 years, said: “I think I’m reasonably happy with Radcliffe.
“I know other people say ‘this used to be green grass fields and now they’ve been built on.’ But it’s not too bad. I can’t grumble at it. I can’t physically see any of these mega developments.”
The scale of growth in Radcliffe has also formed part of a wider debate about its status.
In February, Radcliffe-on-Trent Parish Council decided it would be known as a town council. The council said the change was intended to help protect the area’s Green Belt, rather than encourage further building.
Town councils are able to have a Green Belt around them, while villages are not.
In a letter to residents at the time, the council said it was concerned about potential expansion from Bingham to the east, between Gamston and Cropwell Road to the west, and beyond Princes Place to the north.
Despite concerns about development, some residents said Radcliffe remains a desirable place to live because of its proximity to Nottingham.
Mr Ward, 65, who previously lived in Bingham, said: “I would’ve thought it’s still appealing that it’s very close to Nottingham, if you’re working there.
“(But) if I was looking to move into area now, Bingham has a lot more to offer. When we moved here Radcliffe was seen as a bit more elite.”
Mr Walder added: “It still remains a nice, decent place to live. But the property development hasn’t stopped yet. It begs the question: When does it stop?”
