Residents have objected to plans for a major new housing estate in Rushcliffe which will eventually include three schools.
Developers Barwood Land and Taylor Wimpey submitted plans for the first phase of the ‘Gamston Fields’ development, which will include up to 2,250 homes, a primary school, local centre, takeaway and shop.
The plans also include a children’s play area and a ‘green hub’ with sports pitches.
The application is for ‘outline planning permission’ – meaning it seeks general permission, with more detail to be supplied later.
The Gamston Fields plans are part of a wider development of up to 4,000 homes and a secondary school.
Part of the site covers land used by Nottingham City Airport, including the runways, in Tollerton.
The plans have been in the works for some time with the initial development submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council in 2020.
Now, comments from consultees have been added to the development’s planning page on the Rushcliffe Borough Council website.
A total of 62 residents have commented on the plans with the vast majority objecting to the development.
Commenting on the plans on January 12, Gary Kirby said: “The development would swamp Tollerton and entirely change the character of the area.”
Kevin Pyke added: “This is a terrible proposal which will have a devastating effect on the quality of life in both the communities of Gamston, and in particular of Tollerton. We do not need a new village of this size in Rushcliffe.”
Councillor Keir Chewings (Ind) raised concerns about flooding and the number of extra vehicles the development would bring to the roads.
Active Travel England also commented on the “lack of dedicated access” for the site across the A52.
It said: “Without a credible means of accessing the site by walking and cycling there will be increased reliance on the car and therefore significant additional traffic from the development leading to congestion on the A52 itself. A dedicated bridge across the A52 in addition to the proposed crossings is essential to prevent this.”
Sport England said it was unable to support the development.
It said: “The proposal does not demonstrate that adequate provision will be made to address demand generated by the development for indoor and outdoor sports provision.”.
Cllr Penny Gowland (Lab) said: “It looks like a really nice estate. It is a model of sustainable living.
“I can understand for people in Tollerton it’s a nightmare.
“The question will be, will they [developers] do what they say they will?
“Are they going to provide the housing we need such as smaller more affordable homes for young families?
“If they are going to build this, it needs to be done well.”
Developers stated that the plans would make “a significant contribution towards the delivery of new housing with a balanced and appropriate mix of residential accommodation to meet identified needs including affordable housing”.
They said the plans would create a “sustainable new community” on a partly brownfield site including “a good range of services and facilities, including a local centre and schools”.
Phase one of the plans includes the construction of up to 750 homes and the ‘Tollerton lane signalised junction’.
Phase two will be an additional 1,500 homes, a primary school, part of the local centre, sports provision and an access roundabout.
Phase three will be the remaining homes, a secondary school, a second primary school, the rest of the local centre and sports provision.
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