Approval has been given for hundreds of homes to be added to a 'new community' in Nottinghamshire. Up to 400 houses can now be built on land off Abbott Road, Mansfield, after Mansfield District Council's planning committee gave its approval on March 13.
While phase one of the housing development is well underway with 202 properties nearly complete, the plans recently considered by councillors will increase the number of homes in the remaining phases by 170.
At the meeting, Michael Hepburn of planning consultant Lichfields, acting on behalf of applicant Commercial Estates Projects Limited & Hallam Land Management, said: "Our planning team has worked with [Mansfield District Council] officers to ensure that we've arrived at the very best scheme in Penniment Farm, significantly contributing to sustainable growth in Mansfield.
Poll: Should the UK deal with snow better? Have your say here
"The proposed development will build on the existing housing and infrastructure already delivered at Penniment Farm to date, and continue to create a new community." The application was originally withdrawn from a July 5, 2021 meeting at the request of the applicant, as they wanted to assess the viability of the project.
Council discussions commenced with the applicant about the viability issues affecting the development of the site in the summer of 2022, with the applicant explaining phase one had been impacted by more than £7.5 million in "abnormal costs" during construction. An independent review then found the scheme could remain financially viable while delivering six per cent of its new homes as affordable housing and paying contributions of £2,581,188.
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board said health infrastructure would need to be developed to accommodate the increased population. The authority said primary care practices were "currently reviewing their options to accommodate the increased number of patients", which was predicted to be around 1,000 in a planning document.
The consultee said it was "likely" these plans will include either reconfiguration or extension of existing premises or a new build will contribute towards. Planning obligations outlined a contribution of £180,625 would be allocated to healthcare in the area.
Nottinghamshire County Council said it would not need a secondary education contribution for this application as the pupil increases were accounted for in a previous application. But in terms of primary education, the County Council will receive a contribution of £1,588,188.
Developers will also have to contribute £539,000 for public transport improvements to Nottinghamshire County Council. Another £65,800 will have to be paid to the County Council to fund upgrades to bus stops.
In a report to the planning committee, which recommended approval be granted, a Mansfield District Council planning officer said: "The site has previously been granted outline planning permission for a development of residential and employment uses and the initial residential phase is now nearing completion.
"Whilst in principle there is no objection to this application, the requirement to increase the dwelling numbers across the overall site by a further 170 dwellings gave concerns to the Highway Authority in terms of capacity and safety.
"The Highway Authority has given lengthy consideration to the ability to serve the increased housing whilst maintaining sufficient highway capacity for the employment land too and, with their stated conditions, informatives and mitigations in place, it no longer has any objections to the scheme and the ability to develop the employment land is preserved." Planning committee members voted unanimously in favour of the scheme.
Are you planning an event for King Charles III’s Coronation? Let us know here
READ NEXT:
Inspector warns students to secure accommodation after rise in burglaries
Neighbours shocked after man found stabbed in 'nice little town'
How empty Nottingham high street has transformed into a 'cool and fresh' destination
11-minute exercise that cuts risks of stroke, cancer and heart disease, say scientists
