The site of an old brickworks in a Nottinghamshire village is set to be transformed into a new housing estate despite opposition. The former Bunny brickworks would be turned into 110 homes and employment units, if a planning officer's recommendation is followed by Rushcliffe Borough Council's planning committee on July 6.
The housing development on the site of the brickworks, which closed in the 1970s, would be served by a new vehicular access off Gotham Lane, and employment uses to the south of the site would use the existing access point off the A60 serving business Johnsons Aggregate. Open space is planned to the west of the site, with landscaping on the A60 frontage and a planted buffer between the residential and commercial uses.
The plans show a pedestrian link between the residential and employment areas is proposed. Despite being recommended for approval at the council's next planning committee the proposal has been opposed by councillors, neighbouring business Johnsons Aggregate, and some residents.
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Ward councillor Andy Edyvean objected to the application during the consultation process, explaining he thought a master plan should have been submitted due to the "potential size" of the development. Bunny Parish Council also objected to the application, citing planning permission had previously been denied for the site, as well as fears that potential congestion could be dangerous.
A total of 95 representations were received from neighbours and members of the public objecting to the application. A representation was also received from neighbouring waste recycling business Johnsons Aggregates in objection to the proposal, with the company raising concerns about a loss of amenity and conflict between users of the access for the Johnsons site and those associated with the employment use.
Despite these worries, a Rushcliffe Borough Council planning officer advised councillors to greenlight the development. In a report submitted ahead of the planning meeting, the officer said: "Negotiations have taken place during the consideration of the application to address adverse impacts identified by officers/to address concerns/objections raised in letters of representation submitted in connection with the proposal.
"Amendments have been made to the proposal, addressing the identified adverse impacts, thereby resulting in a more acceptable scheme and the grant of planning permission."
Planning permission would be subject to financial contributions, including £228,969 towards education provision and £50,000 towards bus stop improvements. A requirement for 30 per cent of the properties to be affordable housing is required would also be in place.
