A Nottinghamshire county councillor has branded claims that a housing plan was deliberately released during the current period of national mourning as 'abhorrent'. In a report released on Monday (September 12), it was revealed that the county council wants to sell 11.5 acres of its land in the village of Skegby.
The land off Beck Lane is currently described as being "surplus to operational requirement" and, in the report, Nottinghamshire County Council says that the land is considered to have "development potential". In terms of who would purchase the site, the report adds that a "preferred party" has been identified, but details on this are not shared in the public document.
Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, who represents Skegby on the county council on behalf of the Ashfield Independents, raised concerns about the impact of more housing in the village, but also about the timing of the announcement. Councillor Smith said: "The Conservative county council knew this would be a controversial decision – that's why they have released their plans in a period of national mourning.
READ MORE: Driver's anger after rescuing boy who was 'about to step on to busy Nottinghamshire road'
"I have written to them requesting exact details on this sale of land, what discussions they have had with developers and what their plans are for millions they will earn. We will be opposing this unless we get answers."
The cabinet member responsible for economic development and asset management at the council is Councillor Keith Girling. An Ashfield Independents spokesperson reiterated: "Keith Girling, as the portfolio holder, could have quite easily said, 'let's leave it for a week'. But they knew that attention would be focused on the very sad news about the death of the Queen."
But Councillor Girling rejected the claim that the Beck Lane announcement was timed to coincide with the period of national mourning. The period of national mourning will last until the end of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral on Monday (September 19).
Councillor Girling said: "I find the comment about putting these plans out during a time of national mourning abhorrent. Councillor Helen-Ann Smith was made aware of this intention months ago and was given the opportunity to speak with me about her concerns but failed to do so."
Councillor Smith says she was informed about the council's intentions six weeks ago, but claims that they refused to put it in writing when she asked for them to do so. She says that she was also awaiting a promised conversation with Councillor Girling, but that she never heard anything back in regards to this.
Councillor Girling added: "Ashfield District Council has failed to produce a five-year housing plan due to the incompetence of the Ashfield Independent administration. Before pointing the finger I would advise that they look inwardly.
"Each district and borough has to provide their fair share to satisfy the housing needs of our community. They are incapable of doing that, so they blame everyone else."
The Government's National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in 2018 required councils to have enough sites ready for development to meet their housing need for the next five years. A report from Ashfield District Council in 2021 stated that only 2.25 years supply of housing had been identified.
But the council's report on this matter added: "The council recognises that delivering growth within the district is complex. Whilst it is noted that a number of the actions identified in the Housing Action Plan are principally within the remit of the council to resolve, the council will also need support and the co-operation of those involved in delivering new homes, including landowners, developers... and upper tier authorities (i.e. Nottinghamshire County Council)."
The Government under Boris Johnson announced in May that the five-year land supply policy would be scrapped. This formed part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which is now being considered by a House of Commons committee.
On the Beck Lane plans, Nottinghamshire County Council added: "The land at Beck Lane is vacant, surplus to council requirements and has the potential to provide new homes for residents. Any potential purchaser of the land would still need to go through a proper planning process, which would consider every point of view before coming to a decision."
READ NEXT:
- New era for popular cafe where owner says 'it's all been highs'
- Nottinghamshire chippy named in UK's top 40 fish and chip shops
- Excitement over new gym which people expect to 'take off'
- Wait extended over the future of only pub in Nottinghamshire village
- Excitement over plan for farm shop in village where ‘there’s nowhere to buy a pint of milk’
