Plans for a drugs, alcohol and mental health therapy centre on the site of the former Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Arnold have been tipped for approval.
The site in Bestwood Lodge Drive is currently vacant, but was most recently occupied by the fire service’s Nottinghamshire headquarters up until 2022.
Applicant Delamere Health, which currently has a rehabilitation clinic in Cheshire, is looking to demolish the buildings on the site and build a new private residential therapy and treatment centre.
It would feature 32 en-suite rooms, and guests would be self-referred if in need of support for alcohol, drugs, work or mental health problems.
The site in Bestwood Lodge Drive is currently vacant, but was most recently occupied by the fire service’s Nottinghamshire headquarters up until 2022
Planning documents say: “Guests at the clinic are self-referred when any aspect of their life becomes overwhelming.
“This may be their relationship with alcohol, drugs, work or their mental health. Guests typically stay for 28 days and receive both clinical and therapeutic services.
“The proposed clinic will accommodate 32 en-suite residential bedrooms with supporting therapy and ancillary spaces, within a single built form.
“The ancillary spaces include administration offices, single and group therapy rooms, social and dining spaces as well as nursing provision.
“The proposed use would be served by 30 car parking spaces, with further overflow if required, and bicycle storage. Access is provided using the existing site access point, via Bestwood Lodge Drive.”
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service now shares its headquarters with Nottinghamshire Police at Sherwood Lodge, which underwent a £18.5m refurbishment.
The plans have been recommended for approval at a Gedling Borough Council Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 12.
Three more people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a taxi driver in Gedling.
Police carried out the arrests on the morning of Wednesday, February 5 at a number of locations across the city and county.
Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor, aged 26, of Sherwood Rise, known to his friends and family as Shami, was shot dead in his taxi on Tuesday, November 22 1994.
He was found by a milkman at 4.30am at Lambley Lane Playing Fields with his hands tied and bound to the steering wheel.
Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor was found dead in his taxi at a car park in Lambley Lane Playing Fields back in 1994
He had been shot in what has been described by police as “an execution.”
Shami was described by his family as “an outgoing, charming and kind man”.
Already the father of a five-year-old son, he was killed just five months before his baby daughter was born.
A dedicated team of detectives are following a number of lines of inquiry and forensic opportunities since relaunching the murder investigation last year.
Police visited three properties in the Nottingham, Wollaton and Beeston area on the morning of Wednesday 5 February.
Three men, aged 58, 57, 55, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.
So far, police have arrested nine people in connection with Shami’s murder. His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Chief Inspector Clare Dean, who is leading the investigation, said: “We made a commitment to Shami’s family that we would leave no stone unturned when we relaunched the investigation last year.
“We continue to follow all new and existing lines of inquiry to ensure that his family get the answers they have waited for.
“Today, we have arrested three men on suspicion of murder, and they remain in police custody.”
Crimestoppers, a charity which is independent of the police, has supported this investigation by offering a reward of up to £50,000 for information that they exclusively receive that leads to a conviction. The reward is still available.
Chief Inspector Dean added: “We would like to personally thank the community for all of their help and assistance so far as well as the media for sharing our appeal for information.
“It is never too late to come forward with information. It could be that the information you have, no matter how small, is vital to our investigation.
“Crimestoppers is still offering an up to £50,000 reward as an extra incentive. Information to Crimestoppers can be submitted completely anonymously.”
Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by calling Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 0300 of the 15th November 2024.
Gedling Borough Council has decided to withdraw from the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan to focus on its own Local Plan that would deliver more homes across the area.
The council says the new Gedling Local Development Plan will address all of the borough’s housing and development needs, subject to full Council approval. It will meet the government’s updated requirements for local authorities,
The decision follows recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which introduced new housing targets. By withdrawing from the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan, the council can ensure Gedling’s full housing need of 609 homes per year is met, compared to the 80% coverage that the previous plan would have achieved.
The council say they can ensure Gedling’s full housing need of 609 homes per year is met (PHOTO: LDRS)
The council’s updated Local Development Scheme sets out a clear timetable for completing the new plan, with a goal of adoption by late 2027.
The council will consult with residents, businesses, and community groups throughout the process to ensure their voices are heard.
The Gedling Local Development Plan will also address key issues such as sustainability and climate change. A Climate Impact Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal will guide the development of the plan, ensuring it aligns with the council’s goal to become net zero by 2030.
Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth said: “This decision to withdraw from the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan was not taken lightly but it allows us to take full control of our borough’s future development.
“We’re committed to meeting housing needs in a way that benefits residents and provides affordable, sustainable homes.
“Work already completed on the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan will not be wasted. Shared evidence and agreed policies will be used where they benefit Gedling’s new plan. However, the council’s focus will now be on identifying sites that can deliver market and affordable homes more quickly and efficiently.”
Plans to demolish a pub and extend the life of a solar farm are among the schemes hoping to get the green light at next week’s planning committee meeting at Gedling Borough Council.
The committee will make a final decision on whether the proposed schemes can move forward based on recommendations from the council’s planning officers.
They will be asked to make a decision on the following proposals:
Friar Tuck, Gedling Road, Arnold. Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a 51 no. apartment retirement living development (Use Class C3), landscaping, car parking and associated works
Full planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing buildings one site and erection of a 51 no. apartment retirement living development (Use Class C3), landscaping, car parking and associated works. 2.2 The proposed development would comprise of self-contained apartments, with a mix of 15 no. 2-bed apartments and 36 no. 1-bed apartments distributed across three floors.
Nottinghamshire Fire And Rescue Headquarters, Bestwood Lodge Drive, Bestwood. Full planning application to demolish existing buildings and develop a new private residential therapy and treatment centre, together with associated infrastructure and landscaping.
The site is currently vacant but was previously occupied by the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service as their regional headquarters, until 2022. There are a number of two and three storey buildings which occupy the site and other smaller ancillary buildings and hard surfacing.
Full planning application to demolish existing buildings and develop a new private residential therapy and treatment centre, together with associated infrastructure and landscaping. The proposed clinic will accommodate 32 en-suite residential bedrooms with supporting therapy and ancillary spaces, within a single built form. The ancillary spaces include administration offices, single and group therapy rooms, social and dining spaces as well as nursing provision. The proposed use would be served by 30 car parking spaces (with further overflow if required) and bicycle storage.
Leivers Court, Douro Drive, Arnold, Nottinghamshire Demolition of existing care home and construction of a 3-storey building to incorporate 22 flats providing supported accommodation, staff office, and communal hub, and the erection of eight semi-detached dwellings including access, parking and turning.
Full planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing care home building and the erection of 30 new dwellings with associated access and parking. The 30 dwellings would comprise:- 22 one-bedroom apartments (supported living for young persons) in a 3 storey block toward the north east of the site; 6 two-bedroom semi-detached dwellings and 2 three-bedroom semi-detached dwellings. All flats will provide supported living accommodation and all semidetached dwellings will be affordable rent properties managed by Nottingham Community Housing Association.
Solar Farm, Arnold Lane, Gedling, Nottinghamshire Solar Farm – Variation of condition 16 of planning permission 2014/0633 to allow retention of solar farm for 40 rather than 25 years.
Condition 16 of planning permission 2014/0633 states that;- “The proposed Solar Farm and associated works hereby permitted shall be dismantled and removed from the site within six months at the end of 25 years from it first being brought into use or in the event of it becoming non-operational, whichever is the sooner, and the site re-instated and returned to its original condition, unless otherwise prior approved in writing by the Borough Council.
Eagle Square, Front Street, Arnold. Use of land for siting 12 market stalls.
This application relates to 626 square metres of land comprising a public square at the southern end of and within The Arnold Primary Shopping Centre.
Planning permission is sought to change the use of Eagle Square to make the current temporary market use permanent to accommodate 12 market stalls. Two planning permissions have previously been granted for the same for this use, albeit on a temporary basis in 2020 and 2024.
Bestwood Country Park, Bestwood Lodge Drive, Bestwood, Nottinghamshire. Removal of 14 Sycamore trees (G1)- Remove trees due to poor structural condition and damage caused by squirrels. Removal of trees will benefit adjacent trees within the woodland.
This application relates to 14 sycamore trees, which are protected by the Group Tree Preservation Order 00048 and dates from 2004.
The removal of 14 sycamore trees due to squirrel damage.
A number of people have been arrested suspects when police officers investigating a drugs supply conspiracy raided four properties in Arnold.
Simultaneous warrants were executed at three buildings in Rolleston Drive as well as a home in Hawthorn Crescent on Friday (January 31).
Properties in Basford and Aspley were also raided by police.
The properties were searched after police received intelligence suggested the properties had links to the storage and sale of cocaine and cannabis across Nottingham.
Quantities of cocaine, cannabis and cash were all duly seized while four suspects were detained in the process.
Officers from the Gedling South neighbourhood policing, county priority tasking and tactical support group (TSG) teams were all involved in the day of action.
Four men – aged 22, 35, 40 and 41 – were all subsequently arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply Class A drugs.
The 22-year-old was additionally arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply Class B drugs, possessing criminal property and possessing cannabis.
Police further arrested the 41-year-old man on suspicion of possessing with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possessing criminal property, while the 40-year-old suspect was additionally arrested for possessing Class A drugs.
Detective Inspector Andrea Brown, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This represented a great example of our policing teams taking positive action after receiving reports of potential drug activity in our force area.
“Six simultaneous warrants were executed in direct response to this intelligence, which should signify to the public how much of a priority it is for us to keep drugs out of our communities.
“As a direct result of this enforcement, we were able to seize quantities of cocaine, cannabis and cash we suspect was raised through criminal activity.
“Four suspects were also arrested, so this proved to be a good job all-round, that really demonstrated the importance of us working with the community to target crime locally.”
Gedling Borough Council has ramped up its efforts to tackle fly-tipping in the area, with a £700 being handed to a rogue gardener who failed to properly dispose of their household waste.
Richard Morey, of Mansfield Woodhouse, pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on January 30, 2025 for failing in his duty of care regarding controlled waste.
He was fined £500 and ordered to pay £200 towards prosecution costs.
The case followed a report on March 26, 2024 of fly-tipping in a secluded spot in Ravenshead. Neighbourhood Wardens investigated and traced the waste, including household rubbish, tyres, and furniture, back to its source.
Fly-tipping discovered in a secluded spot in Ravenshead (PHOTO: GBC)
Further investigation revealed that a resident had paid Morey £50 to dispose of the waste after finding his business, R&A Gardening Services on Facebook where the business profile said he was a licensed waste carrier. Despite repeated attempts to engage with Morey, he failed to cooperate with Gedling Borough Council’s Public Protection team, leading to legal action and his eventual arrest.
Councillor David Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said: “This conviction is a warning to anyone thinking about fly-tipping. We will not hesitate to prosecute offenders and we will do everything in our power to find the culprits.
“We urge residents to report any fly-tipping they see and to always check waste carriers are licensed.
“I would like to thank our Neighbourhood Wardens for their thorough investigation which has led to this positive result for the council and for residents affected by this appalling behaviour.”
There are a number of road closures in place across Gedling borough this week that drivers should be aware of.
Some roads are closed while others have lane closures. Temporary traffic measures or diversion routes may also be in place on roads in the region. Motorists are urged to make allowances for these closures and alter their travel arrangements if necessary.
If you’re planning to travel through the borough over the next few weeks take a look at the list below to see whether your journey will be affected.
Arnold
Oxclose Lane, Arnold 04 February – 06 February Roadworks, Delays possible Traffic management: Lane closure Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Jermyn Drive, Arnold 05 February – 06 February Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach
Dereham Drive, Arnold 06 February – 07 February Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Greendale Road, Arnold 06 February – 07 February Roadworks, Delays possible Pothole repairs between junction of Dereham Road & Charnwood Lane Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Surgeys Lane, Arnold 10 February – 11 February Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Carlton
Carlton Hill, Carlton 06 January – 14 February Roadworks, delays expected Responsibility for works: National Grid
Main Road, Carlton 08 February – 09 February Roadworks, delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Standhill Road, Carlton 10 February – 14 February Roadworks, delays possible Responsibility for works: National Grid
Gedling
Earl Crescent, Gedling 04 February – 05 February Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Freda Avenue, Gedling 05 February – 06 February Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach
Arnold Lane, Gedling 06 February – 12 February Roadworks, Delays possible at the junction with Waldrom Road. Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Besecar Avenue, Gedling 05 February – 21 February Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: National Grid
Linby
Annesley Road, Linby 10 February – 14 March Traffic management: Lane closure Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Mapperley
Hallam Road, Mapperley 05 February Delays likely due to road closure Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Plains Road, Mapperley 11 February – 13 February Delays likely lane closure Responsibility for works: National Grid
Netherfield
Victoria Road, Netherfield 11 February – 13 February Roadworks, Delays possible due to lane closure Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Woodthorpe
Mansfield Road, Woodthorpe 04 February – 10 February Roadworks, Delays likely Responsibility for works: Cadent
Tamarix Close, Gedling 04 February – 05 February Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Members of a burglary gang have been jailed after detectives used a mixture of forensic, mobile phone and even electronic tag data to link them to their crimes.
The gang targeted four addresses over a ten day period in in Summer 2021 – making off with six high-end and expensive cars.
The offences were all very similar in nature, with offenders taking keys from inside properties before driving away.
The first offence took place in Papplewick on July 29, 2021, when two cars were taken.
The second offence took place in Sherwood two days later when another car was stolen.
The third and fourth offences took place in Hucknall and Nuthall on 6 and 8 September, where a further three cars were taken.
In each instance entry was gained in the same way – by breaking the locks from patio doors.
In three of the cases the victims were at home and in bed in the time, and in two cases children were also asleep inside.
Cash, watches and other items were also stolen by the offenders.
Detectives soon concluded that the offences were linked and launched a combined investigation to find the people responsible.
Teenagers Harvey Hollingworth and Jahleo Golding were later found to be working in league with older men Lucas Wilkinson and Dylan Stone.
Hollingworth, now aged 21, was found to be the registered keeper of the car used to drive to and from the first offence, and his fingerprints were linked to two false plates later found on stolen vehicles.
He was also betrayed not only by mobile phone data that placed him in the vicinity of each break-in, but also by data from his electronic tag – fitted in relation to other offences – which proved he was not at home at the time of the offences.
He also had images of some of the cars on his mobile phone and was found in possession of one of the keys when he was arrested.
Wilkinson, now aged 28, was also linked to Hollingworth by mobile phone data and was involved in the onward movement of vehicles.
Golding, the youngest of the group and now aged 19, was linked to other conspirators by mobile phone data and to at least one of the vehicles by fingerprint evidence.
Jordan, meanwhile, was found to have one of the stolen cars on his driveway and was again linked to the others by mobile phone data.
Taken together, the evidence proved compelling and strongly pointed towards a conspiracy involving each of the men.
Hollingworth, of Bridgnorth Drive, Clifton pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit a burglary with intent to steal, conspiring to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property
Golding, of Cinderhill Road, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit a burglary with intent to steal.
Wilkinson, of Goldthorpe, Rotherham, also pleaded guilty to pleaded guilty to conspiring to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property
Jordan, of Manor Croft, Basford, pleaded guilty to conspiring to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property
Stone, of Manor Road, Eastwood, pleaded guilty to conspiring to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday 31 January the men were sentenced as follows:
Hollingworth was jailed for four years and six months
Golding was jailed for four years and three months
Wilkinson was given a 21 month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and as also given a three month curfew order
Jordan was given a 7 month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.
Stone, who had also admitted involvement in another similar conspiracy, was jailed for five years and ten months earlier this month.
Another man will be sentenced for his involvement at a later date.
Detective Constable Matthew Barnes, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These were targeted offences committed by people who clearly cared very little about the impact these crimes would have on their victims – many of whom were asleep when their homes and lives were violated in these break-ins.
“It was clear from very early on that these cases were linked, and it didn’t take us long to identify some prime suspects.
“Using a combination of fingerprint records, mobile phone data and a range of other evidence, we were able to prove beyond doubt that each of these offenders had either been involved in some way with the offences and had been in extensive contact with each other.
“We did not have to prove exactly who did what on each day and instead invited the suspects in this case the opportunity to explain away this evidence in front of a jury.
“After a very lengthy court process they eventually decided against this option and pleaded guilty to a range of very serious offences.
“I am pleased they have now been held to account and hope this case serves as a reminder to the public about the many investigative tools we have at our disposal to bring people like this to justice.”
Gedling neighbourhood policing team’s new Inspector Heather Harding has provided an update on how they have progressed on tackling crime across the borough in January.
She said: “The reported incidents of ASB in the Gedling borough remain relatively low. The NPT team are hoping to arrange some community events in the near future which will be aimed towards the younger residents and will hopefully assist in steering them away from ASB as they build relationships with the Police.”
Harding provided an update about the car meets in the borough.
She said: “After a large car meet in the New Year the local NPT and Gedling Borough Council have worked together to identify some of the vehicles and are now moving forward in contacting the registered owners.
“The regular patrols and enforcement continues and I would ask residents to continue to report incidents as they occur.”
On begging she said her patrols had been doing lots of patrols in town centres to identify those who are begging in the area. She said: “They are being offered help and support as well as being warned of their behaviour and the consequences.
The inspector also offered a warning around a spike in burglaries across the area.
The Inspector said: “In the last few weeks there has been a slight increase in burglaries – please could you ensure that you remain vigilant in your neighbourhood and report any suspicious activity to the Police to allow officers to attend and address any concerns.”
A new betting shop is set to open in West Gate, Mansfield, marking a positive development for the local area.
This new addition is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Mansfield town centre. By creating job opportunities and attracting more visitors, the new shop is likely to contribute to the growth of local businesses and enhance the area’s economic vitality.
As the demand for gambling services continues to grow, this new establishment offers a timely boost to the community. With new jobs and opportunities for surrounding businesses, this move reflects the thriving gambling sector’s role in supporting local economies.
The Thriving UK Gambling Industry
Online casinos have seen a surge in popularity over recent years. The convenience of gaming from home, alongside the wide variety of games available, has made these platforms increasingly attractive. The UK’s gambling industry, traditionally reliant on physical betting shops, is now complemented by these online spaces, expanding its reach and economic footprint.
Online platforms also provide opportunities for job creation in tech, customer service, and marketing. However, tighter regulations from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) are driving many players to explore casinos not on GamStop, which offers fewer restrictions. These platforms are gaining traction due to their less restrictive nature, providing more options and flexibility for players.
They allow players to enjoy a more tailored experience, with quicker access to withdrawals and wider betting options. Amid this wide range of digital options, physical casinos, and betting shops are still doing well in the UK too. Stores like the new one have become increasingly popular in recent years—making competition in the area quite stiff as four other stores already exist close by to its intended location. Nevertheless, it also represents an opportunity for new jobs in the area. An important development to revitalise foot traffic at the centre, many locals now eagerly await its grand opening.
Increased Footfall Benefits Local Businesses
The opening of the betting shop in West Gate, Mansfield, is expected to drive a significant increase in foot traffic throughout the town centre. As visitors come to the shop to place their bets and enjoy other services, they will likely explore the surrounding area.
This increased number of people visiting local shops, cafes, and restaurants can directly benefit these businesses, leading to higher sales and greater community engagement. With plenty to already do in Mansfield, the betting shop adds a new dimension to existing attractions now.
Local retailers will experience more customers, and hospitality establishments could see an uptick in sales as more people visit the area to make a day of it. The heightened footfall provides local businesses with fresh opportunities to grow and build relationships with new customers, strengthening the economic fabric of Mansfield.
Enhancing Local Infrastructure and Services
With more visitors expected in Mansfield town centre following the opening of the betting shop, local infrastructure is likely to benefit from an increase in demand. The increased number of people in the area could lead to improvements to local amenities.
The town centre might also see upgrades in public services that can add onto existing projects like the upgrades to Sainsbury Junction, making it an even more attractive location for residents and tourists alike. Additionally, the presence of the new shop could encourage further investment from private businesses and public services to enhance public amenities, benefiting the overall appearance and functionality of the area. Improved infrastructure will create an even more vibrant and accessible town centre for all to enjoy.
Complementing Existing Local Attractions
The new shop is set to complement existing businesses and attractions in the area too, further enhancing the town centre’s appeal. By providing a regulated space for betting and entertainment, the shop offers a new option for locals and visitors alike, adding variety to the existing mix of shops, cafes, and leisure facilities.
This diversity in services makes Mansfield a more attractive place for both residents and visitors, providing something for everyone. The betting shop’s presence should also help create a lively and engaging atmosphere in West Gate, attracting those looking for new experiences while supporting a mix of existing businesses.
This synergy between new and established businesses encourages a dynamic, thriving community. While time will tell how it all turns out, for now, there are plenty of positives on the horizon.
Positive Economic Impact in the Long Run
In the long term, the new store could be poised to deliver lasting positive impacts on the local economy. By generating new jobs, supporting nearby businesses, and increasing foot traffic, the shop will play a key role in the town centre’s economic vitality.
Over time, the benefits of this addition will ripple through the community, from new businesses opening up to local services expanding in response to higher demand. The increased attention on the town centre can also attract future investment, further improving the area’s infrastructure, which will continue to boost local employment and economic growth. As Mansfield evolves, this new betting shop will be a catalyst for sustained economic prosperity.
