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Latest planning applications submitted to Gedling Borough Council

Emily Sanchez
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Latest planning applications submitted to Gedling Borough Council

These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated by Gedling Borough Council last week.

These applications will now be decided by Gedling borough planners.

Single storey rear extension, new accessible porch and first floor extension over existing garage to provide accessible accommodation
4 Middlebeck Drive, Arnold
Ref. No: 2026/0295

Variation of conditions 2 (approved plans) and 4 (window materials) of planning permission 2025/0542 to amend the position of the proposed dwelling, and amend the window material from timber to UPVC Residence 7.
29 Church Lane, Linby
Ref. No: 2026/0296

Pruning of overhanging tree branches to front of property.
146, Nottingham Road, Ravenshead
Ref. No: 2026/0288TPO

Proposed single storey rear extension
45 Barden Road, Woodthorpe
Ref. No: 2026/0287

Ash, Elm Cherry – removal of trees
South Lodge, Mansfield Road, Arnold
Ref. No: 2026/0299TPO5

Police issue CCTV appeal after car stolen from showroom

Emily Sanchez
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Police issue CCTV appeal after car stolen from showroom

Police investigating the theft of a car from a Carlton showroom have issued a man they want to speak to as part of their inquiries.

A Nissan Navara was reportedly taken from outside a car dealership in Oakdale Road.

The theft took place sometime between 5.30pm and 8.30pm on May 7, with police notified soon after.

Officers have been looking into the incident since then and can now release an image of someone they’d like to speak to.

Sergeant Elizabeth Johnson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This theft has caused understandable upset to the business owners.

“Bearing this in mind, we’re determined to get to the bottom of exactly what happened here and bring them justice.

“On that note, we’re trying to track down the man pictured, who we believe could have information that could assist our investigation.

“We’d therefore ask that he makes himself known to us, should he see this appeal, while we’d ask anyone who recognises him to let us know who he is.”

Information can be reported directly to the police on 101, quoting incident 718 of 7 May 2026, while Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Smart Storage Solutions Every Homeowner Should Know

Graham Finch
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Smart Storage Solutions Every Homeowner Should Know

Creating a well-organized home is about more than just tidiness; it’s about making the most of every inch of space you have. Whether you live in a compact apartment or a larger family home, smart storage solutions can transform clutter into calm while improving both functionality and aesthetics. With a few thoughtful strategies, homeowners can unlock hidden potential in their living spaces.

Make Use of Vertical Space

One of the most overlooked areas in any home is vertical space. Walls are not just for decoration; they can be practical storage hubs. Installing floating shelves, tall cabinets, or wall-mounted organizers allows you to store items without taking up valuable floor space. This approach works particularly well in kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices where surfaces can quickly become overcrowded.

Floor-to-ceiling shelving units are another excellent option, especially in living rooms or bedrooms. They create a sense of height while providing ample storage for books, décor, and everyday essentials.

Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture

Furniture that serves more than one purpose is a game-changer for modern homes. Storage beds with built-in drawers, ottomans that double as storage boxes, and coffee tables with hidden compartments all help reduce clutter without sacrificing style.

These pieces are especially useful in smaller homes where space is limited. Instead of adding more furniture, you maximize what you already have. A well-chosen multi-functional item can replace multiple pieces, making your home feel more open and organized.

Optimize Underutilized Areas

Every home has spaces that often go unused, under the stairs, beneath the bed, or even above kitchen cabinets. These areas can be transformed into highly functional storage zones with a bit of creativity.

Under-stair storage, for example, can be turned into drawers, cupboards, or even a compact home office. Similarly, under-bed storage boxes are perfect for seasonal clothing, bedding, or shoes. Making use of these hidden areas helps keep your main living spaces clear and clutter-free.

Smart Garage and Outdoor Storage

Garages and outdoor spaces often become dumping grounds for tools, equipment, and seasonal items. However, with proper planning, they can become highly efficient storage areas.

Wall-mounted racks, pegboards, and overhead storage systems help keep items organized and easily accessible. For larger storage needs, such as water storage or bulk equipment, investing in durable external solutions can make a significant difference. For example, using reliable systems from quicktanks.co.uk can help homeowners manage outdoor storage more effectively while keeping essential resources secure and accessible.

Declutter Before You Organize

Before implementing any storage solution, it’s important to declutter. Keeping items you no longer use or need will only make storage more difficult. Go through each room and sort belongings into categories: keep, donate, or discard.

Once you’ve reduced unnecessary items, organizing becomes much easier. You’ll also have a clearer idea of what type of storage solutions will work best for your home.

Use Clear Containers and Labels

Storage isn’t just about putting things away; it’s about being able to find them when you need them. Clear containers allow you to see what’s inside at a glance, while labels add an extra layer of organization.

This method works particularly well in pantries, closets, and garages. Group similar items together and label them clearly to save time and avoid frustration later.

Create Dedicated Zones

Assigning specific areas for different activities or categories of items can greatly improve organization. For example, create a designated entryway zone for shoes, coats, and bags, or a specific cabinet for cleaning supplies.

When everything has a “home,” it’s easier to maintain order. This approach also helps other household members stay organized, as they know exactly where items belong.

Keep It Flexible

Finally, remember that your storage needs may change over time. Choose solutions that are adaptable and easy to adjust. Modular shelving, stackable containers, and movable organizers allow you to reconfigure your space as needed.

A flexible approach ensures that your home remains functional and organized, no matter how your lifestyle evolves.

Handling the 5 Toughest Moves On Your Practical Test

Gedling Eye
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Handling the 5 Toughest Moves On Your Practical Test

Learning to drive in 2026 involves more than just not stalling. With busier urban centres and stricter assessment standards, the hardest five manoeuvres are the ones that test your spatial judgement and continuous observation under pressure. This post will show you how to handle these five tricky manoeuvres on your practical test. Read on to find out more.

1. Parallel Parking

Universally dreaded by learners (and even many experienced motorists!), parallel parking requires you to reverse into a space about two car-lengths behind a parked vehicle. This demands perfect timing with your steering: if you turn too early, you hit the curb, whereas if you turn too late, you’ll end up stuck in the road. Modern cars often have thicker pillars for safety, which can create larger blind spots. Learners must rely on a mix of physical observations and camera sensors (if your car has them).

2. Pulling Up On the Right & Reversing

Introduced to reflect the real-world delivery culture, this manoeuvre involves crossing the path of oncoming traffic to park on the right-hand side of the road, then reversing for two car lengths. You are technically driving against the flow of traffic, and the reverse part is challenging as you are looking out of the “wrong” side of the car, and your mirrors will show the curb from an unfamiliar angle. Observation is key, so you want to practice in your own car with learner drive insurance for financial protection.

3. Forward Bay Park (& Reversing Out)

While it sounds easier than reversing in, many learners find this manoeuvre harder because of the swing required to get straight into a narrow bay. You have very little room to adjust once you are in, but the hardest part is reversing out into a busy car park aisle where your vision is blocked. Accuracy is vital as you must finish between the lines without shunting (moving back and forth) too many times.

4. Reverse Bay Park

Reverse bay parking requires you to drive past a parking bay and reverse into it, usually at a 90-degree angle. It is all about reference points, and many learners lose track of where their rear wheels are in relation to the white lines. Once mastered, this is actually safer than the forward bay park, as you get a much better view when driving out.

5. The Emergency Stop

Though technically an exercise, the emergency stop is one of the most high-stakes moments of a driving test and a test of reaction times and vehicle control. In 2026, most cars have ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), but you still need to demonstrate that you can stop the car instantly without losing control or skidding. Don’t forget to do a full 360-degree blind spot check after the stop before moving again.

These are the five manoeuvres that you will want to master ahead of your test. With practice, you can build your confidence and abilities so that you will be in a strong position to pass.

More reaction after plans revealed for major new solar farm near Burton Joyce bypass

Lauren Monaghan
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More reaction after plans revealed for major new solar farm near Burton Joyce bypass

Residents have reacted to news over plans for a vast new solar farm next to Burton Joyce bypass.

Renewable energy company Perigus Energy is preparing to submit formal plans for a new solar scheme on farmland next to Gedling Woods and the Colliery Way bypass, on the edge of Burton Joyce.

The project has been named Barrons Solar Farm and, while nothing is set in stone at this stage, around 220 acres of land could end up being used to house a new solar plant designed to power around 16,000 homes each year.

Before the firm submits its final proposals to Gedling Borough Council, officials want to hear the thoughts and opinions of village residents, with a public consultation currently running until Monday, June 8, to gather responses.

Some village residents have welcomed the potential plans, saying it is a step towards more ‘energy security’ for the country following the price hikes of fuel in the wake of the Iran war.

One villager, who has lived in Burton Joyce and asked not to be named, said: “If anything, the last couple of months have reminded us of how dependent we are of getting energy elsewhere on the planet and have less control over our economy.

“If someone’s got land, and not doing something about it, I’d rather a solar farm than more houses.

“It’s not got the same environmental footprint as fossil fuels and the more energy generated at home, the better.”

Julie Smith, 71, who has lived nearby the fields for 10 years, called a new solar farm a “logical step”.

She said: “I don’t see how it could impact us in anyway – if it made electricity cheaper that’d be good.

“Out of [housing or a solar farm] we’d sooner have a solar farm – even the people that would back onto it, if they plant trees in the right way they won’t see it.”

Professor Clive Thomas, 85, who has lived in the village for about 25 years, said the scheme was an ‘excellent idea’.

He said: “We’ve got to have electric – we can’t remain with oil – it’s better than fields of rapeseed.

“It’s a very beautiful village, the people are very friendly. It doesn’t make any difference – nobody goes up there, it’s just a farmer.”

However, one resident, who asked not to be named, said those living next to the land “would be against it”.

He said: “People don’t want that. We’re all [living here] because we pay good money to be here.

“We’ve all come here because of the peace and quiet and where there is no affect on us whatsoever – it makes the house prices go down.”

Perigus Energy’s plans outline the site would generate up to 49.9 megawatts of clean renewable electricity and would reduce the reliance on imported energy.

The energy company says because the land has gentle slopes, is near the woods and has established field boundaries, then the project could be integrated ‘senstively’.

It says existing hedges and boundaries would be kept where possible and enhanced, reducing the visual impact of the development and helping local wildlife.

Gedling Borough and Nottinghamshire County Councillor, Mike Adams (Con), who represents the area, said he was “encouraging residents to get involved in the consultation”.

He said: “It needs to go up to public consultation and the residents need to give their views – that’s got to be key.

“If the residents want it, have voiced their opinion and are happy with it, then as a representative of their council I will back it.”

As part of the consultation, the company is running an in-person exhibition at Burton Joyce and Bulcote Village Hall on Saturday, May 16 – between 10am and 2pm – to show residents the plans and speak directly with them.

Details about of the proposals, along with an online feedback form, are available at www.barronssolar.co.uk.

‘Plan ahead’ advice issued to passengers travelling to Skegness on train this summer

Emily Sanchez
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‘Plan ahead’ advice issued to passengers travelling to Skegness on train this summer

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is urging passengers in the borough to book to guarantee their space for trips to Skegness this summer, as the operator prepares for another busy seaside season.

EMR will introduce additional capacity on its Nottingham to Skegness route from May 2026, providing thousands more seats each week to help meet demand. However, passengers who do not book ahead may not be able to board their preferred service. 

Across the summer timetable, four out of five services will operate with four-car trains, with the remaining services running as three-car trains on key days. This will deliver an increase of more than 13,000 extra seats per week between Nottingham and Skegness.

Despite the additional capacity, passengers are being strongly advised to book in advance – particularly for travel on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays – to guarantee their space to the seaside.

Reservations will be mandatory on the busiest days to ensure customers have a confirmed place before travelling.

Customers are also being reminded to travel light where possible. Space for luggage on trains is limited. EMR recommends bringing only one bag per person to ensure it can be safely stowed on board.

Smaller bags can be stowed in the luggage racks above their head (maximum size 55cm(h) x 40cm(w) x 20cm).

Holdalls can be stored between the sets of seats. Larger bags will need to be placed into designated luggage areas. Staff will be on hand to help load luggage at Nottingham and Skegness on key days.

Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We know how popular Skegness is during the summer months, and we’re pleased to be able to offer more seats for customers this year.

“However, trains are still expected to be very busy – especially at weekends- so it’s essential that customers plan ahead and book in advance to guarantee their journey.

“By reserving a space and choosing quieter services where possible, customers can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable trip to the seaside. 

“Likewise, we strongly advise to only bring what you need and pack light.”

Customers can book tickets and reserve seats via the EMR website or app.

One year of Reform runnuing Nottinghamshire

Lauren Monaghan
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One year of Reform runnuing Nottinghamshire

It has been a little more than a year since Reform UK took control of 10 councils in 2025’s local elections. In Nottinghamshire, the group’s first term has seen ups and downs.

Reform stormed Nottinghamshire County Council last May, ending up with 41 out of 66 seats, ousting the Conservatives after nearly a decade in power.

Its momentum has continued locally since then, with former Conservative County Council leader Ben Bradley defecting to Nigel Farage’s party in December 2025, followed by former Tory Newark MP Robert Jenrick’s defection in January 2026 and Bassetlaw district councillor Simon Richardson’s defection in February.

The party also managed to nab 14 more councils in the wider May 2026 local elections, gaining an additional 1,453 seats.

With the Reform wave still going strong, how has one of its early councils performed in its first year?

The lowest council tax rise in a decade – but not a freeze as promised

Around the beginning of each year, residents anticipate what council tax hike their local authority will serve them with – and Nottinghamshire’s Reform took a modest approach when setting its first budget for 2026/27.

In February, the Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council approved one of the lowest council tax rises at the authority in the last decade at 3.99 per cent – lower than the Tories’ approved 4.84 per cent increase the year before.

The rise appeared respectable amongst other authorities led by the party, with neighbouring Derbyshire’s increase of 4.9 per cent, Kent’s increase by the same, Lincolnshire’s rise of 2.9 per cent and Worcestershire’s dramatic hike of nearly 9 per cent.

But the increase was met with criticism at the time from the Conservative opposition, who called it ‘broken promises’ on the back of previous Reform campaign leaflets promising a council tax freeze.

Finding millions in savings – but some say the plans are ‘built on sand’

Along with its approved council tax rise, Reform also passed its first budget at the authority for the 2026/27 financial year.

Its budget is £880 million for this year, which is an overall increase of £212 million in spending compared to the year before.

Shortly after winning the 2025 election, council leader Mick Barton, his cabinet, and the council’s officers began their own efficiency review to find cost savings amid continued budget pressures.

The group’s first budget included the ambitious plans to find and save £44.2 million of ‘efficiencies’ over the next three financial years, aiming to find £18 million of savings this year, £15 million the year after and another £10 million the year after that.

In terms of where the savings will come from, £21.3 million will come from the adult social care department over the three-year period, whilst £17 million will come from the children and families department, and £1 million will come from its contract with Via.

The authority already announced it saved around £1.6 million in agency staff reductions earlier this year.

Conservative opposition leader Councillor Sam Smith previously said the savings plan was “built on sand”, and that the authority had given away little detail on how it would achieve the plan or whether any of it had started to come to fruition.

In March, the authority’s leader Mick Barton maintained no “cost-cutting” was involved in the savings goal, saying his council had already identified a £2.3 million saving in post-16 school transport, £170,000 in cutting post-16 Catholic school transport and £208,000 in pre-16 school transport changes.

If Reform wishes to avoid hiking council tax up by the maximum in the coming years, it will be influenced by how successful this cash-saving plan is.

Thousands of pounds spent on new Union Flag banners – and little interest in sponsoring them

One of Nottinghamshire Reform’s more controversial decisions was its £75,000 spend on erecting 164 Union Flag banners across the county.

The announcement was made back in October 2025 and the total cost includes the banners, money for brackets, traffic management and cherry pickers.

Opposition members have called the venture a waste of taxpayer money, but council leader Mick Barton has maintained it is a “long-term” investment and has the chance to bring in money for the authority.

Reform’s aim is for some of the banners to be sponsored by businesses, who can use them to advertise their services, which could bring in a return for the authority.

So far, no sponsorships have been confirmed for the banners, with the council responding to an FOI submitted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service in April that it had a “small number of enquiries” from organisations.

A ‘record level’ of investment into the county’s deteriorating roads

Nottinghamshire Reform was clear leading up to the 2025 local elections that fixing the county’s crumbling, deteriorating roads was one of its top priorities.

It cemented this stance in early 2026 when it announced in March it would be pumping in a “game-changing” £122.5 million investment into fixing its highway network.

The following month, this pot climbed to £181.25 million for 2026/27, with an extra £58 million as part of its ‘second phase’ of investment – the most money the authority has ever invested into Nottinghamshire roads in a single year.

Both of these cash pots came after the council announced in February its £2 million emergency spend on fixing the county’s most dire roads.

At the end of April, the authority unveiled two of the JCB Pothole Pro machines that it was leasing in its plight to mend roads.

They are designed to carry out 200 to 250 metres worth of work each day and the machines have been trialled by neighbouring Reform-run authorities in Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, typically costing between £150,000 and £200,000.

Residents can expect to see the new machines on Nottinghamshire roads this May and, if feedback is strong, the authority will consider permanently buying two vehicles and possibly even more.

A difficult relationship with the local media that made global headlines

Reform UK has recently made headlines again regarding press freedom and scrutiny after the party’s Ipswich chairman, Shayne Pooley, stated its newly elected councillors in the area would not be speaking to the media, publicly writing “neither we or the voters need you”.

This is not the first press ban instigated by party members, where reporters at the Nottingham Post, and its online arm Nottinghamshire Live, dealt with similar circumstances in August 2025.

It followed unhappiness from Reform’s Nottinghamshire County Council leadership about an article on local government reorganisation, which contained a claim that those not voting for council leader Mick Barton’s preference on the issue could be suspended.

It meant reporters were removed from the council’s distribution list, were stopped from being invited to council events and were banned from speaking to Councillor Barton. This also affected speaking with other Reform members.

The ban was partially lifted for the publication’s three BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporters following a private meeting between two of the reporters and the authorities’ cabinet in September 2025, and then lifted in full for the entire publication in early October following a legal challenge.

Police launch murder investigation after 26-year-old man hit by car in Arnold town centre dies

Gedling Eye
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Police launch murder investigation after 26-year-old man hit by car in Arnold town centre dies

A murder investigation is now underway following the death of a man who was hit by a car at the weekend in Arnold.

Multiple pedestrians were injured after a red Vauxhall Astra mounted a kerb and struck a group of people in the town centre.

One of the pedestrians – who can now be named as Tyler Fairman – sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident.

The 26-year-old was immediately rushed to hospital following the collision in Market Place, at 1.12am on Saturday (9).

Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Tyler was pronounced dead a few days later, on Tuesday (12) night.

Suspect Duane Anthony was arrested on the Saturday evening and charged with five counts of attempted murder on Monday (11) morning. 

The 40-year-old was additionally charged with aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and driving without valid insurance.

Anthony was remanded into custody on Monday. He is currently next due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 8 June.

Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, who is leading the investigation for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “As we release the sad news of Tyler’s death, our first thoughts go to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

“Both they and the other people injured or affected by this collision continue to be supported by specially trained police officers.

“We can also confirm today that this is now a murder investigation.

“As such, criminal proceedings are active, so anything relating to this incident should be shared with the police, not online, as doing so could potentially impede the pursuit of justice.

“We are aware of videos of the incident circulating on social media and have informed the victims and their families of this.

“They have appealed to anyone who has shared or posted any such videos to take them down immediately so that Tyler’s family can grieve in peace.”

Anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information relating to the incident should please call 101, quoting incident 46 of 9 May 2026.

Reminder over train timetable changes being introduced by East Midlands Railway this weekend

Emily Sanchez
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Reminder over train timetable changes being introduced by East Midlands Railway this weekend

East Midlands Railway (EMR), introduce a number of timetable changes across its network from this Sunday (17) – including new Sunday services on the Robin Hood Line – which includes Newstead.

As part of the May timetable change, EMR will introduce six new Sunday services between Nottingham and Mansfield Woodhouse – boosting the number of services that call at Newstead.

The new services will depart:

From Nottingham

  • 10:06
  • 12:06
  • 14:06

From Mansfield Woodhouse

  • 11:06
  • 13:06
  • 15:06

The timetable change will also introduce an additional call at Netherfield on the 10:03 Nottingham to Skegness on weekdays and Saturdays.

Will Rogers, Managing Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “The new Sunday services on the Robin Hood Line will give communities along the route more flexibility to travel at weekends, while also helping to support local businesses and the Sunday economy.

“Alongside this, the additional stops and increased capacity on key leisure routes will help make it easier for customers to travel for days out, holidays and visits to friends and family.”

New vehicle to help police tackle rural crime across the borough

Gedling Eye
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New vehicle to help police tackle rural crime across the borough

A brand-new vehicle will soon be in use across the borough to support police efforts to tackle rural crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is the first of its type to be deployed by us in the region – designed to handle any landscape, even in the toughest of conditions.

Officers covering rural areas will have access to the equipment so they can reach more remote and challenging areas, and in turn respond to reports of crime more efficiently.

The ATV will join our existing fleet of off-road 4x4s, quad bikes, and off-road bikes already available to officers.

The vehicles have been funded through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire’s Safer4All grants.

Chief inspector Clive Collings, Nottinghamshire Police’s rural and wildlife crime lead, said: “We know that crime and anti-social behaviour are a concern for many across living and working across rural Nottinghamshire and can have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of people within those communities.

“This all-terrain vehicle will enhance our ability to prevent and detect crime, improve the quality of life within rural areas and help protect livestock, wildlife and the county’s green spaces. We see this as a vital tool in keeping rural areas safe for all.

“Tackling rural crime remains a priority for us. I encourage members of the community to speak up and work with us to help tackle these issues.

“If you are a victim of rural crime, please report it to by calling 101, or reporting online through the website.

“The more you report, the more action we can take.”

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