Bestwood Village is being “left behind” while development pressures pile up, a local councillor has claimed — accusing decision‑makers of funnelling investment into neighbouring areas while his community faces wave after wave of new housing.
Cllr Darren Maltby, who represents Bestwood Village on Gedling Borough Council, says the village has slipped to “the bottom of the priority list”, especially when compared with nearby Arnold, which continues to receive major public funding.
The concerns intensified after councillors approved another 93 homes in the village — a decision he voted against.
Bestwood Village, he says, is being asked to absorb hundreds of new residents despite lacking even the most basic services.
“There is no GP, no dentist, no pub, no chemist, no café, no library, and no takeaway,” he said.
“The entire village relies on a single convenience store on Park Road. Yet money from the new development is being spent elsewhere.”
The councillor shared substantial developer contributions linked to the housing development that he says have been allocated elsewhere:
- £777,850 for education
- £3,278 for Arnold Library
- £50,394.37 for primary healthcare
- £41,400 for bus stop upgrades
“There’s no direct bus to Arnold Library, and it’s unclear which healthcare provider will actually receive the funding — raising doubts about whether Bestwood Village residents will benefit at all,” Maltby added.
The councillor also questioned the £41,400 earmarked for bus stop improvements.
“Residents already struggle with an unreliable, limited service — with the last bus often leaving around 6pm. “What’s the point of nicer bus stops if the buses barely turn up?” he said.
“Traffic is another flashpoint. Moor Road has become a major cut‑through for commuters heading from the A614 to Bulwell, creating heavy congestion at peak times. Junctions near Moor Bridge regularly grind to a halt.
“At the Griffin’s Head junction, residents report frequent collisions and near misses. Turning right from Moor Road onto Forest Lane is described as “hazardous”, with a blind bend forcing drivers to accelerate sharply into oncoming traffic.”
“Since nearly 200 homes were built nearby, delays and risks have already increased — and more development will make the situation significantly worse.”
Despite all this, another 300 homes are planned on the former Westfield Farm site — taking the total to around 500 new properties.
And the councillor says the concerns go beyond infrastructure.
“A local resident has recovered artefacts believed to be linked to a Bronze Age round barrow in a neighbouring field, Maltby said.
“Medieval items, Roman finds, and coinage have also been discovered. Several pieces have reportedly been verified by an archaeologist and logged with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Cllr Maltby argues the discoveries show “clear evidence of prolonged historic activity” and justify a full archaeological review before any development goes ahead.
He said: “A similar site in Ravenshead was granted protection due to comparable concerns. With a recognised Bronze Age monument nearby, the wider landscape must be assessed — not just the currently protected boundary.
‘I will fight this’
A petition has now been set up calling on the council to reject the proposal and you can sign it HERE
