Angry Stoke Bardolph villagers hold meeting over draft plans for more than 300 new homes on green belt land

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28/11/2022

Angry Stoke Bardolph villagers hold meeting over draft plans for more than 300 new homes on green belt land

People living in Stoke Bardolph have come together to fight proposals to put over 300 new homes on green belt land outside the village that is at the risk of flooding.

Villagers say they are concerned that the developments will change the whole demographic and identity of the historic small village located near the River Trent.

An initial meeting to discuss the proposal of developing and allocating the land took place last Wednesday (November 23), of which 55 people attended – more than double that of regular meetings.

PICTURED: The new homes would be an extension of the Rivendell housing development near Netherfield

The village is currently made up of just over seventy houses.

The Parish Clark, Kate McCombie said: “People have been made aware of what Gedling Borough Council (GBC) are proposing, and obviously they’re very concerned about it, from the point of view of removing green belt land and building on flood areas.

“The concern is that we’re a small, rural community, and the residents want to maintain that identity, and there seems to be a pincher movement coming on from urban sprawl, which people are really concerned about it.”

Kate addded: “We have a very small number of residents, and most of them have been here a long time. There’s a particular farming character of Stoke Bardolph which is really important to people.

“There are people here who are in their eighties and have lived here all their lives. But there are also younger people, who have moved here, wanting a rural village life, and are now devastated and really worried about these plans. They’ve chosen the village because it’s a small, rural town, and now GBC are completely changing that character.

“People from Netherfield, Carlton, Gedling, come visit the village, to walk and to feel like they’re out in the countryside. Its a close-by asset for them as well.”

The villagers say they have support from the wider community against these plans like The Gedling Conservation Trust, who run Netherfield Lagoons, and both objected to the initial plans.

The strategic plan will go to cabinet on December 8, and the consultation period begins December 12, when it will seek approval.

Gedling Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth said:“Government has set a housing target for at least 7,950 homes to be built in Gedling Borough by 2038 and The Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan Preferred Approach sets out how and where these houses will be built.

“Most of the houses allocated are being built on brownfield sites across the borough, however, in order to meet the Government’s target, we have to look at other suitable sustainable locations near built up areas, such as extending the development at Teal Close.

“The Preferred Approach is due to be considered by Cabinet Members in December and if approved, will be followed by an eight-week public consultation, where residents can have their say.”

Councillors Sam Smith & Cllr Mike Adams who represent Stoke Bardolph on Gedling Borough Council said they would be working with residents to flight plans.

They said: “Like many residents across Trent Valley, in Stoke Bardolph, Gedling and Burton Joyce, we’re fed up with our precious green belt and green spaces being concreted over with yet more housing.

“We’ve all see the devastating impact this has had with causing the recent flooding in Burton Joyce. It also impacts on our infrastructure such as roads, schools and GPs. That’s without mentioning the negative environmental impact concreting over the green belt has, such as the erosion of wildlife habitat and taking away a natural environment many residents enjoy walking around.

“Labour’s housing plans include removing land from the green belt in Stoke Bardolph to make way for over 300 extra houses in an expansion of the Teal Close development as part of Gedling Borough Council’s contribution to the Greater Nottinghamshire Strategic Plan.

“Teal Close was built on a flood plain and the green belt and so is the proposed expansion sites.

“These plans will be subject to a consultation in December and we are working with our residents to fight them.

“Hands off our green belt!”

Knife found in park during weapons sweep by police

Gedling Eye Reporter

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26/11/2022

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Knife found in park during weapons sweep by police

A knife has been recovered by police in Gedling during a weapons sweep carried out as part of national campaign Operation Sceptre.

The Gedling South Neighbourhood Policing Team, along with colleagues from Gedling Borough Council, conducted open area searches in local parks during the recent national operation.

The sweeps resulted in a knife being found which was seized and booked in for destruction. Police didn’t reveal the location of where they found the knife.

PICTURED: The knife recovered by police during a sweep of local parks

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Becky O’Connor said: “The parks we searched as part of Operation Sceptre week are also areas where the community has raised concerns with us over antisocial behaviour.

“Every knife or bladed weapon we come across and seize or which is handed in to us has the potential to save a life.

“As we’ve continued to show with our ongoing activity, we are listening to what people are telling us about the issues most of concern to them and we are taking positive action to address those concerns.

“Information from local people is key to our ongoing work so we would urge the public to keep reporting to us because the more information we get, the better intelligence picture we can build and the more robust action we can take.

“We really value information supplied by the public and will always act on it, where appropriate, to make our communities safer.”

Officers from the Carlton neighbourhood beat team also took part knife sweeps in local parks in support of Operation Sceptre – with areas searched including Conway Park, Jubilee Park, Jackie Bells Park and Standhill Park.

Storm overflow discharges discussed during Gedling MP’s Severn Trent visit

Gedling Eye Reporter

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26/11/2022

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Storm overflow discharges discussed during Gedling MP’s Severn Trent visit

Gedling MP Tom Randall this week met up with teams from Severn Trent Water to discuss storm overflow discharges and see work taking place to improve the health of rivers.

Mr Randall visited two combined storm overflows (CSOs), to learn more about how the Severn Trent network copes during periods of heavy rainfall.

Mr Randall was shown a CSO on the network in Gedling, as well as a Surface Water Outfall on the Ouse Dyke watercourse. The visit included a discussion around the steps that Severn Trent say they are taking to improve the health of our rivers. Mr Randall also met one of the company’s River Rangers, Luke McCusker, who is part of a team dedicated to protecting the region’s waterways.

PICTURED: Mr Randall visited a Surface Water Outfall on the Ouse Dyke watercourse

Mr Randall said: “After my visit to Stoke Bardolph sewage treatment works earlier this year, it was valuable for me to see the wider network, and the work Severn Trent is putting in to make our region’s rivers the healthiest they can be.

“All the water that comes from the houses and storm drains in and around Gedling when it rains enters the combined sewer network, and if more water enters the sewer system than the pipes were designed for, combined storm overflows act as safety valves to stop homes and businesses from flooding.”

Mr Randall added: “As Gedling’s MP, I voted for the Environment Act which introduced new measures to reduce the use of storm overflows. This resulted in the introduction of the ‘Storm overflows discharge reduction plan’ in August, which sets stringent new targets to protect people and the environment and requires water companies to deliver the largest infrastructure programme in history.

“I am very grateful to Severn Trent for taking the time to show me their work and to hear about the steps they have already and are continuing to take to reduce the use of storm overflows, in accordance with the Environment Act.”

Ian Smith from Severn Trent, who hosted the visit, said: “It was a pleasure to host this visit, as opportunities like this play an important part in helping our communities to understand how the network operates.

“In Gedling, we lifted a manhole cover and using the ‘Go-Pro’ camera on a stick were able to show the inside of the sewer and storm overflow to the MP– it’s helpful for MPs to see first-hand our network in this way, and also the steps we’re taking to improve river health.”

Severn Trent Senior River Ranger, Luke McCusker, said: “It’s helpful for MPs to see first-hand the kind of pressures that the sewer system can be put under due to improper disposal of things like wet wipes, which can cause real issues, as well as the steps we’re taking to make our region’s rivers the healthiest they can be.  

“We are always looking at what more we can do to support our communities and to enhance the local environment. Our team of River Rangers are out and about in the community talking to customers, farmers and everyone else who has a role to play when it comes to protecting rivers and the environment on a daily basis.” 

Get River Positive was launched in March 2022 to provide a clear and actionable response to calls for a revival of rivers in England.

The company say they have committed that its operations will not be the reason for any stretch of river in the whole Severn Trent region to be classified as unhealthy by 2030. According to Environment Agency data, Severn Trent is currently responsible for 18% of reasons for rivers in its region not achieving good ecological status and is confident that by December this year, this will reduce to 15%, with the remaining 85% of reasons attributed to other sectors. 

What are storm overflow pipes?

Combined sewer systems transport rainwater runoff and waste water, including sewage, in the same pipe to the sewage treatment works. The combined network can accommodate most of the rain water but not all. When more storm and ground water enter the sewer system than the pipes were designed for, combined storm overflows act essentially as safety valves to stop people’s homes and businesses flooding after heavy rain.

Find out more about Get River Positive at  www.getriverpositive.co.uk 

Aquaplane warning from Carlton Fire Station crew after car skids off road and hits trees in wet weather

Gedling Eye Reporter

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24/11/2022

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Aquaplane warning from Carlton Fire Station crew after car skids off road and hits trees in wet weather

Crews from Carlton Fire Station have released a picture of a vehicle recovered from Epperstone Bypass near Lambley Lane that had skidded in wet weather.

The accident prompted the warning about driving in rainy conditions.

The driver of the vehicle was treated in hospital after the accident.

A spokesman from Carlton Fire Station said: “It’s wet and there’s a lot of standing water across many of our roads.

The warning was issued by crews from Carlton Fire Station, who attended the accident

“This accident was the result of a vehicle aquaplaning from the opposite carriageway, becoming acquainted with several trees on the way.

“The driver of the car simply didn’t see the standing water and lost control. They were taken to hospital with lots of aches and pains, and a fair amount of shock. Needless to say, it could have been much, much worse.”

He added: “Please take caution when out and about during wet and cold weather. Please drive appropriately according to road conditions.”

What is aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning is when a layer of water is allowed to build up between a vehicle’s tyres and the surface of the road beneath.

At this point, the tyres cannot grip on the road and this causes a lack of traction which means the driver loses control and is unable to steer, brake or accelerate.

Enforcement action planned after Arnold car park was ‘illegally used’ to sell vehicles

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)

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23/11/2022

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Enforcement action planned after Arnold car park was ‘illegally used’ to sell vehicles

Gedling Borough Council is to consider whether it will take enforcement action after an Arnold car park was illegally used to sell cars.

The car park, in Eastham Road, was referred to the council’s environmental health team in June 2022 following concerns of “noise nuisance”.

It was found there was a network of people alleged to be selling cars from the car park, with people viewing and buying the vehicles from the site.

The authority also received reports of people “revving them on the car park” and then driving them up and down the road.

Documents reveal photographs and registration logs showed cars were being prepared, photographed and sold from the car park.

Paperwork was also exchanged on-site and on a nearby road, while there were online adverts for the vehicles showing the land was being used as a business.

Council officers said business activity was noted at “various times of day”, including late at night.

Council papers say the authority wrote to those involved advising the business use was unauthorised and should cease immediately.

This is because no formal planning consent to use the land as a business has been sought or approved.

The council then went on to receive more than 20 complaints via email about people viewing, testing and selling the vehicles.

Planning contravention notices were served against the people believed to be responsible in July, before the activity “slowed down” in early August.

However, in late August and September, more than 30 emails were sent to the authority showing the activity was still ongoing.

An unannounced visit on September 28 found evidence of the business operating before one person involved admitted to the activity a day later.

Council officers then conducted numerous visits throughout October to assess whether the business was still operating.

A concerned resident contacted the authority to say they had witnessed the sale of a vehicle on October 17, between 10pm and 11pm.

And they told the authority they had witnessed eight vehicles being test driven, prepared, viewed and sold between October 1 and November 9.

The authority then wrote to people involved on November 7 and November 9 to say evidence showed “unauthorised activity” was still ongoing and that enforcement action would be taken.

Now the council’s planning committee is to decide whether action will be taken.

Officers are recommending a planning enforcement notice should be issued and, if it is not complied with, legal action could be taken in the courts.

In documents, the council said: “A breach of planning control has been identified which is detrimental to the character of the area, amenities of nearby occupiers of other residential properties and highway safety.

“Despite having been advised numerous times to cease the use of the site for the vehicle sales business, they have failed to do so.

“Vehicles [are] still being brought to the site for preparation and sale. The breach conflicts with both national and local policies.

“Failure of the council to act in these circumstances may leave local residents with a business which adversely affects their wellbeing and is detrimental to the character and amenity of the area.

“The council should now commence enforcement action without delay by issuing a planning enforcement notice requiring the cessation of the unauthorised business and removal of all associated vehicles.

“If the notice is not complied with proceedings should be taken in the courts if necessary.”

Members of the authority’s planning committee will discuss the enforcement action on November 30.

Gedling Borough Council reduce Christmas opening times at leisure centres

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)

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23/11/2022

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Gedling Borough Council reduce Christmas opening times at leisure centres

Opening hours will be cut at Gedling Borough Council leisure centres at Christmas following previously “poor income and attendance”.

The Labour-run authority says the move will allow staff to take annual leave during the festive days and will address previously “unpopular” opening times.

The changes will see Arnold, Calverton, Carlton Forum and Redhill centres working on reduced times but still offering full services when open.

Leisure centres had previously opened later into the evening between December 27-30 but this will be stopped due to low usage in past years.

Arnold and Carlton Forum will instead close at 3pm on these days, with Calverton and Redhill opening until 4pm.

The authority says opening Carlton Forum between 7am and 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve has “proved successful” in recent years.

This will continue during the coming festive period.

Arnold, Calverton and Redhill will close on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Regular opening hours will be enforced on December 23 and January 2 for all centres except Arnold, which will open from 7am to 8pm on December 23.

The Richard Herrod Centre, in Carlton, will also be open as normal on December 23 and January 2.

It will open between 10am and 11.30pm on Christmas Eve, with the bar to close at 11pm.

It will then open between 6.30am and 4pm from December 27 to December 30, with the bar to shut at 3.30pm.

It will close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, with a 10am to 1am opening time on New Year’s Eve.

The Bonington, in Arnold, will also open as normal on December 23 and close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

On Christmas Eve, the popular theatre will be open from 11am until 5.30pm, with 12.30pm until 7pm opening times on December 27.

It will open at 12.30pm on December 28 and December 30, closing at 7pm on both days.

On December 29 it will be open between 9.30am and 10pm.

The opening times were approved by Councillor Henry Wheeler, portfolio holder for lifestyles, health and wellbeing, on Monday (November 21).

Andy Fretwell, the council’s leisure manager, said in a report: “Reports have shown relatively poor income and attendance over the [festive] period.

“Most regular and block booking customers do not attend.

“Generally usage is low which is why leisure centres reduce their normal opening hours around the bank holidays.

“By operating a reduced service over this period it allows staff to take
annual leave where required, without providing full replacement cover.

“It, therefore, seems sensible in both operational and business terms to reduce the opening hours.

“The council could do nothing and continue to open the leisure facilities with the normal operating hours.

“This option would mean a waste of resources in terms of heating, lighting and staffing of the facilities for extremely low levels of customer use.”

Colwick firm Copley Scientific named Nottinghamshire Business of the Year at East Midlands Chamber Business Awards

Gedling Eye Reporter

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21/11/2022

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Colwick firm Copley Scientific named Nottinghamshire Business of the Year at East Midlands Chamber Business Awards

A Colwick firm which designs and manufactures pharmaceutical test equipment used across the world, has been crowned this year’s Nottinghamshire Business of the Year by East Midlands Chamber.

The firm, which are based on Colwick Quays Business Park, were honoured during a gala dinner at the Nottingham Belfry on November 18.

The winner was chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The past few years have been challenging for our business community, and yet we continue to see so many shining examples of business success across our region.

“It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Nottinghamshire. We know it is a fantastic place to do business and these organisations – many of which have worked together to maximise their impact within their sectors and communities – are doing a wonderful job.

The Business Awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Patrick Monahan, featured a raffle that raised £5,075 in total for East Midlands Chamber president Lindsey Williams’ three chosen charities this year – Focus, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Treetops Hospice.

Lindsey, chief executive of housing association Futures Housing Group, added: “Behind every nominee and winner whose name will go up in lights are people and organisations that are truly delivering for the region. Their achievements generate employment, wealth and opportunity not just for those directly connected, but for the wider community.

“So I’m proud to see the Chamber yet again take the opportunity to bring us together and celebrate our top talent – for their success but also for what they bring to the East Midlands as a whole.”

About Copley Scientific

Copley Scientific, based in Nottingham, designs and manufactures pharmaceutical test equipment used across the world. It exports about 85% of its products to more than 70 markets across Europe, Asia, Australasia, Africa, and North and South America.

Established in 1946 and employing more than 30 people in Colwick, has made major investments in its manufacturing capabilities in recent years to develop new products. As part of its global expansion, the company has made its website available in both English and Mandarin languages to help growth in China, while it has become a regular at trade shows in target markets.

For more information on the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/connecting-you/business-awards.

Allotment plots for hire in Calverton

Gedling Eye Reporter

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21/11/2022

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Calverton Parish Council have a number of allotment plots for hie in the village.

Applications are now open to residents for allotments on both Collyer Road and Bonner Lane sites.

A spokesman for the parish council said: “This is an ideal way to keep fit and provide yourself with freshly grown produce at a fraction of the price and something the whole family can be involved in.

“There are several plots available of varying sizes in both locations,
details available from the Parish Council Office.

“Collyer Road allotments also have 2 raised beds for residents who are
either wheelchair bound or have mobility/mental health issues and would benefit from use of a raised bed at an annual cost of £5 per raised bed.”

For further information please contact the Clerk to the Parish Council
by email
parishclerk@calvertonpc.org.uk OR admin@calvertonpc.org.uk

Asda launches Christmas dinner for less than £5 per person

Gedling Eye Reporter

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21/11/2022

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Asda launches Christmas dinner for less than £5 per person

Savvy shoppers using Asda’s store in Arnold can take advantage of its new frozen dinner offer, where you can can pick up a Christmas meal for a family of five for under £22.

The big 4 grocer says you can pack your freezer with Christmas essentials and feed five people for just £21.48 on the big day.

Costing approximately £4.40 per head, the big 4 grocer, who has a store in Arnold, says it hopes the offer will help customers spread the cost of Christmas as the cost of living crisis bites.

Users of the Asda Rewards App users will also earn £1.50 in their cash pot when they spend £20 on selected frozen Christmas dinner essentials, such as Brussels Sprouts, British Turkey and Pigs in Blankets, until 27 November.

Asda store Arnold — PICTURED: The Asda store on Front Street in Arnold, where Christmas Essentials will be available from

The supermarket giant says they are offering the cheapest frozen deal on the market with Asda’s Frozen Christmas Dinner offer over 40p cheaper per head than the nearest competitor

The list of Frozen Christmas dinner products available includes all of the below:

Asda Basted Small British Turkey, Frozen (approx. 2.6kg) – £13.50
Asda Frozen for Freshness Sliced Carrots (1kg) – £1.10
Asda Frozen for Freshness Garden Peas (1kg) – £1.25
Asda Party Pigs in Blankets, Frozen (12pk) – £2.50
Asda Crispy Roast Potatoes, Frozen (800g) – £0.88
Asda Frozen for Freshness Brussels Sprouts (1kg) – £1.25
Asda Frozen Yorkshire Puddings, (12pk) – £1.00

The news comes as Asda has become the fastest growing retailer in the past three months as shopper visits to stores have increased by 7% as they begin to prepare for the Christmas period.

The retailer has also become the latest supermarket to limit the number of eggs customers can buy due to ongoing supply chain issues amid avian flu.

Gove calls for action from all councils and housing providers after Awaab Ishak death

Latest News

Gedling Eye Reporter

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21/11/2022

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Gove calls for action from all councils and housing providers after Awaab Ishak death

Housing Secretary Michael Gove has written to all local authorities in England warning that deaths like that of two-year-old Awaab Ishak must “never be allowed to happen again”.

An inquest into the death of Awaab last week found he died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mould in the one-bedroom housing association flat where he lived with his parents, Faisal Abdullah and Aisha Amin, in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Gareth Swarbrick, the chief executive of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), was removed from his position on Saturday.

Mr Gove has now written a letter to all local authority chief executives and also separately to social housing providers in England.

He said that the country needed to “raise the bar dramatically” on the quality of social housing and “empower tenants” to ensure “their voices are truly heard”.

He said housing providers should carry out assessments of damp and mould in their properties, as well as any action that may need to be taken to tackle the issue.

In his letter he warns providers: “I want to be clear about what this must mean in relation to damp and mould, as I have been made aware of many cases where this has gone unaddressed for far too long and am concerned that they are not treated with sufficient seriousness.

“Where people complain about damp and mould, you must listen; where you find them, you must take prompt action. To keep tenants safe, you must not hide behind legal process.”

Mr Gove, in the letter to council leaders, calls the death of Awaab an “avoidable loss”.

“All of us – including my department – need to deliver our responsibility to people living in poor quality housing.

“That is why I am writing to you to request you do everything in your power to prioritise the improvement of housing conditions for the millions of private and social tenants, in line with existing duties in the Housing Act 2004.

“This becomes ever more urgent as we go into winter with a cost-of-living and energy crisis, which may exacerbate damp and mould conditions in some homes.”

The letter directs local councils to supply his department with an assessment of damp and mould issues affecting their privately rented properties, as well as details of how it is being tackled.

Councils have also been asked to list the number of civil penalty notices and successful prosecutions pursued in relation to dangerous damp and mould.

Mr Gove said: “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak has rightly shocked people across the country. This is an appalling case of the utmost gravity and it is abhorrent that anyone should have to live in such conditions in Britain today.”

The Housing Secretary, who is promising that the Government’s Social Housing (Regulation) Bill will bring tougher regulation to the sector, said he would “stand up for tenants”.

“Alongside delivering new laws on tougher social housing regulation, I am directing all councils across England to make an urgent assessment of housing conditions for tenants in their area with particular focus on issues of damp and mould, and enforcement action being taken.

“I am putting housing providers on notice, I will take whatever action is required to improve standards across the country and ensure tenants’ voices are heard.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their homes, and the death of a child like Awaab Ishak must never be allowed to happen again.”