A protest group from Gedling say they are ‘deeply disappointed’ local green belt land could now be lost to housing following the approval of the council’s Local Planning Document.
The Willow Farm Action Group were formed back in 2016 to fight plans to build 110 new homes on land near Gedling village.
They say that despite a large number of objections by local people to this potential development on land at Willow Farm, the proposal is still included in the local plan which was approved this week.
Philip Oddie, a spokesman for Willow Farm Action Group, told Gedling Eye: “Our local residents are deeply disappointed that, despite a large number of objections, the proposed Willow Farm development remains within the Plan.
“We are not alone however, as all over Gedling Borough local residents are facing the loss of green belt land and a new house building programme that will see over 7000 homes built during the next 10 years.”
Mr Oddie said the Group also felt frustrated that, despite presenting compelling evidence at the Examination Hearings that the infrastructure and services necessary to support this growth in housing will not be in place in time, they have been unable to get a convincing response from the Council to demonstrate this extra capacity will be in place to meet the essential needs of local residents.
He said: This growth in population poses a considerable threat to those local services that will be expected to absorb the additional demand from these new homes, at a time when they face budget constraints, particularly in the areas of education and health and It is we local residents who will feel the impact of this in the future.”
This week the Local Planning Document was approved by councillors.
Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth, who is Portfolio Holder for Growth & Regeneration for Gedling Borough Council, said the plan sets out a clear and locally distinctive vision for the future development of the borough.
She said: “With the Local Plan in place we will be able to provide certainty for investors, co-ordinate the delivery of infrastructure and seek funding to support infrastructure and growth. It will allow us to provide much needed new homes, encourage economic growth and support regeneration.”
The owner of the Willow Farm land, Langridge Homes, is now expected to submit a planning application to develop the site in due course.
Mr Oddie told Gedling Eye “The Willow Farm Action Group will continue its campaign on behalf of the 100s of local residents who object to this development.”
