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Nottinghamshire upgrades with HS2 cash criticised as ‘designed in London’

Transport projects funded with money which would have been spent on HS2 don’t meet Nottinghamshire’s current needs, a councillor has said.

The East and West Midlands will get a total of £9.6 billion for transport infrastructure after the high-speed rail project was cancelled north of Birmingham.

The government’s new ‘Network North’ vision instead included quicker trips between Nottingham and Newark, halving journey times to Leeds, and the potential for an expanded tram network.

However, a meeting of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Transport Committee heard this won’t address urgent problems like congestion and the need for electrified railways lines.

Councillor Michael Edwards (Lab) said: “The loss of HS2 can’t be underestimated. The number of paths available to trains in Nottingham were small already. We needed HS2 for more capacity to get in and out of London.

“The idea seems to be that we can go faster to Newark and join the East Coast mainline, which is already busy. It’s designed in London, not coming from us.”

He called for electrified railway lines to be extended to Nottingham to prevent “diesel trains to London idling in the city centre, making air pollution worse.”

He also said action was needed to relieve traffic coming over the River Trent from West Bridgford, saying: “There are clear positives for not a lot of national money”.

The elected Mayor of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority will have a £1.5 billion budget to spend on transport from May.

The government’s Network North report says: “Subject to the Mayor’s views, this could include the potential to extend the Nottingham tram system to serve Gedling and beyond Clifton South… and to reopen the Maid Marion Line to passenger rail services.”

Cllr Edwards added: “The poor mayor is going to have more than £1.5b of demands.”

Council officers said that East Midlands authorities were looking into how they could align their transport plans.

However Kevin Sharman, officer for Place Development, said: “There’s a lot of money in the short-term through the combined authority, but unless you’ve got a scheme that’s ready to be delivered, we’ve probably missed the opportunity at this stage.”

It was noted that Network Rail may submit proposals for further electrification in the region in early 2024.

The county council had purchased a 56-acre parcel of land at Toton for £22m in anticipation of the eastern leg of HS2.

The council says this land hasn’t lost its value, and is looking into its future use.

Food review: The Gedling Inn – Good food, good service and good value for money

It had been a while since I last visited The Gedling Inn but recently managed an unplanned midweek visit to see if the recent feedback we had heard about the excellent food and service was accurate.

The pub is run by Beccy Webster, who had previously been landlady at The Elwes Arms and Blacks Head (Beacon Hill) in Carlton and has been responsible for The Gedling Inn since 2019.

The Gedling Inn – still referred to as The Chesterfield Arms, or ‘Cheggo’, by some locals –had changed hands several times in just a few years prior to Beccy’s arrival five years ago however, the pub now has an established identity as a great local pub with excellent food under Beccy’s management.

So less than two weeks before Christmas, we parked in the large car park around 5.00pm and went in to see if the food was as good as people were saying.

The pub was busy and the staff were busy setting up for Christmas parties and the arrival of Steve McGill, an extremely talented musician who plays at the pub during December on ‘Winter Wednesdays’.

We hadn’t booked, so waited to see if we could be seated and were swiftly greeted with a big smile by the boss herself who showed us to a table, took our drinks orders and showed us the menu.

It was evident from a quick look around as we reviewed the menu that there was a great buzz in the pub and the staff, of whom there were plenty, had a great relationship with each other as the banter and smiles between everyone was obvious for all to see.

The menu showed a large selection of dishes were available. The eight starters included breaded camembert and crispy salt and pepper squid as well as six sharing options. There were five grill items available including a large mixed grill, 8 oz rump steak and 10oz gammon steak. The burger offering of seven burgers included a vegan burger and halloumi burger as well as a range of chicken and beef burgers.

Just when you thought the decision on what to order was hard enough, you turn over the menu and there you find a large range of pizzas and pub favourites including seabass, lasagne, carbonara, fajitas, cottage pie and chili con carne.

We decided to skip starters and headed straight for the mains choosing The Gedling Inn Deluxe Burger (beef) at £18.95, Mexican Chicken Fajitas at £16.95 and the Jumbo Battered Cod with chunky chips at £18.95.

It was only at this stage that we realised it was ‘2 For 1’ on the Grill, Burgers and Pub ‘Faves’ options, available Monday to Saturday 12noon – 8.00pm – even the pizzas were 2 for £15.

A short time later while enjoying a drink our meals arrived and they looked and smelt amazing.

The fish, chips and mushy peas tasted as good as they looked, with crisp batter and crispy chunky chips. We could have chosen garden peas but I believe mushy peas are the only thing to have with fish and chips.

The Gedling Inn Deluxe Burger is not for the faint hearted. Two large beef burgers topped with cheese, bacon, lettuce, gherkin and onion rings, accompanied by fries, coleslaw and salad. Like the chunky chips, the fries were crispy and the burger scrumptious. It was a battle to finish but managed it and to be fair, we can’t say we were not warned about the size when we ordered.

The third dish was the chicken fajitas and it was as nice as the first two dishes – sliced grilled chicken with mushroom, aubergine, courgette, pepper and red onion with spiced tomato salsa, sour cream and guacamole and two large tortillas.


The staff were all very attentive with extra sour cream being delivered and drinks all arriving in a timely manner.

We found the food very nice and with the ‘2 For 1’ offer on grill, burgers and pub favourites meant the food was also really good value for money with each dish when ordered in a pair working out at less than a tenner.

We left the Gedling Inn full and promised ourselves that we would be returning again.

The popular local in Gedling Village is perfect for groups, a casual date night or a special occasion with a great atmosphere and lovely food. We recommend coming in pairs to take advantage of the great ‘2 For 1’ offer Monday to Saturday. We would also recommend booking in advance.

VERDICT: We’ll be back – sooner rather than later!

The Gedling Inn can be found at 50 Main Road, Gedling NG4 3HL Nottingham and can be contacted via email on info@gedlinginn.co.uk or by telephone on 0115 987 8686

Further information is available on their website https://gedlinginn.co.uk/ or on their social media HERE.

Gedling Lotto results: Winning numbers for Saturday, December 16, 2023

There is a chance to win up to £25,000 every Saturday when you play Gedling Lotto.

You just need to match six numbers to win the £25,000 jackpot.

We now publish the winning numbers each Saturday night.

THIS WEEK’S WINNING NUMBERS (16/12/23)

9 5 7 1 2 3

How does Gedling Lotto work?

Gedling Lotto is a weekly lottery draw that raises money for good causes across Gedling Borough. All good causes supported by the lottery will benefit the Gedling Borough and its residents.

Play the lottery, support Gedling Borough – it’s that simple!

From every £1 ticket you buy, 60p will go to local good causes in the Gedling Borough and improve our community.

Some of the many causes to benefit from the Lotto include:

  • Arnbrook Primary School
  • Arnold Swimming Club
  • Gedling Play Forum
  • Gedling Conservation Trust
  • Lambley Village Cricket Club
  • This is Gedling Magazine

Gedling Eye supports the This is Gedling 100% Independent NfP FREE Magazine and you can buy tickets here: https://www.gedlinglotto.co.uk/support/gedling

There is a chance to win up to £25,000 every Saturday when you play Gedling Lotto.

You just need to match six numbers to win the £25,000 jackpot.

Gedling Eye now publish the winning numbers each Saturday night.

DECISION MADE: See the latest Gedling borough planning applications to have been decided – w/e 15/12/23

These are the latest applications to have been decided by Gedling Borough Council this week.

Extensions in Arnold, Woodborough and Calverton are just some of the planning applications to have been given the green light by Gedling Borough Council planners in the last week.

Here is a roundup of the published decision notices on 13 applications this week (w/e 15/12/23) from around the borough by the council’s planning officers shows ten applications granted permission, two applications which did not require permission and one application which was refused. 

More details can be found on the Gedling Borough Council planning site HERE.


Non-material amendment to permission 2023/0738 (addition of window to side of rear single storey rear extension)

14 Norman Road Carlton Nottinghamshire NG3 6LN.  Ref. No: 2023/0855NMA 

DECISION NOTICE: REFUSE APPLICATION


Non-material amendment to permission 2023/0170 (change garage roof to hip and remove the parapet wall previously approved)

34 Milton Crescent Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9BA.  Ref. No: 2023/0837NMA 

DECISION NOTICE: GRANT APPROVAL OF NON-MATERIAL AMENDMENT WITH CONDITIONS


Single storey rear extension with flat roof

141 Worrall Avenue Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7GL.  Ref. No: 2023/0819 

DECISION NOTICE: PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL IS NOT REQUIRED.


Insertion of two new windows to the front elevation of shop unit

24 Nottingham Road Burton Joyce Nottinghamshire NG14 5AH.  Ref. No: 2023/0811 

DECISION NOTICE: GRANT PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS


Two storey rear extension

235 Mansfield Lane Calverton Nottinghamshire NG14 6HL.  Ref. No: 2023/0800 

DECISION NOTICE: GRANT PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS


Retrospective application for 11 no. existing air conditioning units and for the installation of 4 no. air conditioning units

Victoria Retail Park, Pets At Home Victoria Park Way Netherfield Nottinghamshire NG4 2PA.  Ref. No: 2023/0796 

DECISION NOTICE: GRANT PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS


A single-storey rear extension and replacement of existing tiles on existing garage roof (rear slope)

136 Main Street Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6DD.  Ref. No: 2023/0785

DECISION NOTICE: GRANT PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS


Conversion of the upper floor to create one dwelling using an existing entrance for access to the newly created flat. Internal alterations to create the flat & separate it from the ground floor commercial use. No works to the exterior of the building are proposed.

Leaders 42 Thackerays Lane Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG5 4HU.  Ref. No: 2023/0770 

DECISION NOTICE: PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL IS NOT REQUIRED


Erection of single storey and two storey extensions to side and rear – retrospective application

96 Plains Road Mapperley NG3 5RH.  Ref. No: 2023/0755 

DECISION NOTICE: GRANT PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS


Application to vary condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 2022/0173 (Full planning application for the demolition of existing buildings and replace with 5 No. Dwellings). Variations include erection of four garages, internal alterations and addition of solar panels. Variation of conditions 3 (materials), condition 6 (Construction Emissions Management Plan), condition 8 (boundary treatment), condition 9 (hard and soft landscape works) in that further details have been submitted to address these conditions.

164 Spring Lane Lambley Nottinghamshire NG4 4PE.  Ref. No: 2023/0709DOC 

DECISION NOTICE: GRANT PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS


Proposed replacement carport and store

The Limes Main Street Linby Nottinghamshire NG15 8AE.  Ref. No: 2023/0699 

DECISION NOTICE: GRANT PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS


Variation of condition 2 (approved details) of planning permission 2022/0031 – approval of the conversion of the garage/store building to residential dwelling including extensions.

225 Longdale Lane Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9AH.  Ref. No: 2023/0665 

DECISION NOTICE: GRANT PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS


Alterations to fenestration details and retention of single storey rear extension to dwelling

29 Heddington Gardens Arnold Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG5 8NW.  Ref. No: 2022/0629 

DECISION NOTICE: GRANT PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS


Car smashes into Carlton business after failing to stop for police

A man has been arrested after a car failed to stop for police and ploughed into a Carlton hair salon.

Officers began following the car in St Ann’s at around 12.25am this morning (Friday).

The vehicle failed to stop and at around 12.50am and crashed into Image Hair Fashions business on Burton Road, Carlton.

Chief Inspector Neil Humphris, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Colleagues at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue service and East Midland Ambulance Service were called to the scene and a man was safely removed from the vehicle and taken to hospital.



The car was followed by police from St Ann’s and eventually crashed into Image Hair Fashions in the early hours of this morning (PHOTO: Notts Police)

A man was taken to hospital after the crash and his injuries aren’t thought to be life threatening (PHOTO Gedling Eye)

Police say the incident happened at around 12.50am this morning (PHOTO: Notts Police)

“His injuries which are not currently believed to be life-altering or life-threatening.

“A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving and driving when unfit through alcohol or drugs.

“The road was closed for some time while investigations were carried out and the building was made safe. Diversions are in place and I’d like to thank people in the area and motorists for their understanding.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the crash.

A spokesman said: “If you saw what happened or have any dashcam footage which could assist police with their investigation, please call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 12 of 15 December 2023.”

Netherfield: Consultation launched over plans to continue with scheme that cracks down on rogue landlords across town

Tenants in private-rented accommodation in Netherfield could continue to get greater protection from rogue landlords if plans to continue with a successful council scheme are approved.

The scheme, known as Selective Licensing, makes it mandatory for landlords to have licences for each of their private rented properties.

The scheme was launched by Gedling Borough Council in Netherfield back in 2018, and was expanded to Colwick, Carlton Hill, Daybrook and Newstead Village in November 2022.

The Netherfield scheme ended in September 2023 and the council is opening a new consultation period to gather views on re-designating the ward as a selective licensing area again in the future. 

Landlords have to ensure they manage properties effectively when the scheme is in place

Those with a licence are required to manage their properties effectively and safely. The council will work with landlords and residents to improve the area but where necessary use the licensing conditions and enforcement powers to bring about improvements. 

Selective Licensing can be applied in areas where there is deprivation, high levels of antisocial behaviour, high levels of crime, high levels of migration and poor housing conditions.

The licensing gives the council’s Environmental Health team powers to do more when landlords are not taking steps to deal with issues relating to property standards and management. 

The scheme, which ran from 2018 in Netherfield, was a success with 662 landlords applying for a licence. Over 81% of properties inspected by the council were found to contain hazards that required work to protect the health and safety of the tenant. 52 properties inspected had imminent hazards around areas such as fire safety and inadequate fire protection or detection, which all required immediate action.

The scheme also improved partnership working with Gedling Borough Council and Nottinghamshire Police to reduce anti-social behaviour and make residents feel safer where they live. Civil penalty notices have been issued in relation to twenty-two properties for failing to apply for a licence. 

Consultation on the new scheme will take place between December and March 2024 and could be launched in October 2024 subject to the results of the Consultation. 

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “The scheme has been a real success and residents have benefitted from improved conditions and landlords have also played their part and made improvements when asked by the council to do so.   

“This scheme has reduced hazards in households and we think it’s important that we renew it for another term and continue to support local residents who are entitled to live in homes that are safe and in a good state of repair.

“We have extended the scheme across the borough but to ensure we are doing things correctly, we are reopening this consultation and we welcome the feedback of residents and landlords on the Selective Licencing Scheme.”

Residents and landlords can have their say here: https://www.gedling.gov.uk/haveyoursay/selectivelicensinginnetherfield/

No need to panic if you see a fire engine in Lambley this weekend – they are meeting Santa at the Robin Hood Inn

The Robin Hood in Lambley are raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity at their free kid’s Christmas party on Saturday December 16 at 5.00pm.

Mr and Mrs Claus will be attending however they may be outshone as the Fire Fighter’s Charity will be arriving at the party in a fully lit up vintage fire engine.

The amazing musician and entertainer Steve McGill, well known for his various performances, including a great 80s night, around Gedling borough’s entertainment scene will be entertaining the children.

IMAGE: We know what the extra special surprise is (Courtesy of FACEBOOK)

Representatives from the Fire Fighters charity will have charity buckets on the day so if you have some change to spare it would be most appreciated.

Arnold Town Christmas Jumper Day: The club will donate £1 to Daybrook Foodbank for every Christmas jumper worn on matchday.

The weather has played havoc with fixtures everywhere recently however, weather permitting, this Saturday’s match at Eagle Valley will be a special one.

Everyone who attends the Arnold Town FC match wearing a Christmas jumper against Graham St Prims on Saturday December 16, kick off 2.00pm will be supporting the Daybrook Foodbank as the club will donate £1 for every participant.

Donations are also welcome on the day for the club’s Christmas charity – The Daybrook Foodbank.

Courtesy of Facebook

50/50 cash prize draw tickets will also be on sale from 12 noon at the ground.

Arnold Town FC have over 25 teams playing across all ages and abilities and play their home matches at Eagle Valley, Oxton Road, Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 8PS.

Further information including contact details can be found on the club’s website HERE or via their social media HERE.

See the latest Gedling borough planning applications – w/e 15/12/23

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

The round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers validated this week (w/e 15/12/23) which include new flats, detached dwellings and extensions and will now decide on. 

More details can be found on the Gedling Borough Council planning site HERE.


Reserved Matters Application for the residential parcels as shown under Parameter Plan P19-0346_005 Revision D, including bell mouth entrances for the School and Local Centre, Public Open space, comprising of informal games area, 3No. LEAP, 1No. Community Hub/MUGA and Allotments, and associated infrastructure. 

Land At Top Wighay Farm Wighay Road Linby Nottinghamshire. Ref. No: 2023/0872


Single and two storey rear extension 

5 Elmhurst Avenue Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 6GF. Ref. No: 2023/0870. 


Non-material amendment to planning permission 2023/0110 (Changing roof of the rear extension from a pitched roof a flat roof with a lantern)

446 Westdale Lane West Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 6DG. Ref. No: 2023/0869NMA 


Demolition of existing conservatory and construction of single storey extension 

9 Storey Avenue Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 4GN. Ref. No: 2023/0861


Erection of 5 detached dwellings 

Land To The Rear 198 To 202 Oakdale Road Carlton Nottinghamshire. Ref. No: 2023/0865 


Installation of heat pump 

78 Kingfisher Road Stoke Bardolph Nottinghamshire NG14 5HP. Ref. No: 2023/0860 


Non-material amendment to permission 2023/0738 (addition of window to side of rear single storey rear extension)

14 Norman Road Carlton Nottinghamshire NG3 6LN. Ref. No: 2023/0855NMA 


Build new front boundary wall and new gates 

124 Westdale Lane East Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 3NH. Ref. No: 2023/0847 


Residential development consisting of 4no. flats on a former car parking site currently occupied by a private car washing business. 

Car Wash Rear Of Bandook Mansfield Lane Calverton Nottinghamshire. Ref. No: 2023/0843


Single storey rear extension with double storey side and loft extension. 

206 Porchester Road Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 6LH. Ref. No: 2023/0829


Erection of single storey rear extension with flat roof 

21 Somersby Road Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG3 5QB. Ref. No: 2023/0826


Two storey rear extension. 

22 Kenneth Road Redhill Nottinghamshire NG5 8HY. Ref. No: 2023/0802 


Certificate of Lawful Development application to confirm that a lawful development commenced on planning permission 2011/0662 and that planning permission 2011/0662 is therefore extant – Planning permission 2011/0662 granted planning permission for Extension to Woodborough cemetery currently part of Golf Course). 

Woodborough Cemetery Roe Hill Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6DS. Ref. No: 2023/0646


SHOP LOCAL: Meet the team behind the successful Sweet House Bakery business in Arnold and Colwick

Gedling Eye is throwing its support behind our amazing local businesses in the borough – and we are now urging you to do the same over Christmas and beyond and our campaign kicks off with a successful and relatively new bakery business in Arnold and Colwick.

Gedling Eye caught up with Steffanie Woodhouse and her partner Matthew Blood, the team behind The Sweet House Bakery to discuss the origins of the business, opening their first store in Arnold, their second store / bakery HQ in Colwick and their plans for the future.

The business started following a tough period in Steffanie and Matthew’s life when their daughter was born with a rare bowel disease and was hospitalised from birth for almost a year, undergoing many operations and treatments.

Steffanie turned to baking as a form of therapy for herself during this difficult time and used to bake cakes for the nurses and staff looking after their little girl.

As with many businesses that started during lockdown Steffanie started posting the pictures of her creations on social media and soon gained interest from friends and family which then escalated on social media to the wider local community of Arnold. 

Steffanie and Matthew realised that there were few if any shops locally that sold their type of products and the demand for Steffanie’s bakes then became too big for their home. 

The couple decided to take the plunge and decided to open their store on Coppice Road, Arnold with some money that Matthew’s late father had left the couple following his passing.

Matthew said “Opening our store on Coppice road, Arnold has been an incredible success.

“I believe we are a unique business due to the style of sweet treats we sell. We offer a large range of traybakes, cheesecakes, cookies, tartlets and much more but its all done with a bit of Sweet House Bakery magic & lots of love.”

Although the business only started in the last few years Steffanie is no stranger to the hospitality industry having started as an apprentice and eventually working her way to being a general manager of a bar & bistro in Cornwall for a number of years.

She then returned to Nottingham and managed a local Bar & Restaurant.

Matthew added “She (Steffanie) has always had a huge passion for the food industry and puts her heart and soul into everything she does.

“Together we created The Sweet House Bakery and have just opened our second store/bakery HQ in Colwick.

“This was mainly to facilitate us being able to produce larger quantities as the demand for our cakes is ever growing.

“We now supply many wholesale customers with our cakes locally so you can get hold of our cakes in a wide number of cafes & shops around the Nottingham area.”

The couple do their upmost to keep their prices as low as possible to ensure that they are affordable for all, however feel that the rise in all costs does make that difficult at times.

Matthew said: “Supporting small independents like us will ensure we still have a few shops to visit on our streets, it is also supporting families and creating jobs in the local community.

“We understand that it is a hard world for all small independents at the moment with the current cost of living crisis, that a lot of people are struggling and that cake isn’t a necessity but it is a treat, and you have to treat yourself now and again, that’s what life is all about isn’t it?

“We are grateful for the continued support along our journey and we hope to do our best to stay afloat in this crazy world we live in!”

The couple are already planning for the future, hoping to go into postal service in the new year so we they can start nationwide delivery to reach out to other communities.

Sweet House Bakery can be found at 116 Coppice Road, Arnold, NG5 7gg and can be contacted on 0115 645 0160 or by email to thesweethousebakery@icloud.com.

Further information is available on their social media channel HERE.

Gedling Eye are showcasing a number of local businesses from across the borough to our readers every week and any business that would like to be considered for inclusion in the campaign should email thevibe@gedlingeye.co.uk.

Local independent businesses can also add themselves to Gedling Eye’s new business directory for free at https://www.gedlingeye.co.uk/business-directory/