Planning bosses on Gedling Borough Council will meet tonight (Wednesday,12) to give the thumbs up or down to developers hoping to get the go ahead for a number of large building projects in the borough.
Plans for a new Aldi on land next to the Teal Close development and 140 new homes on Rolleston Drive are amongst the plans being discussed tonight at the council chamber at the Civic Centre.
The proposals for a new Aldi have been submitted by Pegasus Planning Group on behalf of the German supermarket giant.
They request permission to construct a retail store (Class E) with associated car parking, landscaping and other infrastructure on land next to the Rivendell development.
Artists impression of the new Aldi store near Netherfield
The planned car park will have 104 spaces available for parking. Customers would access the site from Magenta Way off Colwick Loop Road.
There will also be discussions around approving plans to create a new ‘local centre’ for the Rivendell Estate which will include new shops, a pub and children’s day nursery.
Plans to build 131 new homes on a former council depot site in Arnold, which have been recommended for approval, could also get the green light tonight.
Ilke Homes has put in planning permission to build the new properties on the brownfield land at Rolleston Drive.
The site had been left derelict and targeted by vandals, before a major fire in 2017 gutted what was left of the buildings.
The site for proposed housing on Rolleston Drive
The plans, if approved, would see the construction of two and three storey dwellings of modular construction comprising 45, two-bedroom, 73, three-bedroom and 13, four-bedroom properties of the following house types.
A council document published ahead of tonight’s planning committee meeting is recommending approval is granted.
It said: “The principle of the development accords with the objectives of national and local planning policies.
“It is considered that the site could be used for residential development without causing undue harm to visual and residential amenity, highway safety, ecological interests or flooding.”
Planning chiefs will also make decisions on a local centre planned next to the Chase Farm development in Gedling.
Developers are seeking full planning permission for the creation of a balancing lagoon with outline permission sought for the local centre, which is intended to include shops, a nursery, access and parking.
The meeting will take place tonight at 6pm. Moe details can be found HERE
Police have today praised ‘quick-thinking’ witnesses who tripped up a dangerous driving suspect who tried to flee the scene after his BMW smashed through a fence and into a car on a driveway in Mapperley.
They then managed to detain him until officers arrived to make an arrest.
Nottinghamshire Police today released dramatic images showing the aftermath of the collision, which caused significant damage to the fence, a wall and the resident’s car.
A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a sample, dangerous driving and failing to report an accident. He was taken to hospital after suffering a cut to his head and rib pain.
He has been reported for summons for the offence of failing to provide a sample and will be given a court date in due course.
The incident happened in Private Road at around 7.15am on Saturday (May 8).
Police Constable Molly Mason, of Nottinghamshire Police, is leading the investigation. She said: “This must have been a terrifying experience for the home owner who started the weekend with a car smashing into their home, wall and vehicle. They suffered a considerable amount of damage.
“I would like to praise the members of public who managed to help officers with the arrest. It was really brave and public-spirited of them.
“We are always on the lookout for dangerous drivers and drink-driving is something that we absolutely won’t tolerate in Nottinghamshire.
“Thankfully no one was injured. Being behind the wheel when over the limit is dangerous and has caused some of the most serious incidents on our roads.”
“We know dangerous driving can cause such tragedy to innocent victims and their families and change the course of their lives forever so it’s sad to see that people are still willing to take that risk.
“We will keep the pressure up and continue our work to educate and enforce wherever we can.”
Police are warning motorists in Arnold to be on their guard after a woman’s bank card was stolen then used by thieves who have been targeting vehicles in the town.
Other incidents being investigated include tools stolen from a van in Meeks Road and an insecure vehicle being broken into in Middlebeck Drive.
A woman’s car in Roxburgh Close was broken into during the early hours of Monday (10 May 2021), with her bank card being taken and later used,
A van was stolen Dalton Drive on Saturday afternoon (8 May 2021) and another vehicle, believed to have been left insecure, was broken into overnight on Saturday with a small amount of cash taken.
Neighbourhood policing inspector Chris Pearson said: “We’re working hard to identify those responsible for these crimes and we’re following a number of lines of enquiry as part of our ongoing investigations including checking CCTV footage.
“While our enquiries remain ongoing we’re also urging residents to be vigilant and make it as difficult as possible for criminals to target their vehicles. They should ensure their vehicles are locked and they don’t leave any valuables on display.
“Where possible ensure that your vehicle is parked on your driveway or in your garage if you have one. Alternatively, ensure your vehicle is parked in a well-lit area.
“Having an alarm and immobiliser fitted to your vehicle is also an effective way of deterring criminals. “We’re also urging local residents to report any suspicious people or vehicles to us immediately by calling 101. If an incident is in progress call 999. For more advice on how to protect your vehicle visit https://crowd.in/9PrwWe
Newly-elected Conservative leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Ben Bradley, has told Gedling Eye that he hopes to “bring together” government, the county’s Conservative MPs, and County Hall to deliver more for residents in the borough.
“We can all be on the same page”.
Gedling voters elected six Labour and three Conservative councillors on Thursday 6 May.
This was disproportionate compared to the wider county as Conservatives gained an overall majority of 37 seats.
Labour garnered 15.
Mr Bradley stated how one of the most prominent lines of feedback given to Tory candidates in the borough during the campaign was the need to improve local roads and motorways.
“We need to look really hard at how we can deliver more there”.
“People need to feel a tangible benefit” and that “things are improving”.
Mr Bradley also spoke of more “levers at County Hall” in order to ensure “economic opportunities as we come out of COVID to boost town centres”.
He then described more regional developments, including an upcoming freeport at East Midlands Airport.
This theme of investment has become the Conservative’s calling card and an effective vote winner.
It is thought to be a theme which particularly resonated with electors nationwide due to the Prime Minister’s emphasis on ‘levelling up’.
His councillor and MP foot-soldiers are certainly continuing to emphasise this line.
As Mr Bradley also agrees, as the “leader of the County Council rather than the City Council”, with the newly elected Tory PCC, Caroline Henry, that funding should be decentralised from the city to more “rural areas”.
As an MP for Mansfield, he has felt that there was a “city centric resource”.
Mr Bradley was amused when asked whether he owed his and his party’s victory to Boris Johnson – or even to Dominic Cummings due to recent publicity grabbing leaks.
Instead, he referenced a prevailing “national mood”, “people feel optimistic” as the “vaccine rollout is going well”.
He also cited a “trend, going across decades across the county… particularly across the north and the old coal field areas of the county, from Labour to Conservative”.
“Labour has just forgotten about those old working class values”.
“It’s as much about those local demographics and hard work as it is about the national stuff”.
On climate change, Mr Bradley wants to “lead the way” with a “net zero council”.
But there is also “a lot of impact we can make out there, particularly around transport and highways” – “our biggest impact environmentally”.
He added that conversations have also been ongoing with Severn Trent in order to alleviate local flooding.
Once he “get[s] beyond [his] first day, [he]’ll have a look at this in more detail”.
Mr Bradley, being both an MP and now county councillor, has received some criticism about holding both posts.
He said that “this situation isn’t as unprecedented as some might suggest”, citing government ministers as both constituency MPs and “entirely separate” additional roles.
Mr Bradley stated that Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care – is “probably even busier than I am”.
“You have to be prepared to balance those things”.
Despite his multiple roles, he claims that he does not want to “climb the career ladder at Westminster”, “that’s not what I’m about”.
“What I want to do is work here in Nottinghamshire”.
“It’s not going to be easy, but I am confident that we can balance it” with a “good team of people”.
Mr Bradley gave the Prime Minister the “benefit of the doubt” regarding various enquiries into his funding arrangements.
Inquiries are currently underway into the exchanges of cash for the renovation of the Boris Johnson’s flat at No. 11 and his holiday to Mustique in December 2019.
Although, on any potential illegalities and their potential consequences for the PM, Mr Bradley was not going to comment on things he knows “absolutely nothing about” and refused to be drawn on speculation about what would be concluded in the coming months.
“I’ve no idea what the Prime Minister has or has not declared”.
The Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has “overdone” this line during the campaign, he said.
“People are in a good mood” and believe that the Government are delivering.
Despite huge losses, promising signs may be deduced for Sir Keir Starmer as he seeks to sail the Labour ship away from a sting of dire electoral performances.
On Thursday, the Labour leader promised to repair everyday “Injustice and inequality” and stated that he is still “up to the job” of Labour leader.
Anneliese Dodds has since been replaced by Rachel Reeves as Shadow Chancellor, who will aim to forge a more distinctive and appealing economic alternative.
Angela Rayner, the party’s Deputy Leader was also demoted from the party chairmanship and Nick Brown ousted as PLP’s chief whip, replaced by Alan Campbell.
Nottinghamshire County Council, the region containing many target demographics – displayed by surviving Labour support in Arnold – will be on Labour’s list of potential gains next time round.
Ben Bradley and his colleagues will need to deploy changes over the next few years in order to convince local electors to stick with them.
An Arnold cinema is preparing to open its doors again this month following the easing or restrictions.
The Bonington Theatre and Cinema will again be allowed to open its doors from Monday, May 17 after closing in November in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
From Monday, the venue in Arnold will be screening some of the latest blockbuster movies, family favourites and award winning films, including Peter Rabbit 2, Nomadland and Godzilla vs Kong, with safety measures in place and a reduced capacity. The bar will also be open before screenings.
The tiered cinema seating will return, with a maximum of 50 tickets per screening, only 1 booking per row and nobody seated directly behind or in front of customers.
Face coverings are still required in cinemas, except for when eating or drinking. Hand-sanitising stations will be available and extra cleaning will take place between screenings.
Tickets should be booked in advance through the Bonington website or by calling the box office on 0115 901 3640. If customers require more or fewer seats than are showing as available, they can call the box office who will try to accommodate their booking.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “We’re delighted to be re-opening The Bonington, it will be wonderful to see people back enjoying films on the big screen again. They have a great selection of films lined up for the coming months and have measures in place to keep everyone safe when they visit. There’s also the new membership for 16-25 year olds to make it even more affordable to watch films here. We really hope that new and returning customers will enjoy getting back to watching films and supporting their local cinema.”
Film tickets cost £5.30 (Standard), £4.40 (Concessions) and £4 (for members of the new 16-25 year olds’ scheme).
Full details about the upcoming films, the young persons’ membership scheme and the latest safety measures are available at www.boningtontheatre.co.uk.
Plans to build a car wash in Carlton have again been rejected following the latest appeal by landowners.
IDD Commercial put forward a proposal to operate a hand car wash and valeting business on empty land next to the Inn For A Penny pub on Burton Road last year.
It was the second time a car wash had been proposed on the land, with an application in 2019 getting the thumbs down from council planners.
The submission of revised plans was met with anger from local residents, who set up a campaign to stop proposals getting the green light.
The application for planning permission was eventually rejected at a meeting of Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee back in January of this year.
Following the rejection, land owners referred the decision to the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to get the decision overturned – and the decision was made yesterday (May 10) to dismiss the appeal following a report by their inspectors.
The report said that “Due to the size, design and form of the proposals, they would appear as alien features and be at odds with the character and appearance of the area.
It also stated that ‘the proposal would have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area.‘
Campaigners were informed of the decision yesterday.
A campaign spokesman said: “We are delighted with this news but our overwhelming emotion is one of relief.
“This unpopular and unwanted proposal has been hanging over this community for over two years now but the Planning Inspectorate have come to the right conclusion in dismissing this final appeal”
“For the record the case history shows that three separate sets of plans over two planning cases as well as an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate have all been rejected when subjected to close scrutiny by key bodies.
“As a community body we feel entirely vindicated now that one of the country’s senior planning figures has confirmed that this was a poorly thought through business idea entirely unsuited to this neighbourhood location and one that has continually fallen short when assessed against planning law.”
Gedling Eye has contacted IDD Commercial for a comment.
Despite being given several chances to do the right thing and follow the rules, on Saturday (8 May 2021) police were tipped off that it was open with staff and customers inside and no-one reportedly wearing masks.
Officers attended and issued a total of ten £200 fines in respect of the illegal gathering.
The current Covid-19 rules state that pubs, cafes and restaurants can’t serve customers indoors and any customers being served outdoors must be in a group of no more than six or in a group of any size from two households only.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference today to discuss the next easing of the restrictions which are due to come into effect from next Monday (May 17 2021).
Ahead of Mr Johnson’s announcements, the force also issued 16 £200 fines to people who went to an illegal house party in Balfour Road, Lenton, on Saturday night, in breach of the current regulations.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Despite multiple visits, advice and warnings, previous fines and a closure order, the café owner still chose to ignore the rules by allowing people to come inside and be served.
“We have had numerous issues with this business not complying with the regulations which are in place to protect us all and prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“By this time next week it may be that – if everything is still going as planned with the roadmap – that people will be able to meet indoors in groups of up to six.
“However, the roadmap relies on people sticking to the rules now and every time the small minority of people ignore the law it places that easing of restrictions at risk for everyone.
“Compliance is critical for us to reduce the transmission of infection and it is of vital importance that everyone respects the regulations in place to keep us all safe.
“Nottinghamshire Police officers continue to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the rules in the first instance but, as we have consistently shown, where necessary we will not hesitate to take enforcement action against businesses or individuals who continue to blatantly breach the regulations, despite our advice and guidance.”
Gedling Borough Council leader John Clarke said: “We’re very disappointed to hear that there’s been a breach of the covid rules, once again, at the Mustard Seed and we fully support the police’s decision to issue fines to the people involved.
“The actions of the owner to be serving people inside the café at this critical point, when we are trying to get our lives back, is irresponsible and reckless.
“They could have waited for a few more days until the rules change but they clearly want to make a point that goes against the guidance and the science that is trying to keep people safe.
“We are taking the appropriate legal action against them for the first breach and we will do the same for this one should we need to.”
Director for Public Health for Nottinghamshire, Jonathan Gribbin, added: “I wholly support any action by partner organisations that will protect the health and wellbeing of people in Nottinghamshire.
“The national restrictions in place are there to protect everyone. Countless businesses in Nottinghamshire have worked hard to keep their customers and communities safe.
“To those businesses who work hard to comply with the current restrictions, I want to offer my thanks.
“We owe them a debt of gratitude for the consideration they are giving to their local community, for setting aside their immediate interests and concerns in order to keep people safe and to protect our local NHS and care services. They provide a strong example to us all of what it means to serve your community.”
Poundland will be opening the doors to their new store in Arnold this weekend.
The new discount store will open for the first time at 9am on Saturday (May 15), with the retail giant saying it will bring shoppers more choice and create jobs in the area.
The new store at 2 Front Street will employ 24 colleagues and, at more than 7,000 square feet, the former Argos unit will offer shoppers a wide range of items at Poundland’s amazing value.
It features Poundland’s PEP&CO clothing for the whole family, with a wide range of womenswear, menswear and kidswear, as well as PEP&CO Home ranges including chic ornaments and trendy throws.
PICTURED: The former Argos unit on Front Street
And it will stock Poundland’s range of chilled and frozen food that has been introduced to more than 120 stores as part of project Diamond Ice.
The chiller and freezer cabinets will stock a wide range of meals and snacks including ready-meals, pizzas, pies, frozen desserts and ice-cream, as well as barbecue foods for the spring and summer.
Poundland retail director Austin Cooke said: “Nottinghamshire is one of our heartlands and we’re delighted to be bringing our best ranges to Arnold.
“We know from the response elsewhere that customers will love our PEP&CO clothing and homeware, while the addition of chilled and frozen foods means they will be able to buy more of what they need in a single shopping trip.”
Like all Poundland stores, the new store will operate to the highest standards of safety with barrier screens at checkouts and thorough and regular cleaning regimes applied across the day.
Customers are asked to observe government guidelines on social distancing and wearing masks.
£58,000 has been spent revamping facilities at a park in Carlton.
Refurbishments at Onchan Park began in March and include a brand new multi-use games area, suitable for playing football, basketball and cricket as well as two new table tennis tables.
New floor surfacing in the multi-use games area has replaced the existing tarmac on the old tennis court which had been in decline for a number of years and an additional entrance with an improved footpath has also been created from Onchan Avenue allowing access for disabled park users and pushchairs.
Improvements have been made thanks to funding from FCC Communities foundation, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects from funds donated by waste and resource management company FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund. FCC Communities Foundation provided a grant total of £58,265 for the park refurbishments.
PICTURED: The green space on Oakdale Road, which is known locally as Onchan Park
The funding bid was made jointly by Gedling Borough Council and The Friends of Onchan Park, a local residents’ community group which formed in 2016 to help look after the park as well as allowing the local community to have their say in how the site is managed.
Cheryl Raynor, FCC Communities Foundation Local Grant manager said: “It’s great to see this refurbishment completed, the community were involved in the consultation every step of the way and I hope it meets their expectations. FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”
Councillor Peter Barnes, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: “I am delighted that the Mayor and I were able to officially open this new multi-use games area at Onchan Park. These new facilities will help get more people active and visiting our parks and play areas, which is a priority for the council.
“I’d like to thank the Friends of Onchan Park group for working with us to secure these facilities for the local community, and of course to FCC communities for providing the funding the this fantastic new games area, it’s something I’m sure will be incredibly popular, and provide a great new space for all kinds of sports and activities.”
Here’s his latest update on progress his team made in April…
Priority Updates
The policing priorities for the Gedling borough continue to be residential burglary, anti-social behaviour and drug supply.
Drug Supply
Over the last month there has been a continued focus on disrupting those involved in the supply of controlled drugs in our communities. We are only too aware of the links between drugs use and other community issues such as anti-social behaviour and serious violence.
Over the last four weeks the Operation Reacher team have continued to work alongside our local beat managers to carry out a number of warrants across the area and as a result there have been seizures of controlled drugs, cash and other drugs paraphernalia.
On the Gedling North area the team have carried out two drugs warrants with the first being on Roxburgh Close, Arnold where drugs including Cannabis and Mamba were seized. Officers then carried out a further warrant on Weaverthorpe Road, Woodthorpe where the team seized cash, mobile phones and financial records as part of an ongoing drugs supply investigation. A 47-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A controlled drugs and has since been released under investigation.
Over in the south of Gedling officers seized cannabis plants from an address on Pearson Street, Netherfield on and a further warrant was carried out at a property on Manvers Street. Both are linked to ‘Operation Thistle’ which is an ongoing investigation into drug supply in the Gedling South area. I was pleased to hear that the first sentence as a result of Op Thistle activity has now been handed down with a female from Deabill Street, Netherfield receiving a 10-month suspended prison sentence for her role in the supply of Class B drugs. We will clearly not tolerate drug dealing in our communities and will always take action where appropriate.
I would continue to encourage the reporting of information to us either on 101 or via the Crimestoppers website at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
Burglary
Throughout April recorded burglary fell by 31% when compared to March this year which is encouraging and represents a reduction of 9 offences.
We have seen a slight increase in Shed/Garage burglary with a garage broken into in Burton Joyce and a shed broken into in both Woodthorpe and Papplewick village. Our teams at Gedling are carrying out targeted patrols into the evenings and overnight. Alongside this, our Special Constables also provide support across the area with high-vis patrols.
On April 19, a male was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment following a burglary in Netherfield back in November 2020. David Carey (37 years) appeared at Nottingham Crown Court following the offence whereby a handbag, cash and bank cards were stolen from the property on Deabill Street. I hope that this provides reassurance that we will take robust action against those involved in burglary. It has a huge effect on its victims and we are working closely with our partners at the council to target harden our communities and to identify those responsible.
Anti-social behaviour
Moving on I wanted to touch on anti-social behaviour which we have made a priority following feedback from the local community and to coincide with the relaxation of the COVID19 regulations.
In the Gedling North area the neighbourhood policing team have been focusing some of their attention in our more rural areas following concerns about anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Ravenshead, Newstead Abbey and the surrounding villages. Sadly, large groups of young people have been involved in lighting fires, smashing glass and causing damage around our villages which is completely unacceptable. We have been working with local community members and the council to increase patrols in the area. Alongside this officers have viewed CCTV footage to identify offenders and are now taking further action around those involved. Going forward we will be continuing our patrols which will be supported by the Neighbourhood Wardens and our Special Constables.
Over in the Gedling South area the team have also focused their attention on reported ASB in some of our open spaces. The team have spent time patrolling around Conway Road Park following an increase in reports of ASB.
Alongside this we have also received reports of off-road bikes, quad bikes and other vehicles being driven in anti-social manner in some parts of Gedling. Our Specials managed to stop and seize a quad bike in the Porchester Road area following a number of complaints about the anti-social use of the vehicle.
The neighbourhood policing team also coordinated a night of action around the antisocial use of vehicles in Netherfield & Colwick back on April 9 with a number of warning letters issued to drivers.
Positively ASB reports fell by 13% during the month of April which compared to March this year is a reduction of 38 reports.
Speeding
Speeding has remained on the agenda in the last month with our Op Reacher team involved in a number of operations. The team visited Hucknall Road in Newstead Village where five drivers were reported for driving in excess of the speed limit. Alongside this, a visit was made to Southdale Road, Carlton with seven drivers reported for speeding offences. The highest recorded speed was 38mph in a 20 mph zone.
Speed checks have also been carried out on Valley Road, Carlton and Marshall Hill Drive. There will be more checks scheduled for the next month.
Knife Crime
We were recently involved in the national knife crime week of action known as ‘Operation Sceptre’. This runs twice a year and is aimed at disrupting those believed to be carrying knives whilst also providing education as to the dangers of carrying and using knives in our communities. I have always been very clear that this will be high on the agenda of the police and partners in Gedling.
Knives cost lives and we will continue to focus our attention on those who are believed to be carrying knives in order to bring them to justice.
Police carry out a search for weapons in Carlton
During the week of action officers carried out searches in a number of our open spaces along with the neighbourhood wardens resulting in the seizure of a kitchen knife found hidden on Jubilee Park in Gedling. Alongside this, a member of the public located knives hidden in the brick yard estate and handed these in to officers for destruction.
A number of visits were made to those believed to be involved in knife crime and officers also delivered a knife crime input to around 130 young people who go to school within the Gedling Borough. Alongside this, two males were stop searched and a male was also arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon following the discovery of a metal baseball bat hidden within a vehicle.
Good News
On Saturday, April 24, two males were arrested in the Carnavon Grove area of Carlton after we received reports of insecure vehicles having been targeted overnight in the area with property stolen.
Officers arresting the two males found stolen property from the vehicles which has been recovered and will be returned to the owners.
After gathering all of the evidence two males (aged 39 and 42) were charged with theft from motor vehicle x 3 and possession of an offensive weapon.
They have been bailed to appear at Nottingham Magistrates Court.
COVID
We are continuing to work closely with our partners at the Council in order to police the COVID19 regulations.
Officers have been working with licensing colleagues resulting in a number of premises being visited as part of the pubs reopening.
There have been some reports of parties taking place in Gedling and on April 23 officers were called to a party taking place at a residential property on St Emmanuel View, Arnold with around 50 people in attendance. This resulted in a large fine being issued to the organiser.
Whilst the restrictions are gradually easing COVID19 is still a risk to our communities. As ever we are working to the 4E’s approach but will not hesitate to take enforcement action around serious breaches of the regulations.
We are clearly making progress in beating COVID but i’d ask for your continued support as the restrictions ease.
