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COUNCILLOR SAM SMITH: I’ve taken a stand against Labour’s planning power grab.

Cllr Sam Smith has led a successful move to amend Nottinghamshire County Council’s response to a controversial government consultation that could see key planning decisions taken out of local hands.

Speaking during Item 9 at the Planning and Rights of Way Committee meeting at Oak House, Smith warned against Labour’s proposed reforms. He said that would allow central government to impose a ‘one-size-fits-all’ system for how planning applications are decided – stripping local councillors and communities of the ability to scrutinise major developments.

“These proposals, driven by Angela Rayner’s top-down housing agenda, would take decision-making power away from local people and hand it to unelected officials,” he said.

“If we let Tier A applications go through without oversight, we’re walking into a future of overdevelopment, increased flooding, and infrastructure chaos – with no way to challenge it.

“The consultation proposes a national delegation scheme that forces planning authorities to categorise applications into Tier A or Tier B. Tier A applications – including those with major local impact – would be automatically decided by officers, with no opportunity for councillors to intervene.

“I objected strongly to the County Council’s draft response, which originally agreed with the government that no mechanism should exist for councillors to bring Tier A applications to committee.

Cllr Smith called for the response to be amended to reflect strong opposition to this aspect of the consultation, arguing that elected councillors must retain the right to consider all major applications in the interests of their residents.

“If this goes ahead unchallenged,” he said, “we’ll be the ones held accountable when new schools are built with no proper parking, mineral extraction sites pop up next to homes, or flood-prone developments get waved through.”

His amendment was backed by the committee and the Council’s response will now be changed before being sent back to government ahead of the July 23 deadline.

“This isn’t about bureaucracy – it’s about protecting the voice of our communities,

“The Conservative Group will always stand up against attempts to silence local people and centralise power in Whitehall. Today was a clear message – we won’t be sidelined.”

“The revised response now calls for a mechanism that allows councillors to review all major applications, even those classed as Tier A, in exceptional circumstances – restoring the voice of local democracy in the planning process.

Cllr Smith concluded: “We now call upon Angela Rayner and the Labour Government to listen to this and change their direction.”

Self-testing with a breathalyser: Practical steps for responsible drinking and safety

1

Drinking alcohol can affect judgment, slow reaction time, and increase the risk of accidents. Testing yourself with a breathalyser gives a clear picture of your blood alcohol level, helping you decide when it is safe to drive or when to wait before getting behind the wheel. Even small amounts of alcohol can stay in your system longer than expected, so guessing is never a good plan.

Many people now use breathalysers at home or on a night out to make smarter choices about alcohol. Personal breathalysers are simple to use and offer peace of mind, but using them correctly makes all the difference to the accuracy of the results.

Learning how and when to self-test is a practical step for anyone who wants to look after themselves and others. By understanding how breathalysers work and what affects the results, anyone can drink more responsibly while keeping safety in mind.

Understanding Breathalysers and Self-Testing

Personal breathalysers make it possible to check alcohol levels before driving or making decisions about drinking. These devices are especially useful for anyone who wants to practise responsible drinking and stay within legal limits.

Types of Breathalysers for Personal Use

There are two main types of breathalysers for personal use:

  • Digital breathalysers: These use electronic sensors and display the estimated BAC on a small screen. They are reusable and available in both compact pocket-sized versions and larger models.
  • Single-use breathalysers: These are small tubes that change colour if alcohol is detected. They are convenient for one-off tests but cannot be reused.

When choosing a breathalyser test for your safety, it can help to consider the type that suits your lifestyle and needs. Those who want to test themselves regularly may prefer a digital device, while single-use options are handy for occasional checks. 

How Breathalysers Work

A breathalyser measures the amount of alcohol in your breath, which reflects your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). When a person drinks, the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and then released in small quantities into the breath through the lungs.

The device typically uses a sensor to detect alcohol molecules. The person blows into a mouthpiece, and the sensor gives a digital or visual reading. Most home breathalysers use either fuel cell sensors or semiconductor sensors, with fuel cell types generally providing more stable results.

Understanding the numbers displayed helps people judge if they are over the legal driving limit. However, eating, drinking water, or using mouthwash shortly before testing can affect the reading.

Accuracy and Limitations of Self-Testing Devices

No personal device is perfect. Factors such as how recently you’ve drunk alcohol, proper use of the tester, and the type of sensor can all influence results. Home breathalysers may not be as precise as professional models used by police, especially at very low or high alcohol levels.

Results might also vary between different devices. It’s a good idea to wait at least 15 to 20 minutes after drinking before taking a test, and to avoid using products like mouthwash, which may affect the result. Remember that even small amounts of alcohol can affect driving and reaction times, even if the device shows a reading below the legal limit.

People should treat the reading as a guide, not an absolute guarantee, and always act with caution.

Safe and Responsible Drinking Practices

Responsible drinking starts with being aware of your alcohol intake and understanding your limits. By planning ahead, using a breathalyser, and knowing what your results mean, anyone can make safer choices about alcohol and avoid health or legal risks.

Setting Personal Limits Before Drinking

Before drinking, it helps to decide on a limit based on your own tolerance, health, and plans for the day. Setting a target number of drinks or choosing to stop drinking at a certain time makes it easier to stay in control. Eating before drinking can also slow alcohol absorption, so the effects aren’t as strong or sudden.

Spacing out drinks with water can make a difference. It prevents quick spikes in blood alcohol levels and keeps the body hydrated. People who set their own limits are more likely to stick to them and avoid unwanted effects from alcohol.

Using a Breathalyser to Monitor Blood Alcohol Levels

A breathalyser is a tool that can help a person know their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in real time. After drinking, wait at least 15-20 minutes before testing. This delay helps to avoid false readings from alcohol left in the mouth. Testing more than once during the night shows how quickly the BAC is rising or falling.

A personal breathalyser should be calibrated regularly for the most accurate results. Making self-tests part of your routine gives straightforward insight into how much alcohol is affecting you at that moment. It’s one of the best ways to make informed choices and practise self-control.

Interpreting Your Results and Making Informed Decisions

Once a breathalyser reading is taken, what it means matters. For example, a BAC of 0.05% might not feel the same to everyone, but it often brings slower reactions and reduced coordination. If a person’s BAC is near the legal driving limit, it is safest to stop drinking and wait for the number to go down before making decisions about transport.

Deciding not to drive or participate in risky activities after a high reading is a smart move. It’s important to remember that BAC can keep rising after the last drink. Good judgement after checking a breathalyser can avoid trouble and make nights out safer.

Laws set legal BAC limits for activities like driving, and these numbers can change by country or region. Not following these rules can result in fines, losing a licence, or even jail time. Always know the local limit before making plans to drive after drinking.

There are also health risks from drinking too much. Over time, heavy drinking is linked to a higher risk of heart problems, liver damage, and addiction. Using tools to watch your intake and learning your own limits can help reduce these risks and encourage safer habits.

Conclusion

Using a personal breathalyser is a practical way to help people understand their alcohol levels and make safer choices.

Self-testing gives immediate feedback and allows individuals to assess if it may be unsafe to drive or continue drinking.

Breathalysers make it easier for people to stick to their own limits and avoid risky situations.

Simple habits like waiting a few minutes after drinking before testing and keeping the device calibrated help people get better results.

By combining breathalyser use with personal judgement, anyone can reduce risks and act more responsibly when drinking.

What happens if you fail a pre employment drug test UK? 5 key consequences explained

Many employers in the UK use pre-employment drug tests as part of the hiring process. These tests are used to check for the presence of drugs in a candidate’s system before offering a job.

Failing a pre-employment drug test can affect a person’s chances of getting the job they applied for. Each employer may have their own rules and policies about what happens next, which can lead to different outcomes for candidates.

Employer reviews their drug and alcohol policy to determine next steps

When someone fails a pre-employment drug test, the employer first looks at their own drug and alcohol policy. This policy spells out what happens next and helps decide any actions that should be taken.

If the test involved drugs such as ketamine, the employer may review if further confirmation is needed. Many companies use Urine drug Tests for Ketamine to screen for this substance. The results must be handled according to the company’s procedures.

The policy often points out what kind of disciplinary steps or investigations may follow. It may also say if a retest or a chance to explain the result is possible.

Employers usually have to make sure their actions are fair and match the rules they have set. This is especially important for new hires. The review process should follow all legal and workplace guidelines.

Possible disciplinary action including warnings or suspension

Failing a pre employment drug test can lead to serious action from the employer. They may decide to give a written or verbal warning depending on their policy.

Some employers might choose to suspend the job offer while they review the case. The person could be asked to give more information or to take another test.

In some cases, being suspended means the candidate cannot start work until the issue is sorted. The outcome depends on the employer’s rules and the facts of the situation.

A warning or suspension does not always mean the offer is taken away right away. Each case is handled based on the company’s procedures and the circumstances of the test result.

Immediate dismissal in cases of gross misconduct or safety risks

Failing a pre employment drug test may lead to immediate dismissal if the result means there is a safety risk at work. This is more common in jobs that involve driving, operating machinery, or looking after vulnerable people.

Employers often view drug use as linked to gross misconduct, especially when it puts others at risk. Some companies have strict rules that allow them to dismiss a candidate right away if they test positive.

In some workplaces, safety is very important, and a failed drug test will likely mean the offer of employment is withdrawn. Each case is different, but safety concerns are usually treated very seriously.

Requirement for the employee to undergo rehabilitation or counselling

If a person fails a pre employment drug test in the UK, the employer may suggest or require rehabilitation or counselling. This step is not guaranteed, but some employers choose this path instead of automatic job rejection.

Rehabilitation or counselling is meant to help the person deal with drug or alcohol issues. The type of support offered depends on the employer’s policy and the nature of the job.

Sometimes, attending these programmes is a condition for considering the person for work in the future. In other cases, it may help show a positive change if they reapply later. Not every employer has the same rules about rehabilitation, so it is important for applicants to read any policy details before applying.

Impact on job offer being withdrawn before employment begins

If a person fails a pre-employment drug test in the UK, the job offer may be withdrawn before work starts. Employers often make job offers with conditions, one of which can be passing a drug test.

A conditional job offer means the position is only final if all conditions are met. If a drug test is failed, the offer can legally be taken back, and the candidate will not start work.

Sometimes, there is no right to appeal or explain before the decision is made. The company is usually not required to give a detailed reason for withdrawing the offer if it is outlined as a condition.

This situation can be disappointing and may affect the person’s confidence in looking for other jobs. It highlights the need to know all conditions attached to a job offer before accepting.

Conclusion

Failing a pre-employment drug test in the UK can result in the employer withdrawing the job offer. Each employer may follow different steps, but most will have a clear policy about drug and alcohol testing.

Common consequences include the end of the application process, suspension, or other action according to the company’s rules. It is important for job seekers to be aware of any workplace policies before applying.

Staying informed helps avoid surprises and helps candidates make better decisions about their job search.

Hair transplant demand by Nottingham men doubles

Over the past two years, Nottingham men have shown a remarkable uptick in interest in hair restoration: Google search volumes for “hair transplant Nottingham” climbed from an average of 320 searches in mid‑2023 to 720 by mid‑2024.

This surge underscores a broader shift in attitudes toward hair loss treatments, one that’s reshaping both local clinics and the national conversation.

Local Surge: What’s Driving Nottingham’s Growth?

Advances in Minimally Invasive Techniques

In recent years, Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) has transformed hair transplantation. Instead of the older strip methods that left long scars, FUE removes individual hair clusters with ultra‑fine micro‑punches.


From the coastal part of the country to the upper North, hair transplants continue to grow in acceptability among men. FUE Hair Transplant Clinics in Brighton and across the country continue to see more men open up about their desire to improve their overall appearance and boost their confidence; the trend will only continue.

Search for “Hair Transplant” in London grew from 3,100 in July 2023 to 8,100 in 2025, with “FUE Hair Transplant London” increasing from 170 to 340, still showing a growing trend and increase in both interest over the years.

The tiny dot scars heal in just a few days and are virtually invisible, even under very short styles. Patients experience minimal discomfort and are often back to their routines almost immediately.

By targeting each graft with precision, FUE minimises trauma to surrounding tissue and helps ensure high survival rates for transplanted hairs. The result is less downtime, nearly invisible scarring, and beautifully natural outcomes, making hair restoration more accessible and appealing than ever.

Influence of Social Proof

When a well‑known footballer or TV presenter shares side‑by‑side photos of their hair‑transplant journey on Instagram or TikTok, it sends ripples through the population considering similar procedures. Celebrity endorsements—whether a local radio host posting clinic updates or a national influencer live‑streaming a PRP session—have turned hair restoration from an underground secret into a mainstream topic of conversation. Viewers scrolling through carefully curated highlight reels see real‑time progress, candid assessments of downtime, and honest reflections on confidence gains. That authenticity resonates far beyond fan clubs, helping dispel myths about pain, scarring, and unnatural results.

Prospective patients pore over before‑and‑after galleries shared by peers, exchange surgeon recommendations in closed Facebook groups, and text photos to friends for feedback. This word‑of‑mouth momentum often accelerates clinic bookings faster than any ad campaign.

In a city where personal referrals carry significant weight, social proof has become the single most persuasive factor, transforming tentative curiosity into confident, informed decisions about hair restoration.


A National Phenomenon: UK‑Wide Search Trends

A surge in hair restoration interest isn’t confined to Nottingham. Nationwide, monthly Google searches for “hair transplant UK” have climbed from roughly 18,000 in mid‑2022 to over 40,000 by mid‑2024, a rise of more than 120%, reflecting wider acceptance of these procedures.

In some Northern cities, queries have nearly doubled, indicating consistent demand across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Regional hotspots mirror this pattern. Manchester’s vibrant clinic scene posts high per‑capita search volumes, as Birmingham’s competitive pricing and clinic density attract many enquiries. Glasgow’s uptick results from targeted social campaigns and local testimonials. London, the cosmetic innovation hub, still leads absolute search volume, though secondary cities are catching up quickly.

Experts attribute the national surge to advances in minimally invasive techniques like Follicular Unit Extraction, greater media exposure with celebrities showcasing results, and flexible financing plans that broaden access.

Virtual consultations have also lowered barriers for those hesitant about in‑person visits, further boosting online interest. Analysts say that search data predicts clinic bookings, making these metrics an early gauge of patient interest nationwide.

Market watchers note that increased mobile searches throughout the day reflect convenience‑driven research behaviours of prospective patients. It underscores hair restoration’s shift from luxury to everyday self‑care.

Why the UK Is Embracing Hair Restoration

Across Britain, hair restoration is shedding its secret‑society aura. When everyday people—and even high‑profile figures- share candid before‑and‑after photos on social media, the stigma fades fast.

Forums and Facebook groups teem with supportive voices, and the rush of peer testimonials makes the idea of a hair transplant feel less like a taboo cosmetic tweak and more like a proactive, confidence‑boosting choice.

Cost used to be a major barrier, but competitive pricing and flexible finance plans have changed the game. Clinics nationwide now offer zero‑deposit packages, interest‑free credit, and pay‑monthly schemes that spread costs over a year or two.

As clinics vie for clientele, patients benefit from transparent fee structures and bundled services, meaning top‑tier surgeons and post‑op care are no longer just for the wealthy.


Looking Ahead

Industry analysts forecast another 25–30% rise in search demand across the UK over the next 12 months, driven by ongoing technological refinements and ever‑greater social acceptance.

For Nottingham men contemplating a fuller head of hair, the message is clear: the city has become a hub for state‑of‑the‑art hair restoration, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Dog named after Breaking Bad villain enjoying new lease of life after completing police training at Arnold HQ

A dog named by his previous owners after a fictional criminal from Breaking Bad is now firmly on the right side of the law after completing his police training.

PD Tuco, an 18-month-old Dutch Herder, was recruited by Nottinghamshire Police after his previous owners decided they could no longer meet his needs.

After excelling in early assessments, Tuco – named after fictional character from the TV show Breaking Bad – was selected for training with experienced handler PC Sam Hawker.

During an intensive eight weeks of training, both dog and handler were drilled in all the core disciplines of dog policing – from tracking people and property to detaining suspects.

After completing final licensing tests on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, the pair are now licensed to operate and will be heading out on patrol over the coming days.

PC Sam Hawker with PD Tuco

PC Hawker, who has been a dog handler for more than five years, said:

“It’s fair to say that if we were starting from scratch, we’d not choose to name a dog after a fictional criminal, but it’s the name he came with and – more importantly – he’s an excellent dog.

“He really enjoys the criminal work in chasing and detaining people and has also shown great development in his scent work. “

Referring to Tuco’s previous life, PC Hawker added:

“These are dogs that want and need to be working all the time, so I am thrilled for Tuco that we’ve been able to take him on.

“As I said to his previous owner, Tuco will now be doing exactly the kind of things we wants to do on a daily basis, and living exactly the kind of life he should be leading.

“So, I am really excited about our future together as a team and am just really looking forward to getting started.”

PC Hawker was previously licensed with Police Dog Loki who retired last year – but not before the pair achieved their best ever result together and uncovered a string of vital evidence that led to the conviction of a man for causing death by dangerous driving.

Becoming a dog handler

Candidates for the dog handler course must have a minimum of two years of front-line policing experience.

They must then attend a two-day assessment exercise where their affinity for dogs and other natural attributes are assessed by expert handlers.

They must then come through a formal interview panel before going forward for training.

If they haven’t already done so, successful applicants also have to pass an advanced driving course before they move onto the 13-week dog handling course.

During the course of their partnership, dog and handler will regularly be reassessed to ensure they are meeting the high standards expected of them.

Full list of road closures and roadworks planned across Gedling borough

There are a number of road closures in place across Gedling borough this week that drivers should be aware of.

Some roads are closed while others have lane closures. Temporary traffic measures or diversion routes may also be in place on roads in the region. Motorists are urged to make allowances for these closures and alter their travel arrangements if necessary.

If you’re planning to travel through the borough over the next few weeks take a look at the list below to see whether your journey will be affected.

Burton Road, Carlton
25 July
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Mansfield Road, Daybrook
27 July
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Mapperley Plains, Arnold
28 July – 02 August
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Moor Road, Bestwood
28 July – 02 August
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Thackerays Lane, Arnold
24 July
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Wighay Road, Linby
23 July – 24 July
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Woodborough Lane, Arnold
28 July – 02 August
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Birchwood Close, Ravenshead
23 July – 24 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Broadway East, Carlton
28 July – 30 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Calverton Road, Arnold
24 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Digby Avenue, Mapperley
28 July – 15 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Forester Street, Netherfield
29 July – 30 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Kenrick Road, Mapperley
22 July – 23 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Longue Drive, Calverton
25 July – 26 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Mansfield Road, Redhill
22 July – 22 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mansfield Road, Daybrook
23 July – 23 July
Delays possible due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mansfield Road, Daybrook
24 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mansfield Road, Daybrook
28 July – 01 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mansfield Road, Ravenshead
28 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mapperley Plains, Arnold
22 July – 22 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Nottingham Road, Woodborough
30 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Virgin Media

Oakdale Road, Carlton
28 July – 08 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Vodafone

Oakdale Road, Carlton
28 July – 08 August
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Vodafone

Station Road, Carlton
29 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Surgeys Lane, Arnold
24 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Average house prices in Gedling hit £250,000 in May

The average house price in the Gedling area has risen 6.3% year-on-year, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Typical property prices are now reaching the quarter-of-a-million mark, up from £235,000 12 months ago. The 6.3% year-on-year increase beats the 5% regional increase across the wider East Midlands area.

In the East Midlands as a whole, average house prices rose from £231,000 in May 2024 to £242,000 in May 2025.

Which types of properties have risen most in value in Gedling?

Contrary to some parts of the UK, detached properties attracted the highest rise in average values between May 2024 and May 2025. Detached homes in Gedling rose 6.9% year-on-year. Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, the average price of a flat in the Gedling area increased by just 3% year-on-year.

Detached property prices in Gedling sold for an average of £374,000 in May 2025, compared with £238,000 for semi-detached homes, £181,000 for terraced properties and £122,000 for flats.

Assessing the first-time buyer market in Gedling

The market for first-time buyers in the Gedling area also looks challenging. The provisional average prices paid by first-time buyers in Gedling hit £214,000 in May 2025, some £13,000 higher than the revised average in May 2024. This is marginally higher than the average house price for first-time buyers across the wider East Midlands region.

The market in the Gedling area remains tough for sellers looking to secure quick sales at competitive prices. Interest rates are still significantly higher than the long-term average, keeping mortgage rates above 4%. This elevated cost of borrowing is affecting both first-time buyers and current homeowners looking to remortgage or move up.

The digital world we live in is trying hard to keep the UK’s property market moving, though. There are services like Sold that can purchase properties outright in cash in just seven days. The cash offers tend to be below a property’s value on the open market, but it’s a useful tool for those who need to move on quickly. Similarly, they also have virtual estate agency services, with short-term contracts that put property owners in direct contact with pre-approved potential buyers.

How is the rental market looking in Gedling?

Screenshot

Typical monthly private rents have also risen 6.5% year-on-year, as more buy-to-let landlords continue to grapple with the rising cost of mortgages. A typical monthly private rent in Gedling has risen from £818 in June 2024 to £871 in June 2025, according to the ONS’ Price Index of Private Rents.

It’s pleasing to see that the private rental price annual inflation figure of 6.5% hasn’t been this low since early to mid-2022. This is an indication of the plateauing of short and medium-term mortgage rates among UK lenders.

Gedling remains a cost-effective place to rent, with its average monthly rent below the East Midlands average of £885, up from £827 in June 2024. Comparing the area with the nationwide average, the average rent price in the UK hit £1,344 in June 2025, up from £1,260 in June 2024.

Gedling borough residents given a say on plans for where new housing could be built locally

Gedling Borough Council is inviting residents, businesses, and community groups to help shape the future of the borough as part of the first stage of preparing its new Local Plan, which was approved by Cabinet last week.

The Local Plan was discussed by Gedling Borough Council’s Cabinet Members on Thursday, July 10. They approved the launch of a consultation from today.

The first stage of consultation, known as the “Issues and Options” phase, will run until Sunday, September 1. This is a discussion document, and views are sought on possible options for the Local Plan’s policies, which cover a wide range of topics including housing, employment, retail, community facilities, recreation and open space, nature conservation and other land uses. 

As part of this, comments will be invited on the number of new homes that the Council should plan for and where these should be located. 

Developers have put forward several sites for development and these form the starting point for further assessment and review before specific sites are proposed for development in the next stage of plan preparation. 

At this stage no decisions have been made. The government has introduced changes to the national planning framework with guidance on identifying ‘grey belt’ land, land that was previously green belt that may be prioritised for housing.

Views are also being invited on how the council should balance housing needs whilst protecting green belt.

Gedling Borough Council had previously worked with Nottingham City, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe councils on the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan. However, following changes to national planning guidance in December 2024, the council has decided to develop its own Local Plan to better meet the specific housing needs of the borough.  

Councillor John Clarke MBE, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: “The Local Plan is one of the most important processes a council will take to help improve the growth of its borough and we are very pleased that work will start on our plan.

“The government has made it clear that housing growth is vital to economic success. We know housing is a major concern, whether you’re worried about overdevelopment or struggling to find a home. This consultation is not just about homes, it is your opportunity to influence the future of the borough including where we can improve local park spaces, business and enterprise space and community spaces. 

“This is the first part of a long process and let’s be clear, no decisions have been made yet, and we want to hear from as many people as possible.”

The consultation runs from Monday 21 July to Sunday 1 September 2025, and a dedicated webpage has been created to explain the Local Plan, display the proposed sites, answer frequently asked questions, and outline the consultation timeline. This is available to view at www.gedling.gov.uk/haveyoursay

Feedback from this consultation will help shape the publication draft version of the Local Plan, which will undergo further public consultation in spring 2026. Subject to Government approval, the final plan is expected to be adopted by 2028.

READERS’ GALLERY: Monday, July 21, 2025

Here’s a selection of wonderful photographs contributed to our Gedling Amateur Photographers Facebook Group and Instagram featuring lots of beautiful country scenes, wildlife and scenic hotspots from across Gedling borough.

If you have captured a local moment in a photograph and think that others would like to see it, then upload it to our group and you may be featured on this post. You can also tag us in or use #gedlingeye if using Instagram.

You can also email them to news@gedlingeye.co.uk if you don’t use social media.

Please supply your name and a brief description of where and when the photograph was taken, or perhaps a funny caption.

A selection of photos will be published on Gedling Eye‘s website each week.

Cygnets at Gedling Country Park by Carl Green

Sunrise over a local cornfield by Tammy Mills
Skies over Gedling pictured from the country park by Benzla Freeman
Gloomy skies over Gedling Country Park by Mary Haydn-Davies

You can join the group HERE

Two bus routes extended to serve growing Rivendell estate

Nottingham City Transport buses will begin serving the Rivendell estate near Netherfield from Sunday (27) after two routes were extended.

Both Red Line 45 and Lilac Line 24 buses will now call at stops on the estate.

In the City Centre, Lilac Line 24 terminates on King Street, just off Old Market Square.

Red Line 45 operates a one way loop around the City Centre. Buses stop at Victoria Centre, Angel Row (for Old Market Square), Maid Marian Way and Canal Street near Nottingham College which is a short walk to the Bus and Railway Stations.

The Lilac Line 24 bus connects with Lilac Line 25 near Park Medical Centre on Burton Road, where you can change buses and travel to Mapperley and Arnold.

A spokesman said: “We’ll be using the roundabout at the Magenta Way / Coot Way junction to turn our buses around. Please do not park in any of the bricked areas, as we need this space to turn.

“Along Magenta Way, especially near the Care Home, please do not park opposite other vehicles, as this can make it hard for buses – as well as fire engines and bin lorries – to make it through. Thanks for your support.”