Concerns over homes plans for derelict children’s home
The Ridge Mansfield
HOUSEHOLDERS have raised serious concerns at plans to build nearly 50 new homes and flats at the site of a derelict children’s home in Mansfield.
The proposal will see The Ridge, in The Park, turned into two large homes with 26 flats - and 20 houses also built within the surrounding conservation area.
Around 70 trees will also be felled as part of the development.
People living in the Carr Bank area met at The Mansfield Manor Hotel last week to discuss the plans.
The Ridge building itself has been plagued by vandals and anti-social behaviour in recent years and most residents agree something needs doing with the eyesore.
Most objections centre on the number of flats, which folk believe will put pressure on parking and traffic in the area. Residents also feel they have not been properly consulted with many not receiving a letter from Mansfield District Council.
Planning permission was granted for 49 homes at the site in 2007 and the council said the latest plans were advertised in local press and individual letters were sent to nearby households. About 40 letters were sent.
The site is 1.6 hectares in size and planning guidelines state 30 homes should be built per hectare of land. The Government says 20 per cent of new housing developments should be ‘affordable’.
John Everitt, of The Springs, who organised the meeting said: “It’s important the council are aware of our concerns and objections.
“We need to make sure this development is to the benefit of all of us.
“At the same time we need to be careful we don’t go overboard with the objections as we all agree something needs to be done there.”
A number of concerns were raised about a about a block of ‘affordable’ flats at the top of Carlton Street which already has limited parking.
Martyn Saxton, head of planning and regulatory services at the district council, added: “Any issues raised by residents will be considered as part of the application and will be reported to the planning committee.
“In terms of the trees, the council’s aborial officer will review the submission and provide comments for consideration.”
Coun Derek Evans, portfolio holder for housing strategy and regeneration, said he is happy to meet with residents to discuss their concerns. He can be contacted on Mansfield 842829.
The ex-children’s home was at the centre of a long-running planning row because Nottinghamshire County Council wanted to knock it down and rebuild a new one.
But residents fought a two-year battle to prevent it being knocked down and eventually won their fight after a planning inquiry in 2002.
To view the plans online and make comments visit www.mansfield.gov.uk and search for planning application 2012/0441/NT or search for ‘The Ridge’.
Alternatively, write a letter to Martyn Saxton, Mansfield District Council, Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield, NG19 7BH.
Residents have until 25th October to submit their views.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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