Elderly furious over Clipstone homes plan

Elderly residents are furious with a plan to build family homes right on their doorstep, which would mean losing car parking and affect their quiet neighbourhood.
Residents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured are residents and their family and friends discussing the plansResidents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured are residents and their family and friends discussing the plans
Residents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured are residents and their family and friends discussing the plans

A plan for new family homes on a complex of bungalows for elderly snd disabled people in Clistone has been granted, ven though residents say it will cause traffic problems and threaten residents’ peace.

The plan was submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council by it’s arms length property manager, Newark and Sherwood Homes, and was approved at a planning committe on Tuesday, February 7.

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Resident, Sandra Lowde, 70, who lives in Eastfield Close, said the residents were shocked when they found out their car park is being converted into family homes.

Residents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, Sandra Lowde discussing the plans with neighboursResidents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, Sandra Lowde discussing the plans with neighbours
Residents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, Sandra Lowde discussing the plans with neighbours

She said: “We knew we wouldn’t win but we want them to know we’re not happy about it. I’m very angry.”

It’s an old people’s complex – can you imagine kids playing football in the street and the old people are going ot be complaing.”

There are also concerns over the loss of some parking spaces and the turning space which is vital for carers and ambulances visiting the mainly elderly residents.

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“If they take it away it will be bedlam,” added Sandra, who has a a spine curvature and severe arthritis. “I need my car to be independent and if there’s nowhere for me to park I’m in trouble.”

Residents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured is resident Sandra LowdeResidents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured is resident Sandra Lowde
Residents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured is resident Sandra Lowde

The plan, to build two houses with two bedrooms each on the carpark will mean reducing parking from 13 paces to nine.

Clipston Parish Council held an extraordinary meeting at the site on January 24 so less mobile residents could comment.

As a consultee on the plan, the Parish said it received 19 objections and has officially opposed the plan as it is likely to overshadow neighbouring bungalows and parkign is already a problem.

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Council chairman MG Whittard said: “The planning committee seem not to care about the residents of Clipstone of the views of the Parish Council.

Residents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured are angry residents Reg Taylor and Sandra LowdeResidents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured are angry residents Reg Taylor and Sandra Lowde
Residents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured are angry residents Reg Taylor and Sandra Lowde

“There have been numerous objections, not least down to access for emergency services. Parking on that road is already a nightmare and the residents not only need access for blue lights services, but 24-hour access for their carers.

“You’re also talking about altering the character o the area which was built specifically for the peace and solitude of elderly residents – and this is threatening to take away their legal entitlement to quiet enjoyment.”

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Highways department has not oppose the plan on the basis conditions around parking are met.

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Rebecca Rance, chief executive of Newark and Sherwood Homes said: “Eastfield Close in Clipstone is part of the Council’s development programme to provide 335 much needed homes in the next five years for local people. Newark and Sherwood Homes will manage the delivery of this programme as we work with the Council to respond to the growing need for affordable housing across the district.

Residents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured are residents and their family and friendsResidents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured are residents and their family and friends
Residents on Eastfield Close, Clipstone are furious at plans to build new houses on their car park, pictured are residents and their family and friends

“We have been working closely with residents on Eastfield Close to make sure their views are heard.”

She added that the plan includes parking provision. The councilshousing register currently has around 3,500 applicants.”