Residents voice infrastructure and loss of green space concerns over Mansfield affordable housing scheme
Loss of green space and lack of infrastructure concerns have been raised by residents after details of an 178 affordable housing development in Mansfield emerged.
The 178 new homes, classed as affordable, could soon be constructed in Mansfield after an 11-acre site was acquired by housebuilding giants, Vistry.
The site at Penniment Lane was previously owned by Persimmon Homes and Vistry says it now plans to deliver a housing scheme that is 100 per cent affordable, “helping to meet strong local demand for high-quality homes”.
But concerned residents claim the development will put further strain on local infrastructure, including capacity at schools, doctors and dentists.
Posting on Facebook about the development Tim Paul Cooper said: “Looking at the planning, where are the doctors and other infrastructure, we already have a hospital in and out of crisis on a regular basis and the roads are choked constantly, not just at peak times, where are all the people coming from to fill these houses?”
Jaffa George Shirley posted: “Is the infrastructure being upgraded to accommodate all these new houses i.e. sewers. doctors, dentists, hospitals and schools, just as I thought no will be the answer then.”
Michelle Swift posted: “All these houses and not one new doctors or school or dentist.”
Other residents are upset about the loss of green space and potential impact on wildlife in the area.
Angela Caunt posted: “There goes more beautiful countryside."
Kelly Warriner posted: “I hate this with a passion. Is there nothing we can do to stop all of our greenbelt being destroyed and more wildlife pushed out into town.”
Lee Robinson posted: “More greenbelt release, when the town and suburbs could easily be redeveloped. Sickening decisions and such a wasted opportunity to redevelop the town centres.”
Councillor Charles Hammersley, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Growth at Mansfield District Council, said: “All planning applications are judged on their own merit and are considered against current local government planning policies. Before any decisions are made, there is a public consultation period where members of the public are encouraged to share their observations and comments. These views are heard and discussed by our planning applications committee as part of the process, and this development is no exception.
“This area has long been earmarked for development, having been allocated through the local plan process and will provide much needed homes for people in Mansfield. The Local Plan, which guides where future development will take place in our district, is currently being reviewed and the people of Mansfield will be given a chance to have their say on new proposals in the Autumn.”
Dave Bradley, Managing Director of Vistry North Midlands, said: “This is an important step forward for Penniment Lane and for the wider Mansfield area. The scheme will provide 178 much-needed affordable homes, helping more local people access high-quality housing in a well-connected location.”
Vistry will submit a planning application to Mansfield District Council in the coming months and, if it gets the go-ahead, work is anticipated to start on site in the spring of 2027.