Controversial plans for homes in Blidworth tipped for approval after flood concerns addressed
Long-disputed plans for homes in Blidworth are set to be approved after flooding concerns were addressed.
Applicant Lee Evans is looking to build nine homes with garages and an access road on land to the north of Cottage Close.
They would be large family homes, ranging from four to five bedrooms.
Development of the land has been in the pipeline since 2021, when plans for 21 homes were tabled and refused by Newark & Sherwood Council following concerns from nearby residents.
New proposals for nine homes were then delayed at a planning meeting in December last year, with fears nearby homes could be flooded.
However, after a further review, the council says surface water flood risk would not be made any worse and could be improved by the development.
One home on Cottage Close has experienced flooding before, but the council’s planning officers now say it is ‘highly unlikely’ it is run-off from the site.
Documents conclude: “The surface water flood risk within the surrounding area would not be made any worse as a result of the development (but potentially improved), and therefore subject to a condition, surface water flood risk should not be a reason to refuse the application.”
Plans have now been tipped for approval at a meeting on January 15.
According to documents, Mr Evans says he will look to put in sustainable drainage systems, known as SuDS, and if this is not achievable systems would be put in place to direct surface water away from neighbouring homes.
Blidworth Parish Council says it strongly objects to the plans, adding: “Access is dangerous and inappropriate.
"It is within the conservation area – the development is not fitting with the character of the village and is further over-development on greenfield space.”
Dozens of residents have also written to the council objecting to the plans.
Ognyan Ganev, who lives in Marriott Lane, said: “This field is not just any ordinary one.
“It’s one full of life, full of peace.
"Whenever I feel upset or let down, the birds’ melody fills my heart and gives me serenity.
“I’m extremely passionate about environment protection, especially in my local area
"In addition, this field has been used as a burial place for horses, cats and many other animals.
"Building on it will cause many animals’ habitats to be destroyed.”
Zoe Hinchley, who lives on the same street, added: “We already have a whole new estate next to the proposed site, pushing more of our beloved wildlife to search for new hunting grounds.
“We have a pair of red kites and a large barn owl which dwell on the land.
“It is already very difficult to get a doctor’s appointment and the local school is full.
“I believe the proposed access to be extremely dangerous in particular during the winter.”
In September 2024 plans for 62 homes in Dale Lane in the village were approved, despite councillors claiming Blidworth was ‘already burdened by significant development’.