Decision to build 70 new homes in Southwell is delayed
A decision on plans for 70 homes in ‘one of the prettiest towns in Nottinghamshire’ has been delayed while the impact on its character and landscape is assessed.
Developer Richborough has been seeking outline planning permission for up to 70 homes to be built on land west of Allenby Road in Southwell.
Outline permission is typically sought to assess whether the site is suitable before more detailed plans for design and layout are tabled later.
The site is located to the west of the town, next to the existing residential properties which border open countryside towards the village of Halam.
Southwell is regarded as ‘one of the prettiest towns in Nottinghamshire’, and is home to the Grade I-listed Southwell Minster.
Plans were deferred at a Newark & Sherwood Council planning committee meeting on February 12.
Angela Brooks, the developer’s agent from Fisher German, said the public benefits of the scheme ‘are substantial’.
She said: “Southwell is a sustainable location identified as a service centre with a large range of facilities, transport links, schools and opportunities.
“The site sits directly alongside the built-up area and represents a logical and well-related extension to the settlement.
"The development makes a meaningful contribution to local needs, with up to 70 homes, including 21 much-needed affordable homes.”
While no concerns were raised by statutory bodies, a large number of objections were lodged by local residents, councillors and the Southwell Civic Society.
Speaking at the meeting, the society’s planning secretary Roy Lewis said: “The development of this site would result in an unnatural and obtrusive extension of Southwell onto prominent rising countryside that forms part of a green link around the town.”
Southwell Civic Society says a study from 2012 concluded development of the site would result in ‘an unacceptable level of impact and it was therefore excluded from the Draft Allocations & Development Management DPD (development plan document).”
Coun Penny Rainbow (Con), who represents Southwell on the council, said: “To my mind that hasn’t changed.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been so against an application in all the years I’ve been sat here.
"In all honesty I cannot put my hand up and vote for this application.
“We are flooded with new housing, we are sodden with new housing and we cannot really carry on taking any more.”
Coun Keith Melton (Lib Dem), a member of the committee, raised concerns over flooding, and further agreed with Coun Rainbow, saying: “All of a sudden Halam is a suburb of Southwell, we’ve got Southwell city, and I don’t think that is the intention of the Government’s plans to build more houses.”
Coun Andy Freeman (Lab), the chairman of the planning committee, said the political landscape has changed since 2012, as has the need for more homes.
But he said an updated assessment was needed on the impact on the landscape and character of the town.