A housing developer's plans for up to 149 homes to be built in a former coal mining village have been given the green light by the planning inspectorate.

Ashfield Council was expected to determine the application within the relevant timeframe but this was not the case, meaning the developer lodged an appeal to the planning inspectorate earlier in 2026 for a decision.

Plans have been previously proposed for the site in the past, including one for 142 homes in 2020 and another for 141 homes in 2022 but these were both thrown out over concerns the homes would result in ‘significant harm’ to the character of Brand Lane and wider area.

placeholder image — A view looking towards the land from Brand Lane.

Fears for the ‘further encroachment’ into the countryside were also noted, along with a new development creating ‘significant volumes’ of traffic without improvements being made in the area.

These same concerns for the current proposals were put forward by the council for the appeal.

But on July 9, the planning inspectorate has decided the development can go forward.

Now, up to 149 homes can one day be built across two fields to the west of the village.

The plans are in their early, ‘outline’ stage, meaning further detailed proposals, such as the precise layout of homes, will be submitted at a later stage.

The planning inspectorate concluded the development would ‘preserve the character and appearance of the area’ and the character of the wider landscape, where ‘illustrative’ details suggest appropriate house density, landscaping, outdoor space and drainage could be achieved.

They said: “The details also show the creation of a green corridor around the public footpath running through the site, which would help to soften the visual impact of housing to either side.

"I am satisfied that a suitable layout and overall design could be achieved at reserved matters stage.”

Access to the housing development would come from the existing entrance to the farm on the site, which continues in a straight line from the end of Brand Lane.

Planning documents say Brand Lane can have ‘considerable levels’ of on-street parking, meaning part of the road effectively becomes a single carriageway.

A traffic study has also indicated only a ‘modest increase’ of traffic from the development, saying: “The reality is that drivers may have to wait to allow oncoming traffic to pass through the on-street parking, but this is an existing scenario and one which the evidence indicates would not be significantly exacerbated by the development.”

Documents say the developer plans to put £195,000 towards local bus services and £253,000 towards upgrading the pedestrian and cycling environment, including upgrading signals at Brand Lane, B6028 and Longden Terrace, introducing a 20mph speed limit on Brand Lane and improving public rights of way in the area.

Ten per cent of homes would be affordable, helping the council’s aim to provide a five-year housing supply, in which it can only supply 4.39 years.