Kirkby: Hopes plans for 50 affordable apartments will ‘uplift’ town

Langcroft Developments is hoping to build a three-storey apartment block in Pond Street.

The apartments would be affordable, consist of 44 one-bedrooms and six two-bedrooms, and would be designed for residents of retirement age.

Midlands-based retirement housing provider, Housing 21, would then manage the block.

Plans submitted to Ashfield Council say: “The development has been designed to meet the operational needs of accommodation provider, at the same time achieving best urban design principles including making the best and most efficient use of previously developed land.

“The accommodation will be high-quality, providing accessible and inclusive living spaces, communal facilities and a tranquil and safe outdoor garden area.”

The site was once used as a brickyard and featured a pit, which was believed to have been used to mine clay.

It has since been filled.

Coun Warren Nuttall (Ash Ind), who represents Greenwood & Summit for the Ashfield Independents, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s a welcome scheme.

“We’ve got two lots of flats going up in our area.

“Anything in that area is an uplift, and that is what the people are wanting.”

The scheme has been proposed in collaboration with the North Kirkby Gateway project, which will regenerate a nearby site for housing and commercial uses.

A former factory shop on nearby Ellis Street, is being cleared to make way for the council’s new gateway building.

Funded by part of their £62.6m Towns Deal, the council acquired the empty building earlier in 2025.

A mix of 18 apartments and commercial units will be built on this site.

Coun Nuttall added: “We’ve still got £70m to spend, we’ve got a lot of money and I’m a little disappointed it’s not the council’s decision what to do with it.

“I would like to see a lot of new shops.

"We are not a very modern-looking town – the town centre needs some big ideas.”

The council is currently considering the plans.