Then and Now – What’s changed since 2006?

Since the previous promotion of the site at the Rushcliffe Borough Local Plan Review and receipt of the Inspectors subsequent comments and recommendations, there have been material changes to the scheme and indeed the planning context in which this new application needs to be considered. These are set out below:

Then – The original proposal exclusively focused on land to the west of the A606 Melton Road providing 1200 dwellings and community facilities.

Now – The revised scheme incorporates land on both sides of Melton Road and incorporates an even wider mix of sustainable land uses. 1200 houses (including 360 affordable dwellings for rent and shared ownership) are still included, yet around 270 of these are now to be located on the “Melton Road Triangle” an area previously considered by the Local Plan Inspector as a suitable site for development and now an integral part of this new proposal.

Then – The Inspector was concerned about the significant loss of Green Belt and an ill-defined western site boundary.

Now – Major review and deletion of Green Belt is now advocated by the East Midlands Regional Plan Panel to accommodate a substantial housing need. A broad buffer of retained open land separates the western site boundary of built development from Sharphill Wood.  No development would occur beyond the existing aircraft runway, which serves as a definitive feature on the ground.

Then – The Inspector was concerned about the loss of the best and most versatile land.

Now – The substantially increased housing requirement will inevitably lead to the loss of good quality agricultural land whether at Edwalton or elsewhere around the edge of the urban area.

Then – The Inspector questioned the viability of the dedicated bus service proposal and the consequences of possible congestion on the route.

Now – A similar scheme is now operational in Dartford, Kent and is proving to be hugely successful. Updated traffic data indicates that the route will operate efficiently and viably without extensive delays.

Then – The Inspector queried the impact of car trips emerging on a single access onto the Melton Road

Now – The innovative access and underpass proposals create additional access points to the Melton Road minimizing disruption to the free flow of traffic along the principal route and allowing the safe passage of pedestrians and cyclists between the two areas of the development.

Then – The Inspector raised concerns about the impact of the proposed scheme on the setting of Sharphill Wood within the local landscape.

Now - The revised scheme proposes a substantial, undeveloped open space buffer to the east of Sharphill Wood, the setting of which is to be protected and enhanced by the provision of a 33-hectare Community Park.  This will be managed to maximise biodiversity and appropriate recreational potential.

Then – The Inspector was concerned about the impact of development on the badger population.

Now - The comprehensive Green Infrastructure network proposed around Sharphill Wood will ensure that the existing badger population continues to thrive.