Anger as 100 homes planned on "sacred" land

Plus: Images show how town centre church could be transformed

Good morning and welcome to your Monday briefing from Ashfield News. Today, new plans for 100 homes on a “sacred” piece of land are announced, images show what a new town centre church could look like, resurfacing works are to take place on a major road and “serious concerns” raised over Nottinghamshire Police.

Part of this newsletter is for paid subscribers of Ashfield News. You can sign up to be a paid subscriber for just £4 per month or a discounted £30 for the year.

---

100 homes plan announced for “sacred” land

A “precious” area of greenbelt land in Nottinghamshire risks being “destroyed” if homes are allowed to be built, residents say.

New controversial plans to create 100 homes off Common Lane in Hucknall, known locally as Misk Hills, have been submitted to Ashfield District Council.

Developer Aldergate Property Group has reduced the number of homes from 130 to 100, saying this has followed consultations and will allow for extra open space surrounding the development.

The company says the homes would be no taller than two-storeys and will be “sustainable”.

But the outline planning application was met with opposition from residents within hours of it being submitted.

One resident described the application as “destructive”.

Another added: “The area around Leiver's Hill and Misk Hill is very precious to the people of Hucknall and is of national importance.

“It is the first hill of the Pennines and has a WWII bunker nearby, it should not be built on.

“Locally it is used by numerous walkers and is essential to mental health for many, myself included.

“Kids have sledged down there for decades. Our churches together in Hucknall, Linby and Papplewick hold services there.

“People have scattered ashes of loved ones and you plan to dig them up - that's disgusting!”

One objection described the area as “sacred” to people in Hucknall, adding: “It is steeped in History, Lord Byron wrote a poem about the area. WWII bunker is nestled near here.

“Children snowboard in winter on these hills. It is a beautiful area, where us residents love to walk and there are a lot of dog walkers, too.

“The building would destroy wildlife. Please do not build here, I know houses are needed, but this area is special. Hucknall has had its fair share of new houses and our infrastructure is crumbling.”

In its design and access statement for the project, the developers said: “Development can be accommodated on the site within this area without any significant visual impact on the landscape.

“The access proposals would provide safe and convenient access to the site without detriment to the safety of others.

“The development can secure net public and environmental benefits whilst sustainably addressing the shortfall in housing supply.”

A decision is due on the proposal by September 3.

---

New images show what town centre church could look like