Key milestone in controversial 300-home development
Plus: Appeal as woman seriously injured in hospital crash
Good morning and welcome to your Monday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s newsletter, major updates on plans for Ashfield, a serious crash outside a hospital and more.
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300-homes plan for town takes step forward
A planning appeal has been granted for a controversial new residential development in Sutton-in-Ashfield, which will see up to 300 new homes built at the junction of Newark Road and Coxmoor Road.
The appeal was lodged by Hallam Land after Ashfield District Council failed to make a decision on the outline application, submitted in August 2022, within the required timeframe.
The development has sparked significant local opposition, particularly from residents in neighbouring areas.
While full details of the development, such as layout and design, will be determined later, an initial masterplan shows that around a third of the site will be set aside for open space.
The development will also include sustainable urban drainage systems to avoid a former landfill area on the site.
In December 2024, Ashfield District Council withdrew its objections to the development after previously deferring the decision for additional information regarding ground contamination and the impact on local roads.
At a meeting in October 2024, the council had indicated it would have refused the application on five grounds had it been able to make a decision.
A Section 106 agreement has been secured as part of the approval, which will provide funding for community infrastructure, including affordable housing, education, healthcare, and transport links.
Despite the approval, local opposition remains, and many residents are still concerned about the impact the development will have on the area.
Woman seriously injured in crash outside hospital
A woman suffered serious after being hit by a car at the entrance to King’s Mill Hospital.
Police were called to the hospital at about 11.40am on Monday, February 17.
The woman is in her 60s and police said the driver of the car involved in the incident stayed at the scene to speak with officers.
Detective Constable Liah Lane, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our investigation into this incident is ongoing and the pedestrian involved remains in hospital with serious injuries.
“It is important anyone with any information or dashcam footage which could help with our inquiries gets in touch with police.
“Services at the hospital are not affected by the incident and I’d like to thank staff and visitors for their cooperation and patience while our investigations took place.”
Anyone with any information or relevant dashcam footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 208 of 17 February 2025, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Hospital trust announces death of chief executive
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust has announced the death of its chief executive, Paul Robinson, after a year-long battle with illness.
Mr Robinson, who dedicated more than 30 years to the NHS, was a beloved figure within 'Team SFH'.
He first joined the Trust in May 2015 as Director of Finance, where his leadership played a pivotal role in guiding Sherwood Forest Hospitals out of special measures.
In 2021, Mr Robinson stepped into the Chief Executive role on an acting basis, and in March 2022, he was appointed permanently, a position he held until his passing.
The Trust’s Acting Chief Executive, David Selwyn, paid tribute to Mr Robinson, saying: “Everyone who knew Paul understood that he truly embodied everything that was good about the NHS and the colleagues he was so proud to work with.
“This is a deeply shocking and unexpected loss.
“Paul was at the heart of everything that Sherwood Forest Hospitals has strived to achieve, and he was fiercely passionate about our work.”
Mr Selwyn added that Mr Robinson had been making plans to return to his role in the coming weeks.
“He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
New development to create hundreds of jobs
A major new manufacturing site in Ashfield will create hundreds of new jobs, the district council has said.
The multi-million-pound development off junction 27 of the M1 has been approved by the authority.
The 7.28-hectare site in Mansfield Road, Annesley, will be home to Derbyshire-based aluminium manufacturer Garnalex.
The company, which produces low-carbon, thermally-efficient aluminium windows and doors, is relocating from Belper, bringing more than 300 jobs to the area.
Phase one of the project will see the construction of a 350,000 sq ft facility, set to be completed in the next 18 to 24 months.
The new site offers better transport links and room for future expansion, allowing Garnalex to grow further.
The company, which was named Aluminium Systems Company of the Year in 2024, was founded in 2018 with the aim of reducing the UK’s reliance on imported aluminium.
The development will feature a façade that blends with the natural surroundings and incorporating wildlife corridors and tree planting.
Phase two of the project will enable further growth and ensure that jobs remain within the Ashfield district, with easy access to the motorway, avoiding lorries in residential areas.
Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, hailed the project as a sign of Ashfield’s growing appeal to businesses, with over 7,000 potential jobs approved in the past five years.
Roger Hartshorn, Founder of Garnalex, added that the company plans to create hundreds more jobs in the coming years.
Donation after Santa run
Ashfield Fire Station received a cheque for £250 to recognise the team’s work on the 2024 Santa’s Sleigh Ride.
The money was handed over by The Rotary Club of Sutton in Ashfield and it will be donated by the station to the Firefighters Charity.
A spokesperson for the station said: “Ashfield Fire Station would like to thank The Rotary Club of Sutton in Ashfield for their very kind donation and we can’t wait to get involved again in December.”