Second business to open next to McDonald's revealed
Plus: "Anti-social behaviour magnet" home shut down
Good morning, readers, and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s newsletter, an ‘anti-social magnet’ home is closed down, the identity of a second new business for the Broad Centre is revealed and much more.
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Second business to move into Broad Centre site
The identity of a second business proposed to move on to a Nottinghamshire retail park has been revealed.
Planning permission was previously approved by Ashfield District Council to divide a Poundland store at The Broad Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Fast food giant McDonald’s was confirmed as one of the firms set to move into the unit.
Now, Costa Coffee has submitted plans to put its signage on the second unit.
The chain currently operates one branch from Market Place and a second drive-thru off the A38.
No statements have been issued in the planning documents for Costa, but a decision is expected to be made on the signage application by March 27.
Concerns were previously raised over the plans for McDonald’s to move into The Broad Centre, with a McDonald’s takeaway already in place near King’s Mill Hospital and another in Priestic Road, near the Asda superstore.
They also questioned the impact on children at Croft Primary School, located opposite the site.
One resident said: “I object to having a fast food restaurant directly opposite a primary school in an area where childhood obesity is already a significant concern.
“It is irresponsible of the council to consider this and I do not feel the decision to give this planning permission is in the best interests of the local community.”
“Anti-social magnet” home closed by police
A house that became a “magnet” for anti-social behaviour has been shut down.
Residents and businesses raised concerns with police about the property in Holly Hill Road, Selston.
Nottinghamshire Police said anti-social behaviour issues had been causing problems for a long period of time and had a “huge impact on the local community”.
The force’s Kirkby Beat Team worked alongside Ashfield District Council to secure a closure order on the property at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on February 4.
The order prevents anyone from entering the property for three months and will allow the council to gain back possession of the home.
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said: “We have received countless reports regarding this property.
“From collating these reports we have gathered enough information to be able to take this matter to court.
“I want this to be a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in our community, and we will take action against those who continue to cause such nuisance.”
Appeal after “cowardly” attack on elderly man
An elderly man was attacked after asking two youths not to ride their bikes in an alleyway.
Nottinghamshire Police is now appealing for witnesses or information following the “cowardly incident’ in Hucknall.
The man was walking his two dogs down an alleyway between Polperro Way and Totnes Close at about 12.30pm on February 2 when two people on trial bikes “rode in an anti-social manner” past him.
According to Nottinghamshire Police’s Hucknall Neighbourhood Policing Team, the man asked politely for the two youths not to ride down the alleyway.
He was then attacked and punched by one of the riders, who fled the scene.
The two male riders were wearing full leathers with white full-face helmets and reinforced riding gloves.
One of the bikes was described as being blue and white.
The victim suffered “substantial” injuries, the force added, including swelling, bruising and bleeding behind the eye.
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson added: “The victim has been left extremely shaken and we are requesting that if anyone has any information that they please come forward.”
If you are able to help police with their inquiries, call police on 101, quoting incident 0287_02022025.
Major work to improve Coxmoor Estate
Barriers, railings and landscaping work is set to take place in a Nottinghamshire street to “restore a sense of community”.
The project in Kirkby-in-Ashfield’s Coxmoor Estate is also aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour, according to a decision made by Ashfield District Council.
The authority has agreed to enter into a contract with Land Restoration Services to carry out improvement works at Holidays Hill and Coniston Road’s open spaces.
According to the authority, the project will focus on putting in place railings, access barriers and footpaths.
The amount spent on the project, secured through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Safer Streets Fund, has not been announced but it is expected the work will be completed by March 31.
In its reasoning for making the decision, a council spokesperson said: “To carry out landscape improvement works which restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging.
“Addressing issues of anti-social behaviour and making the place more attractive and vibrant to live.
“This project will provide opportunities for increase in health and well-being within the community and add value to the existing green infrastructure.”
Plans for dog kennels next to busy road rejected
Planners have rejected a bid to create a commercial dog kennel in a residential street amid concerns over safety and noise.
Ashfield District Council also said the development in Beck Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield, would overdevelop the site and have a “detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the area, character of the street scene and setting of the adjacent listed building due to the design, size and siting”.
The applicant stated there would be measures put in place to mitigate noise and that it would be designed to “integrate harmoniously within its surroundings”.
But the bid, which was rejected by the authority, prompted opposition from a number of residents.
One of the objections stated: “Noise associated with the kenneling of dogs is of significant concern. They become distressed when in different environments and not with their owners.
“14 dogs next to a busy road which has potential to distress them could cause significant nuisance from barking.
“This may be less noticeable in the day when the road is busy but at night, local residents are likely to be disturbed.”
Another added: “This is a most unsuitable idea.
“It’s going to create much more traffic, which is horrendous now. Much too close to the main road, may result in accidents to the dogs and to people in cars if they escaped.”
10 year party for children’s home
A home which supports children and young people with severe learning disabilities has marked its 10th birthday.
The Big House in Edwinstowe, which provides respite care, hosted an Alice in Wonderland-themed afternoon tea to mark the milestone.
The home is run by Nottinghamshire County Council and has provided a lifeline for families across the county since a multi-million pound rebuild in 2015.
Tracey Taylor, the council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “What a wonderful way to celebrate 10 years since being rebuilt as a specialist home for children with disabilities.
“I’m proud to see that the Big House is still delivering these support services.
“Six young people a night receive care here and families tell us that it is as valued by them today as it ever was.
“I’m proud that we have continued to provide this fantastic service for children with complex needs and their families.”
Claire, whose daughter has enjoyed breaks at the home for 52 nights a year since 2020, said: "My daughter loves going to the Big House, she's so happy and excited going, it’s her second home, she feels safe and loved."
The service primarily provides care and support for young people, enabling carers to have a period of time away from their day-to-day caring responsibilities.