Two-year battle over solar farm next to monument ends
Plus: Lee Anderson apologises for swearing at Parliament guard
Good morning, readers, and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s newsletter, a two-year solar farm battle is over, Ashfield MP Lee Anderson apologises for swearing at a security guard and much more.
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Decision made on solar farm next to heritage site
A two-year battle over plans to create a large solar farm next to an important heritage site has come to an end.
Initial proposals to create the 22-acre farm on land off Hamilton Road, between Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield, were refused by Ashfield District Council in December 2022.
The site would have operated for a period of 30 years, potentially powering more than 2,000 homes.
But the authority said at the time the development would cause harm to the “Mound on Hamilton Hill”, a Scheduled Ancient Monument thought to have been used as a Bronze Age barrow, look out and gallows site.
The applicant, Hamilton Solar Limited, appealed the council’s decision, stating: “The scheme would positively contribute towards the achievement of sustainable development.
“It would improve biodiversity. It would provide urgently needed renewable energy infrastructure that would contribute towards building a strong, responsive carbon zero economy; social gains would be delivered by fostering a well-designed scheme which is safe for the environment.”
Following a hearing in February, the Planning Inspectorate has now dismissed the appeal.
In its decision the inspectorate looked in depth at the potential impact on the Mound.
The inspectorate’s decision stated: “There would be harm to the significance of the Mound, through development within its setting; and through development in the countryside, having regard to the effect on its landscape character and appearance, including its openness.”
Lee Anderson apologises after swearing at guard
Ashfield MP Lee Anderson has apologised in Parliament after swearing at a security guard.
An Independent Expert Panel found Mr Anderson breached Parliament’s bullying and harassment policy after telling a guard at a search post to open the door at an entrance to Parliament.
The panel alleged he told the guard, who had asked to see his pass: “F*** off, everyone opens the door to me, you are the only one."
It went on to allege he made another expletive remark when the guard asked again for his pass during the incident in November last year.
The Reform MP has now apologised and told the Commons: “Our security staff do an incredible job and should always be treated with the utmost of respect.
"The standards of an MP's behaviour must always be at a higher standard. I give you and this House my firm assurance that I've learned significant lessons through this process, and a firm undertaking that such behaviour on my part will never happen again.”
Remembrance service details announced
Full details for Remembrance events taking place in Ashfield this weekend have been confirmed.
Services have been announced in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Hucknall, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Huthwaite.
On Sunday, November 10, residents are invited to attend a Remembrance service at the Sutton War Memorial and Sutton Cemetery, from 10am-12noon. A parade will take place in Lammas Road.
An event will take place at the same time at Titchfield Park, Hucknall, with a parade forming up in the town centre market place car park.
From 9am-1pm on Sunday, Kirkby’s service will take place at the Kingsway Memorial.
And from 10am-12noon, Huthwaite Cemetery and Cenotaph will be the location as the village remembers those who have died in war.
Man dies in house fire in Hucknall
An investigation is under way after a man died in a house fire in Hucknall.
Crews from Hucknall and Stockhill were called to Wigwam Grove just before 1am on Monday, November 4, after a neighbour reported smelling smoke coming from the property.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed in a statement.
Fire service group manager Richard Cooper said: “This really is a sad and tragic incident, and I would like to send my sincere condolences to the gentleman’s family and friends.
“I would also like to thank the emergency services that responded to this incident. There will still be a fire service presence in the area today, whilst we complete our outstanding investigations, and firefighters will be in the area soon to offer support to local residents.
“It is extremely important that in the meantime, members of the public understand the importance of closing all internal doors when leaving their home or going to bed, and to have working smoke alarms - each property should have one working smoke alarm on each floor, they should be tested weekly, and replaced every ten years."
Thousands descend on Sutton Lawn for Sparks in the Park
Thousands of people descended on Sutton Lawn as Sparks in the Park returned to the venue for the first time in more than 10 years.
Residents were treated to two fireworks displays on Saturday, November 2, with a fairground and live music also among the attractions.
Jason Zadrozny, leader of the council, said: “We had an absolutely fantastic evening at Sparks in the Park, welcoming thousands of visitors.
“We listened to residents calling for the return of the annual Ashfield fireworks event and we couldn’t be prouder to have brought this brilliant free event back.”
Replacing boilers in council properties
Older boilers are set to be replaced in Ashfield council homes and properties.
The council warned tenants could be left without hot water or heating for “an unacceptable period of time” as it agreed a contract with two private firms to provide ad-hoc urgent replacement boiler installations.
In a delegated decision made by the authority, it said a contract was needed due to the large number of older boilers – aged between 15-20 – being condemned.
A spokesperson said: “Due to the reactive nature of the work in question it is not viable to provide the actual number of installations which will be undertaken and these will be completed on an ad-hoc basis until the time when a suitable contractor is sourced.”
The temporary contract will run for six months.