'We want to make 300-home estate a place people want to live and enjoy'
Plus: Green light for new sports facilities on popular green space
Good morning, readers, and welcome to your Monday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s newsletter, plans for a 300-home development are released, police shut down a home over drug issues and much more.
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Images show scale of 300-home estate
Artist’s impressions have been released showing what a new 300-home development in Ashfield could look like.
Harron Homes wants to create a “welcoming new neighbourhood” on land at Newark Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The development was previously given outline planning permission permission by Ashfield District Council, and the house builder has now submitted an application for the appearance, layout and scale of the estate.
“The quality of the place where we live has a major influence on our quality of life,” documents submitted to the council state.
“The place making process undertaken in developing this application has been about creating great places where people will want to live, visit and enjoy.”
The development site encompasses about 51 acres of land around Newark Road and Coxmoor Road.
The exact make up of the homes has not been released but in a planning statement it was confirmed 30 properties would be affordable.
This has included homes for affordable rent and shared ownership.
Harron Homes says the development will include a “variety of house to add interest to the street scene” and high quality public areas.
A decision is due on the application by April 26.
Flat shut down over drug issues and anti-social behaviour
Police have boarded up a house in Nottinghamshire as part of an operation to reduce drug dealing and related issues in an estate.
Operation Waxcandle is specifically targeting the Leamington Estate in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
On Thursday, April 17, the force, along with Ashfield District Council, was granted an order to shut down a property in the Jephson Buildings.
The home was linked to drug dealing, drug use and anti-social behaviour and the closure order will be in effect for three months.
Anybody found trying to get into the property or being found inside will be committing an offence, a police spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added: “I want this to be a clear warning to people within the Ashfield area, this behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take positive action.
“We are already looking into other properties, so I urge the local community to come forward and help us build the intelligence we need, so we can apply to the courts for more orders just like this one.”
The council will now begin legal proceedings to get possession of the property and re-allocate it.
Patients’ votes wanted in hospital award
Patients and families across Nottinghamshire are being encouraged to recognise outstanding care at their local hospitals by nominating staff for a prestigious award.
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – which runs King’s Mill, Mansfield Community and Newark hospitals – is calling on the public to put forward nominations for this year’s People’s Award, part of its annual Excellence Awards.
The People’s Award gives patients, carers and relatives the opportunity to thank individuals or teams who have gone above and beyond in delivering exceptional care and support.
It’s the only category in the Excellence Awards that is open to public nominations.
The awards celebrate the dedication, compassion and hard work of NHS staff and volunteers across the trust’s three sites, recognising those who make a real difference every day to the lives of patients, visitors and colleagues.
A spokesperson for the trust said: “This is a chance for our local community to shine a light on those who make our hospitals a better place.
“Whether it’s a nurse who offered exceptional comfort, a doctor who went the extra mile, or a whole team who made a difficult time a little easier – we want to hear your stories.”
Nominations for the People’s Award can be submitted online at: www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk/excellence.
Paper forms can also be requested by emailing: sfh-tr.communications@nhs.net.
The deadline for nominations will be announced in the coming weeks.
Green light for new sports facilities bid
Plans for two brand new 3G football pitches in Ashfield have been given the go-ahead, as part of a major upgrade to local sports facilities.
Ashfield District Council’s planning committee has approved proposals to install the artificial grass pitches at Sutton Lawn, replacing the existing pitch currently on site.
As part of the redevelopment, an overflow car park with 30 additional spaces will also be built to accommodate increased footfall.
The facilities will be managed by Sutton Community Academy.
During school hours, the pitches will be used for PE lessons, while in the evenings and at weekends, they will be made available for hire by local football clubs, community groups and private users.
The scheme forms part of the wider Sports Hub Project at Sutton Lawn and is being supported by Government investment via the Towns Fund and the Future High Streets Fund.
John Bennett, executive director – place, at Ashfield District Council, said: “The council is dedicated to improving and providing more sports facilities across the District.
Today’s decision is another step in that commitment.
“We are opening up our green spaces and parks to provide more opportunities for our residents. We know the pupils of Sutton Community Academy will also make the most of these during their PE lessons.
“We may even see future England stars start out on these pitches.
“Health and happiness is one of our priorities as a Council and I look forward to seeing the new pitches become a reality.”
The new pitches will meet Football Association standards for match play and are expected to provide a significant boost to grassroots sport in the area.
Appeal after child bitten by dog
Police have released an image of two people they wish to speak to following a dog attack that left a five-year-old child injured in Warsop.
The incident happened at around 3.30pm on Wednesday 26 March in The Cars area. The child was taken to hospital for treatment following the bite, and while their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, the incident has caused considerable distress to the family.
Officers are now appealing for the two individuals pictured in a newly released image to come forward as they may hold crucial information about the dog and its owner.
PC Abigail May, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a distressing incident for the child and for their parents, and we are keen to track down this dog’s owner so we can speak with them.
“We believe the people pictured in this image have vital information and would like to speak with them without delay.”
Anyone who recognises the individuals or has any information is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 580 of 26 March 2025.