New homes plan approved despite objections

A new development of 39 homes has been approved despite a dispute over whether the land is designated public space.

Urban Investments Nottingham was granted permission by Derby City Council to build the new homes on green land off Lavinia Drive in Chellaston.

A report by planning officers said the development site had "historically been allocated as public open space" under the city council's Local Plan Review.

However, the council said "the land has never been laid out, managed or brought forward as formal public open space" and there is "no evidence" of public use.

The authority also said the land was "not visually prominent in the wider landscape".

City councillor for Alvaston, Tim Prosser, told a meeting of the council's planning control committee: "It was designated public open space.

"It is seen as important public space because it is.

"It contributes greatly to that area and provides an important wildlife corridor."

Another concern from objectors was that existing roads and access routes are "inadequate to support the volume of traffic from additional properties".

Councillor for Blagreaves, Sara Bolton, added: "We've got to be pragmatic and listen to what the officers are telling us.

"We need the housing, we need the affordable housing element."

The approved plans will see two, three and four-bedroom houses and apartment blocks created, with some areas of public open space.

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