Villagers urged to have their say over housing scheme for 1,000 homes in north Derbyshire
“We have to listen to everybody”
Residents are being urged to take part in a developer's public consultation over a controversial housing scheme for up to 1,000 homes on greenfield land near a Derbyshire village.
Hallam Land, which has not yet submitted a planning application, hopes to build around 1,000 homes east of Manor Road, Brimington, with a new primary school and a 'mixed use local centre' as part of its 'Parkerswood' scheme on 61 hectares of agricultural land close to a conservation area and woodland.
But residents, who attended a public meeting in September organised by Brimington Parish Council, have already raised concerns the scheme will create overcrowding, increase traffic congestion, place a strain on limited infrastructure, pose flooding worries and mean the loss of greenspace and wildlife.
Brimington Parish Councillor Julie Williamson, who confirmed the launch of Hallam Land's consultation, said: "We have been promised all along there will be a public consultation prior or during the planning application period."
Coun Williamson added: "One of the reasons for the meeting was to gauge public opinion. We have to listen to everybody. We definitely need to encourage people to respond to it.
"We need them to also respond to the formal planning application when that comes in too and we need people to be fully informed."
Brimington Parish Council, which has accepted an invitation to an online briefing session with the developer, has not yet formally established its position over the scheme despite sympathising with residents as it awaits the submission of a planning application to Chesterfield Borough Council who will approve or refuse the scheme.
The developers have been told they must provide an Environmental Statement with any future planning application for the borough council to first consider the proposal's potential impact on housing growth, urbanisation, traffic impacts and air quality.
Residents' objections also include congestion along an ambulance route to Chesterfield Royal Hospital and on nearby M1 motorway junctions, limited public transport, and the strain on the area's facilities and services.
Derbyshire County Councillor Richard Smith, who represents Brimington, has launched a petition opposing the proposed scheme which has attracted over 500 signatures.
He is concerned the scheme will have an impact on traffic and pollution levels and he raised concerns about potential flooding claiming the site is on a floodplain with underground springs.
Residents told the meeting in September there is already too much traffic in the area and they argued the scheme would place a strain on already overstretched medical services and Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Hallam Land stated: "Engaging with the local community at this early stage is an important part of the process. Feedback received through this consultation will help identify local issues and inform the final planning application."
Those interested can provide feedback in Hallam Land's initial public consulation by visiting https://www.parkerswood.co.uk/ and https://www.parkerswood.co.uk/#Have%20Your%20Say for details.