Controversial plan to extend Derby suburb receives almost 1,500 objections

Almost 1,500 objections have been sent to planning officers over controversial plans to build 150 new homes on the edge of Derby. Plans are back on the table to build dozens of homes on land off Lime Lane next to the ancient woodland Chaddesden Wood after they were suddenly withdrawn last year.

Latest information on Derby City Council’s online planning portal says to date that 1,468 objections have been received about the plans, led by developer JGP Properties Limited. Plans state it is an intention to “develop a sustainable and integrated new urban area within Oakwood”.

The developer says the land off Lime Lane can deliver a residential scheme to suit its needs. In planning documents, the developer has said: “Ultimately, Lime Lane is a sustainable location for residential development, as proposed. The scheme is developable and deliverable upon any grant of planning permission.

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“The development as proposed is respectful of the environmental context within which it sits, seeking to include a mixture of good quality market and affordable housing, open space, green infrastructure corridors, improved connectivity and landscaping. This will facilitate a subtle and appropriate transition between the existing urban area and the countryside. Any visual impact is kept to a minimum. There are no immediate flood risks and a clear opportunity for ecological and wildlife habitats to be enhanced as a result of this proposal.”

Similar plans were announced for the same site last year which also triggered hundreds of objections. But because they were withdrawn, no decision had to be made by either planning officers or by the city council’s planning committee.

Oakwood councillors say they are awaiting details of when a decision will be made so they can update residents. They are hoping the matter will be heard in a planning committee meeting before the end of the year. But it could be next year.

The three Conservative councillors Matthew Eyre, Jamie Mulhall and Freya Trewhella said previously: “We know new housing is needed, but hemming in Derby's ancient woodland, putting the access route on Lime Lane and concreting over the Green Wedge whilst providing no new schools, doctors or the upgrades we need is the wrong approach.”

There are two more planning committee dates at Derby City Council this year – November 14 and December 12. A decison could be made on one of those dates.

There has also been an objection from CPRE Derbyshire – the countryside charity - who state in a letter: “Derby city has championed the idea of Green Wedges into residential areas to give breathing space and to allow wildlife to flourish. The Green Wedge is formed of this proposed development and Chaddesden Wood.

“If the proposal is allowed, it would isolate Chaddesden Wood and deny its natural connection to the open countryside towards Lime Lane. We should value natural woodland and seek to enhance its setting, not surround it by urban development.”

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