MP opposes homes as house building target doubles

Derbyshire Dales MP John Whitby spoke against plans for 70 homes in his constituency

A Labour MP has admitted his objection to 70 new homes in a village in his constituency was "ironic", coming on the same day his own government published new targets for house building across the country.

John Whitby, who represents Derbyshire Dales spoke in opposition to the plan for new homes in Brailsford near Derby.

It came on the same day his district council was told by the government it has to build 580 new homes a year - up from 216 under the Conservative administration.

Councillors on Derbyshire Dales District Council's planning committee deferred the plans and requested additional reports.

Gladman Developments wants to build the homes on land at the south-eastern edge of the village off Throstle Nest Way.

If approved, the project would include eight affordable homes on the site as well as money towards a medical practice, a primary school, Ashbourne Library and bus shelter improvements on the A52.

'Good reason why'

But Whitby said the development was in the wrong place and previous applications had been turned down before.

"It does seem a bit ironic that on the day the government produces a statement on housing targets I am here opposing a development," he said.

"Of course we do need housing, there is no doubt about that, but not at any price.

"The reason why I am happy to oppose this development is because it is one of those that keeps coming back because it keeps getting rejected.

"It was rejected in the 90s, it was rejected in 2016 and again in 2022, and if a development keeps getting rejected there is probably a very, very good reason why."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Whitby said plans sat outside Brailsford's agreed development boundary, which was meant to "prevent sprawl" and that the village had "doubled in size in the last couple of decades".

The area marked in red is where the proposed homes would be built