Bramcote: 'Flawed' housing plans approved despite concerns

A 470-home housing estate is set for the former Bramcote School playing field on Coventry Lane

Plans for a 470-home housing estate have been approved, despite concerns about the "flawed development".

Councillors criticised the quality of the plans for the site, located on the former Bramcote School playing field in Nottinghamshire, on Wednesday.

One councillor said the design of the estate, set to be built in Coventry Lane in Bramcote, was "rubbish".

Andrea Caplan, representing the applicant, said it would help the village meet housing needs.

Speaking at a Broxtowe Borough Council meeting, councillors voiced their concerns over the housing density and potential flooding issues at the site.

Bramcote ward councillor David Watts said: "It's a poorly-designed, cramped estate, aimed to maximise profits. It will create a huge number of problems for the local authority to deal with."

Andrew Kingdon, also representing Bramcote, said: "Residents want to make clear this is a flawed development which has been designed by a flawed process.

"470 homes is too many for this site, especially given Bramcote's insufficient school places and GPs."

'Significant opportunity'

However, Greg Marshall, who represents Beeston West, urged approval despite members' reservations, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

"There are 1,700 people on our council housing waiting list, many with heartbreaking stories," he said.

"We don't have the luxury of waiting for an ideal or perfect scheme.

"This is a significant opportunity to help those most in need and increase our social housing."

Ms Caplan, representing Avant Homes and the White Hills Park Trust, said: "It will deliver a significant number of market homes in the next five years, meeting the need in Broxtowe.

"The 30% affordable homes will also assist many households who need a place to call home, and will be built to the same standard."

The developer is set to agree a £1.6m contribution to local bus services, healthcare and environmental enhancements.

Six members of the committee voted in favour and none against it, with three abstentions.