Developers have applied to start the planning process in a vast project to build up to 800 homes and new shops in Mansfield. They hope to build on land between Jubilee Way North and Eakring Road, to the east of the town, on a parcel of land known as Elmsley Heath.
The land in question was a former colliery site. It includes the former Mansfield Golf Club, which closed because of a lack of footfall, Mansfield Rugby Club and the Mansfield East Colliery Spoil Tip.
The team working on the plans, on behalf of The Welbeck Estates Company Limited - the company which hopes to redevelop the land - have asked Mansfield District Council whether they need to submit an environmental impact assessment ahead of the submission of a planning application.
Read more: Family pay tribute to 'ray of sunshine' boy who died of rare cancer
Early planning documents suggest a planning application will be put forward in the future seeking permission to build 800 homes and six hectares of employment, retail and commercial facilities. A new neighbourhood centre forms part of the project - and people who live nearby said the development could help to bring a greater 'vibrancy' to this part of the town.
Anna Kuku, who is 40 years old and was speaking near to the site, also said it could prove a catalyst to better bus links to shops. She said: “It would be good, all these houses here are old and this place looks like a dead end.
“More houses can make it look more vibrant, more modern. It looks like a dead end to me - all of these. I think it will be more vibrant. The new houses will bring new things."
She continued: “The buses that come are rubbish, they think there are not enough passengers and the last bus here is at 6.20pm, that’s insane. After 6.20pm, if you don’t have a car you have to get a taxi. The buses aren’t regular. If there's houses and then shops people wouldn’t have to go to town. It would help residents.”
The rugby club is made up of a clubhouse and three pitches, one of which is an all-weather, artificial surface. But documents make clear the rugby club will be unaffected by the proposals and that the club facilities will be expanded and improved.
A transport assessment and travel plan will eventually be submitted as part of the planning application. Under the access arrangements, the developers have said new access arrangements will be made to get to the rugby club.
Another resident, Casey Howard, who has lived in Mansfield all his life, welcomed the prospect of the development in general but expressed concerns over traffic in the area.
The 38-year-old said: “It sounds like a lot but I do think it would be good for the area. We’d benefit from the shops; there’s not much here without travelling. Also people need houses, there’s a need for housing; so stuff like this has to be built.
“My only issue would be traffic, it’s a lot of cars being added onto the roads. That would be my only concern, we’d probably need some traffic calming measures put in place. But other than that I think it would be good.”
However, Chris Baker, 84, explained why he was against the plans. Mr Baker said: “I think they shouldn’t do it - it’s lovely land, the woods. I think it’s a difficult decision.
"800 homes, I can't see a reason for building them. I know people are moving out and moving in and going places but I wouldn’t want it here. I would be very upset- a lot of places are being built on."
A statement in the planning documents read: "Preparation of the development proposals have been informed by extensive appraisal and analysis underpinned by a suite of technical evidence.
"It is intended to submit a single hybrid planning application. The ‘full’ element of the application will involve the detailed engineering, highways, landscaping, expansion of Mansfield Rugby Club, utilities and drainage works, with the outline element comprising the ‘blueprint’ of the proposed built development parcels and land uses.
"Liaison with and feedback to-date from council planning officers has informed the understanding of the type of information that will need to be submitted in support of such an application."
Other major developments in Mansfield include plans for 850 homes, a hotel, care home, petrol station and shops on land at Pleasley Hill Farm.
READ NEXT:
Run-down bungalow at popular beauty spot sold after fierce bidding
Ukrainian families worried for future as time with hosts nears end
'Times are getting harder' in Nottinghamshire area with worst unemployment
To read all the biggest and best stories first sign up to read our newsletters here.
