Neighbours living on a modern Nottinghamshire housing development have spoken about how they have the best of both worlds as they open up about their community.
The Hollygate Park estate is situated on the outskirts of the town, next to Cotgrave Country Park. Barrett Homes states the 34-acre Hollygate Park site stood derelict since Cotgrave colliery closed in the early 1990s. Construction work on the 470 new home The £100m development started in December 2014, with it being completed e a few years ago by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes.
Neighbours on the estate have spoken about how much they enjoy living there - although some believe the introduction of more facilities like a shop and a pub on the site would make life even better.
Local resident Lisa Noble, 34, moved to the Hollygate estate almost five years ago and says she feels ‘proud’ to live on such a welcoming estate that makes her feel protected and content .
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Ms Noble decided to make the move after outgrowing her old home in Cotgrave. “The location just seemed perfect for me, and my family’s needs," she explained.
Living near and around the countryside can have many benefits, as Ms Noble explained: “It benefits me by having a positive impact on myself and my family's mental health due to being in a house we love by the countryside.”
She added: “I love that it’s so quiet and when you walk around you feel so relaxed. Everybody is very friendly.”
With two play parks located conveniently for her and her children, she added: “The country park being on the doorstep is a huge bonus as me any my family enjoy walking and bike rides.”
The only downside of living on the estate is the lack of facilities such as shops and public transport. Ms Noble believes this improvement could make living on the estate even better.
Another resident who speaks highly pf the area is Michael Guthrie, 70. Although, he echoed the need for more facilities.
Mr Guthrie has lived on the Hollygate estate for just under six years and said, “I wish there was shops more local to us.” As the nearest shop for those on the estate is just under a mile away. For most this would be a 21-minute walk into the village and for those who drive, it would be 5 minutes."
He added: “I love the quietness of the area and the peacefulness.” And for Mr Guthrie this makes him feel comfortable and safe to live on the estate.
One benefit of the estate for Mr Guthrie is the country park. “I love the country park, it’s one of the best things that’s happened to Cotgrave”.
Near to Mr Guthrie’s house is a plot of allotments, and one of those is his. He grows his own vegetables and fruit and thoroughly enjoys it. “The allotment is a great benefit, everyone walks by to stop and talk to me, so I’m not isolated”.
A third local to the estate said: "It’s great for us and the children to have the lovely country park nearby and the addition of playing parks to really helps us to take the kids out so they can use up their energy.”
They also wish for more facilities to be added around the area such as a pub, restaurant and shops to make the area a bit more sociable for adults but enjoys living on the estate after moving to it six years ago."
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