Public meeting to be held in Hucknall on Saturday to discuss controversial Local Plan

There will be a public meeting in Hucknall this Saturday (16 October) to discuss Ashfield District Council's Local Plan which includes controversial plans to build 3000 houses on Whyburn Farm.

The area, which is greenbelt land, is a haven for wildlife and enjoyed by a number of residents. It is a popular place for dog walkers whilst some people simply go there to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some peace and quiet in, what is considered by many as, the most beautiful part of the town.

The plans have created uproar in Hucknall with a newly created Facebook group opposing the idea attracting over 3,500 members, and an e-petition for residents to sign which gained over 600 signatures within 24 hours but now has over 2000 signatures in total.

The meeting will be held in the upstairs meeting room of the John Godber Centre from 10:30am until 12pm.

Speakers at the meeting will include Jemma Chambers, a local resident who set up the aforementioned Facebook group; Councillor Lauren Mitchell of the Labour Party who represents Hucknall South and is firmly against the plans; Councillor Chris Baron who is a Conservative Councillor for Hucknall West; and Jonathan Bhushan who is a local resident and campaigner on local GP services.

The Local Plan is now in a six week public consultation phase which will allow residents to air their views on the proposals.

Councillor Mitchell said: "All are welcome to the Public Meeting this Saturday – it is an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on overdevelopment in Hucknall as a response to the Draft Local Plan recently released. There will be four speakers plus the chair and a Q&A session where residents can ask questions of the speakers. I'm really looking forward to getting everyone together so that we can show the strength of our argument and organise a way forward."