Hucknall West County Councillor Dave Shaw will be unable to attend tomorrow's (Saturday 16 October) Public Meeting to discuss the Local Plan after testing positive for COVID-19.

The meeting will be held at The John Godber Centre on Ogle Street from 10:30am until 12pm and discuss the Plan which includes controversial proposals to build 3000 houses on Whyburn Farm in Hucknall.

All of Hucknall's Councillors were expected to attend but due to his illness, and not wanting to risk spreading infection, Councillor Shaw will be following government guidance and staying at home.

He has spoken of his disappointment that he can't attend the meeting but reaffirmed his opposition to building on Whyburn Farm and other areas of green belt in Hucknall.

Councillor Shaw said: "For the past few weeks – I have been struck down with this serious virus. It's been a nightmare and there were times when I seriously considered presenting to A&E. I first started feeling extremely poorly two weeks ago. I just put it down to the hours I work to assist Hucknall residents – but it got worse.

"I was shocked to have tested positive for COVID-19 and reluctantly asked my family to stay away. My cough at times has been terrible but with everything that is going on in Hucknall – this is the last thing I wanted. I would ask for the time being that residents stop turning up at my house – I'm not sure whether that caused my virus as I maintained social distancing at all times. I am getting better – but the symptoms remain."

Councillor Shaw has opposed the draft housing plan from day one and has been an outspoken critic of its impact on Hucknall. He said: "It would be irresponsible of me to attend a meeting attended by 200 residents with my COVID symptoms.

"That said, Councillor John Wilmott will be speaking outlining my opposition at the meeting. Hucknall residents can be assured that I will fight these draft plans with every sinew in my body. We will continue to lobby the Government to reduce Ashfield's housing targets. I'd like to thank Hucknall residents for their kind wishes and can reassure them that I will soon be back to fighting form."

On COVID across Hucknall, Councillor Shaw said: "It's clear that COVID is not going away, and I'd plead with residents to remain vigilant, maintain social distancing and wear masks where they can – including at the meeting at the John Godber Centre. The last thing Hucknall needs is for more residents to suffer from this debilitating virus."