Landowners proposing to build up to 130 houses on Hucknall's Misk Hills

The landowners of the Misk Hills in Hucknall have tabled proposals to build up to 130 houses on the greenbelt land.

Aldergate Property Group has started posting leaflets and relevant documentation to over 600 households in the vicinity of the area which is just off Common Lane.

A website will be launched on Monday (14 February) to mark the start of the consultation period, and local residents will be able to submit their comments and reaction to the proposals online. This will run for two weeks before closing on Monday 28 February.

Part of the literature accompanying the proposals, reads: "Aldergate have been promoting this site through the Local Plan process since 2015. Due to the continuous delays to the Local Plan they now feel the only way to achieve some certainty over its development potential is through an application.

"Aldergate Property Group are proposing the development of the site to deliver up to 130 new homes and improvements to biodiversity and green infrastructure. The site is a logical expansion to Hucknall, offering an opportunity to create much needed new homes and green infrastructure improvements in a sustainable location. The proposed development is anticipated to bring a wide range of benefits to Hucknall, both during construction and occupation."

Once the results of the consultation period have been reviewed and analysed, Aldergate Property Group intend to submit an outline planning application to Ashfield District Council.

This has provoked an angry response from residents and Councillors alike, who feel this land just like the land at Whyburn Farm, shouldn't be built on.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, Jemma Chambers, who leads the Hucknall Against Whyburn Farm Development group, said: "Culturally for our heritage, and for our sense of self in Hucknall, Misk Hills is massive; they can't take it away."

Councillor Dave Shaw has confirmed that all of Hucknall's Ashfield Independent Councillors are opposed to the proposals.

Councillor Shaw, who represents Hucknall West on Nottinghamshire County Council said: "Hucknall's Ashfield Independent Councillors will oppose these plans with the same vigour that we're opposing the building on green belt at Whyburn Farm contained within the enforced local housing plan.

"Hucknall's Ashfield Independent councillors have all met late last night and agreed to oppose this. Just like Whyburn Farm, these houses are on the green belt we all hold so dear. I can provide a reassurance to Hucknall residents that we are dead against this."

"I have already received dozens of emails, phone calls and messages about the proposals. It is already very clear that opposition is strong from local people.

"I feel that the planning consultants have misjudged the reaction of Hucknall residents. They claim that sticking 130 new homes on green belt would 'improve the level of biodiversity' and include 'ecological and landscape enhancements'. They are talking rubbish.

"How can you improve our environment by sticking 130 posh houses on our greenbelt? It's impossible. It's a nonsense and we will oppose this with every sinew of energy we have. Just like we're opposing any building on Whyburn Farm."

Hucknall Nub News has contacted Aldergate Property Group for comment.