Dismay over housing plan return

Developers said the wood would be retained in the new plan

Campaigners who battled plans for 1,000 new homes on woodland near Nottingham have said they are unhappy about new proposals for the site.

The planning application for the development at Sharp Hill Wood at Edwalton was rejected in 2006.

But Bovis Homes and David Wilson Homes are due to submit a new outline planning application in spring 2008.

The developers say the wood would be retained under the new proposal and public transport also be provided.

But campaigners believe the development would put too much pressure on local services.

Two years ago an independent inspector said this was the wrong place to put so many houses Karrar Khan Local councillor

Barry Herrod from Bovis Homes said the plan was an exciting prospect for the area.

"The proposals now allow for a substantial buffer zone between the edge of the wood and the proposed development and the scheme includes land known as the Melton Triangle, which the inspector considered a suitable potential site for housing," he said.

"There are also a number of green issues which we are perusing, including a dedicated public transport route into the city centre... and we're looking at how we can improve energy efficiency and to reduce carbon emissions in line with government targets."

Karrar Khan, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Rushcliffe Borough council, said he was saddened by the new proposals.

He said: "About two years ago an independent inspector said this was the wrong place to put so many houses because we just do not have the infrastructure to support that sort of development.

"Regrettably despite that clear verdict it's come back again. I'm totally disappointed and I think the people of West Bridgford... will also be very disappointed."

Bovis Homes said a public consultation on the proposals would be held in February.