Greenbelt housing plans on show

Developers said the woodland would not be built on

Fresh plans for a controversial scheme for 1,000 homes in part of Nottinghamshire are going on display.

The planning application for the development at Sharp Hill Wood at Edwalton was rejected in 2006 after strong opposition from the community.

But Bovis Homes and David Wilson Homes said although they did not expect a smooth ride, extra measures had been put in place to improve plans.

A public consultation on the plans begins on Thursday.

Greenbelt land used as a buffer between houses and Sharp Hill Woods has been increased in the plans but an area of land known as the Melton Triangle would be built on.

'Housing growth'

Environmental consultant Phil Resh explained there had previously been misunderstandings about the impact on the area.

"It's important to recognise there was a lot of misinformation that got at the time and led people to believe that Sharp Hill Woods themselves would be built on, felled or damaged.

"You have to accommodate new housing growth. The most sustainable place to accommodate it is adjacent to existing urban areas where all the facilities are," he said.

A free bus service will be introduced on the development which will take residents into Nottingham City Centre.

But campaigners feel pressure on local services would still be too great.

Speaking after the new plans were announced, Karrar Khan, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Rushcliffe Borough council, said he was not convinced.

"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," he said.

"Regrettably despite that clear verdict it's come back again."