Following consultation earlier in the year Rushcliffe Borough Council has now published its proposals for over 2500 new homes in Rushcliffe. The houses could be built on 27 new sites, some of which are being removed from the green belt.
The sites have been selected from a longer list that was put forward because of a shortfall in the number of new houses needed across Rushcliffe.
Sites for up to 600 additional homes in the village of Tollerton were included in the initial longer list – but these are not currently being recommended for development
Aerial view of the rural village of Tollerton
Earlier this year there was standing room only as village residents came together to consider the proposals for Tollerton. Parish Councillors listened to the concerns of residents about the possible impacts of expanding the village. Thank you to all those residents that attended. Your views and the hard work of volunteers in TABU and TASC helped the Parish Council to provide a strong response that features prominently in the Rushcliffe report:
In relation to identifying Tollerton as a suitable village for a limited level of growth, more responses opposed rather than supported new development at the village.Tollerton Parish Council does not support any removal of land from the Green Belt and stated that exceptional circumstances have not been proven and Tollerton does not have basic levels of facilities, including a GP, and the primary school is at capacity.In its view, road capacity, safety, absence of cycle ways, pavements and limited public transport issues restrict further housing.
Tollerton residents also responded strongly with over 180 responses and a clear consensus compared to other villages:
An absence of capacity at Tollerton School also seems to have been a major consideration.
Next step for new homes
The recommendations have been accepted by Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet and will now be consulted on in autumn. The proposals may not be acceptable to other communities and so may still be subject to change. Tollerton Parish Council will promote this consultation once launched to ensure that residents have the opportunity to respond.
The Government has started a consultation on new housing targets for local authorities, which could change future housing needs for Rushcliffe.
Tollerton Parish Council will continue to work with residents to develop a Neighbourhood Development Plan to give Tollerton more say on how it develops in future. 300 responses were received to the parish council consultation and these are currently being evaluated to inform the plan. Landowner suggestions are also invited until the end of September as part of “Call for sites” made in August 2017.