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Derby City Council approves plans for up to 350 homes on protected green wedge land
Overview
Derby City Council has approved a housing development of up to 350 homes on the Littleover and Sunnyhill green wedge in Littleover, despite strong local opposition. The plans, submitted by Ainscough Strategic Land for land east of Moorway Lane, faced objections from 220 residents and a 3,390-strong petition from the campaign group Greener Littleover due to concerns over the loss of green space and traffic impacts. A split planning committee approved the scheme using the chairman's casting vote, with council officials highlighting the city's housing waiting list and the urgent need to drive housing delivery.
Key points
- Derby City Council approved plans to build up to 350 homes on land designated as a protected green wedge east of Moorway Lane in Littleover.
- The application received opposition, including 220 objection letters and a 3,390-strong petition from the Greener Littleover campaign group.
- Concerns were raised regarding the loss of green space, wildlife habitats, and increased traffic congestion on nearby roads.
- Council officers argued that the city's housing waiting list of 9,000 people and the need to drive housing delivery outweighed the impact on the green wedge.
- The planning committee was evenly split, with the chairman using a casting vote to pass the scheme after a three-to-three tie.