Plans for 70 New Homes Near Southwell Spark Mixed Reactions
UPDATE: Plans for up to 70 new homes on the edge of Southwell have just been submitted, igniting a mixed reaction among local residents. Property consultant Fisher German, representing an applicant, filed the proposal with the Newark and Sherwood District Council on November 14, seeking to develop land located west of Allenby Road.
The proposed site lies adjacent to existing residential properties and open countryside leading to the village of Halam. The plans include a variety of housing types, such as bungalows and both semi-detached and detached homes, aimed at catering to the needs of elderly residents looking to downsize and young families seeking their first homes.
A significant aspect of the proposal is the inclusion of open green spaces and new playground facilities for children, along with the preservation of existing Public Rights of Way, which facilitate access to the wider countryside. A new access road for the proposed housing will connect to Allenby Road.
Local opinions are sharply divided. One resident, who has lived in the area for eight years and prefers to remain anonymous, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve got a business in Southwell, so more people means more potential business.” They argued that increased housing could lead to improved infrastructure, saying, “The more residents, the more you get.”
Conversely, concerns have been voiced regarding the existing infrastructure’s ability to accommodate a growing population. One nearby resident, also wishing to remain unnamed, pointed out, “They’ve got no doctors, they don’t do anything else for the infrastructure, they just build houses.” He added that current facilities, including a small supermarket, already struggle to meet demand, raising questions about the sustainability of further development without adequate support services.
Another local, Chris Miller, who has lived in the area for nearly 20 years, highlighted concerns about flooding in the proposed site area, recalling it as “swamp” land. He remarked, “It’s alright building 70 houses, but there’s more housing going down nearby – that’s hundreds of people living on top of everyone else. You do get a bit deflated when you ring the doctors and they say you can have an appointment in three weeks time.”
The council is expected to deliberate on the application in the coming weeks, making the outcome critical for both potential homeowners and current residents alike. The growing tension between development and community needs underscores the urgent question of how Southwell’s infrastructure will adapt to an influx of new residents.
As the situation develops, community members on both sides of the debate are urged to stay informed and engaged in the planning process. The growing conversation around these proposed homes reflects broader issues of housing availability and community sustainability in rapidly changing environments.
Stay tuned for more updates as the council prepares to make its decision.
