Final step submitted for 177-home Derbyshire development

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 17:16 · Archive

Allison Homes East Midlands has submitted a reserved matters application for 177 homes off Chesterfield Road in Alfreton.

Allison Homes East Midlands has submitted a reserved matters application to Amber Valley Borough Council to finalise details of the 177-home development off Chesterfield Road, Alfreton, on the town's northern outskirts.

The scheme has been controversial. The Save Alfreton Countryside campaign group, with around 3,000 members, contested the development at a public inquiry, describing the fields as the 'last accessible countryside' for local people. Nearly 500 objections were lodged. Campaigners raised concerns over the historic landscape, the destruction of a medieval rural footpath, and proximity to listed buildings including St Martin's Church and the former Alfreton park.

The council rejected the outline planning permission in March 2024. However, in late 2024, Government planning inspector William Cooper overturned that decision. He cited the 'most acute national housing crisis in living memory', noting that 2,000 households were on the borough council's housing register, with 1,400 in overcrowded or unsuitable accommodation and more than 300 specifying Alfreton as their preferred location.

The 177-home scheme comprises six one-bed homes, 37 two-bed homes, 76 three-bed homes and 58 four-bed homes, with 53 classified as affordable housing. A statement on behalf of Allison Homes, based in Castle Donington, said: 'The principle of developing the site for residential use has already been established through the grant of outline planning permission at planning appeal.'

The Ilkeston Advertiser reports that a planning chief has expressed disappointment at repeatedly having to accept reduced community funding contributions from developers on housing schemes in countryside.

How it is being reported

• Derbyshire housing scheme approved despite reduced community funding contributionA Derbyshire planning chief has expressed his disappointment at repeatedly having to accept reduced community funding contributions from developers as a scheme for 50 new homes in countryside has been given the go-ahead.Ilkeston Advertiser · 4 Nov, 16:49
• Final stage for controversial Derbyshire housing development planA plan to seal the controversial development of more than 170 homes in a Derbyshire town has been submitted.Derbyshire Times · 4 Nov, 07:51
• Final step for controversial 170-home development in Derbyshire townThe fields are described as the 'last accessible countryside'Derbyshire Live · 3 Nov, 16:12

In this story: Allison Homes East Midlands · Amber Valley Borough Council · Alfreton · Derbyshire · Gladman · William Cooper · Save Alfreton Countryside

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log