Homes on former colliery set to be approved

Plans for 150 houses on a former Derbyshire colliery are set for approval after two years in limbo.

The scheme, from Harworth Group, would see the homes built on the northern side of the former Cadley Hill Colliery, between Newhall, Stanton and Swadlincote.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the development represented a major change to South Derbyshire District Council's long-held masterplan for the site, which had totalled 600 homes.

District council officers have recommended that the plans were approved, after being submitted in January 2023.

The homes would sit south of Fairfield Crescent, Woodview Road and Baslow Green in Newhall, bordering the new golf course and country park – the wider part of the Cadley Park development.

It would be accessed via Park Road and the newly-built 68-home Cameron Homes development, close to the Garden King garden centre.

Officials said: "The number of units proposed (up to 150) is considered to be a significant benefit as it will assist the council in meeting its housing targets and maintain a five-year housing supply."

One objection letter has been submitted to the council by a member of the public, raising issues over the overuse of a public footpath, the increase in road traffic on the A444 and Park Road, and pressure on GP services and schools.

Meanwhile, Andrew Reeves, the headteacher of nearby Fairmeadows Primary School, says the school is already over capacity by 19 pupils.

He says there are plans for a two-classroom extension to replace classrooms which are too small and asks for developer contributions to be directed towards funding that scheme.

Mr Reeves writes that three times the national average number of pupils with special educational needs attend the school and funding assistance for these pupils would also be welcomed.

Derbyshire County Council said the needs of the primary school should be assessed for support, with increasing places and supporting children with special educational needs.

District council planners, recommending approval, said the proposed development was adjacent to Swadlincote, an urban area with services and amenities.

They added: "There have been no objections from social infrastructure providers or highways.

"On this basis, the site is considered to be sustainable and capable of accommodating the proposed development."

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