Seeking a say on growth
Future housing development in Southwell is the most important issue facing the town, according to councillors.
There were fears that the town’s development status could change — leading to an increase in housing.
Newark and Sherwood District Council was due to discuss the future of the town as part of the local development framework for the area yesterday.
There was concern that the council would upgrade Southwell’s status to level two, meaning development would be considered.
But the leader of Southwell Town Council, Mr Peter Harris, believes the status will remain at level three, which allows for natural growth.
Mr Harris said: “It appears, because of a lot of work behind the scenes, the officers are recommending there is no movement from category three, which would allow for some natural growth but no specific housing development such as that scheduled in towns such as Ollerton, Boughton and Rainworth.”
But he said it was important the town council had its say.
He said: “Ten years ago, when the current development plan was established, it led to the development of housing on Humberstone Road.
“At that time a public meeting was arranged and Trebeck Hall was so full people were outside the windows trying to hear what was being said.
“The period for consultation is shorter than last time but I feel we should gear ourselves up to run a full consultation process and engage the town in the process.”
The chairman of the town council’s planning committee, Mr Brendan Haigh, said: “Once this has been agreed, once the options have been decided and following consultation this will decide development in the town for the next 20 years.
“It is a very important document and we need to be clear about all the options.”
A councillor, Mr Roger Dobson, said: “I don’t think there can be any more important issue for the future of Southwell than the whole question of what is going to happen to housing.”
The town council agreed the group set up to look at the district council’s strategic housing land availability assessment should meet to find the best way forward.