Unity sought over new community

Major growth to the north of Bingham must become part of the town and not a separate entity, it has been claimed.

Bingham Town Council has been in talks with The Crown Estate over the proposed development off Chapel Lane since before Christmas.

It has welcomed the chance for the public to now have its say as part of extensive consultation.

Under the plans, around 1,000 houses could be built to the north of the town, along with a primary school, health centre and community centre.

There would also be employment space, leisure facilities, and areas of open space.

A town councillor, Mr Francis Purdue-Horan, said: “We would not like to see a separate Bingham and would encourage Bingham to stay as a unified community.

“The railway is a challenge in that, but there are many other market towns with a railway going through it.

“We see a coherent plan for a community with proper community facilities.

“We were concerned about the environment and a development that was sustainable that doesn’t separate community away from Bingham.

“We shall see what happens.”

He commended The Crown Estate for seeking to listen to the views of Bingham councillors.

The Crown Estate drew up the scheme based on discussions with the town council.

During those discussions, questions were raised about the possibility of a community centre.

The Mayor of Bingham, Mrs Maureen Stockwood, a member of the community centre working party, said: “We asked if there was land available for a community centre in their plans.

“We are anxious to look at all possibilities for a site for a community centre. Bingham has needed one for a very long time.”

Mrs Stockwood acknowledged that would mean the facility would not be in the centre of Bingham, but said it was not possible to have everything in the centre.