Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning committee refuse plans to build five new affordable homes at the Greenaway in Rolleston

A council has once again rejected plans to build new housing in a rural village.

This week, Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning committee voted to refuse an application, put forward by the council’s own development company, Arkwood, to build five new affordable homes on land at the Greenaway in Rolleston.

The plans were previously refused in April 2023, when it was deemed that the proposals at the time, to build eight homes on the site, would be over intensive.

Although recommended for approval, the new amended plans have now also been turned down by the council.

It was proposed that two vacant bungalows owned by the council should be demolished, and to build five new affordable homes, in order to meet district housing needs.

This would have included one detached and four semi detached properties, complete with solar panels and off-street parking.

At the meeting, members of the public and Rolleston Parish Council shared their concerns with committee members.

One major issue was that it was considered the plans would have a detrimental impact on the neighbouring Rolleston Village Hall.

The plans would have built over part of a green space currently used by the hall as overflow parking, severely limiting the type of events and functions that could be held at the hall, or forcing visitors to park on Staythorpe Road, potentially leading to parking and traffic problems.

Keith Melton was opposed to the plans, saying: “We are seeking to put houses on land that belongs to the village, not the council.”

Sue Saddington said that the village hall is a huge asset to the residents of Rolleston, and the plans would only have a negative impact and create further problems with parking.

Linda Dales agreed, saying: “No other parking has been made available.

“If cars cannot go anywhere else then this will directly impact the viability of the village hall.”

Peter Harris added: “We need to have a very high expectation of ourselves — this should not be allowed to go ahead.”

Problems with flooding, a public right of way, and a Severn Trent sewage connection opposite the site were also raised.

The application was refused by 11 votes to 2.