A public inquiry will address the Derby green space dispute after a housing application was denied, amid local concerns and objections.
Derby: So, there’s this big fuss going on about a housing development in Derby. A developer, Miller Homes, wanted to build 90 new homes on some green space, but the city council said no. Now, they’re appealing that decision, and a public inquiry is on the way.
Last year, when the plans were first brought up, locals were not happy at all. They sent in over a hundred objections! People were worried about losing that green space between Spondon and Chaddesden. Plus, they thought it would make traffic even worse on a busy road, especially with schools nearby.
Green wedge areas are meant to keep neighborhoods separate and give folks some breathing room. Even though the city’s planning officers thought the homes could be built without messing up the green space, the council still turned it down.
Fast forward to early 2025, and Miller Homes decided to appeal to the Secretary of State. They’re saying the inquiry will kick off around April 15, but the exact spot is still a mystery.
They argue that the land is a good spot for housing and promise to help improve local infrastructure if they get the green light. But they also claim the council can’t show they have enough land for housing, which is a big deal.
In their appeal, Miller Homes said the council’s reasons for saying no don’t hold up. They believe there’s no real harm to the green wedge from their plans. Some councillors, like Matthew Holmes, are really pushing back, saying we need to protect our green spaces and not just build wherever.
It’s a big decision for the city, and everyone’s watching closely to see what happens next!
