Eco-homes proposal to Newark and Sherwood District Council for Carlton Lane, Sutton-on-Trent, causes flooding and safety concerns

A planning application for eco homes could cause an environmental nightmare for neighbours if allowed to go ahead.

Plans have been resubmitted for a site at Carlton Lane, Sutton-on-Trent, the applicant hopes would provide for 21 eco entry-level affordable dwellings, which is a resubmission of a proposal that was refused.

The site, just under a hectare in size, is located to the sothern end of the village.

The applicant seeks outline planning permission for a development of up to 21 eco-entry-level affordable dwellings with associated access roads and car parking.

It is envisaged they would be a range of house types, including detached, semi-detached and some terraced houses, ranging from one to four-bedroom.

The application has attracted more than 20 comments from neighbours and visitors to Carlton Lance on the district council planning portal, all of whom are against the development, which has been proposed by a Mr I.Beard, of Carlton Lane.

Gary Pearson wrote on the portal: “I have great concerns regarding safety of pedestrians and people walking their dogs and also horse riders if this application is granted.

“This part of Carlton Lane is very badly maintained and to have extra vehicles using it would present a genuine danger to people.

“I also have concerns regarding flooding, Carlton Lane does suffer from flooding most years. I feel to build on the land around Carlton Lane will disrupt the already fragile water table causing large scale flooding to the local residents.

“Heavy plant using the lane would cause absolute chaos with residents being unable to either leave their homes or return to them. I would also point out that the damage caused to the lane would leave it undrivable by small cars.”

Philip Hewson wrote: “This land is subject to regular flooding.

“This area is a haven for wildlife, having observed many species of including, skylarks, meadow warblers, finches, various water birds, owls , wheatears, plovers, and many more at risk varieties. It is a haven for many moths, butterflies wild bees wasps, an pollinators. Frogs, toads and greater crested newts are also living there. The amount of wild flowers and grasses are essential to our climate and wildlife.

“This site is on a very quiet rural lane used by walkers cyclists and people for recreation as a lovely area of peace and tranquility.

“This village has recently had over 50 new houses built in it which gave us locals five years of noise, dust, and traffic disruption.”

Elaine Pattison wrote: “Carlton Lane is a narrow road that does not conform to modern road requirements, there are no passing places on this single track, and indeed, no turning circle when you reach the bridge, which prevents vehicular access from Sutton-on-Trent to Carlton-on Trent.

“There is no footpath to allow pedestrians or cyclists safe passage. Building more houses will increase the number of vehicles using this poorly maintained road, causing inconvenience to existing residents and endangering the regular users of this country lane.”

According to the Newark and Sherwood Housing Needs Assessment, the village has a population of approximately 3,880 residents that make up around 1,504 households, this makes up around 3.9% of the district.

The village facilities include the primary school, a doctor’s surgery, food store, two butchers, hairdressers and a popular village pub, and a well-used community/sports centre that provides facilities to the village.

Residents claim further development would place further strain on the village’s facilities.