Village homes option revealed

Outline plans for 200 homes in Collingham have been submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Gusto Developments, based in the village, wants to build on former Braemer Farm land next to the railway station. The company bought the 22 acres 14 years ago.

The chief executive of Gusto Developments, Mr Steff Wright, said the development was part of a long-term plan.

Mr Wright said Collingham had been identified as a principal village as part of the Newark Growth Point and the time was right to put in the planning application.

He said: “Although the housing market has not recovered yet, we believe by the time the application has gone through and details have been worked out the market will start to pick up.”

Fifty properties are expected to be aimed at retired people and would be a mixture of one and two-bedrooms over one and 11/2 storeys.

Mr Wright said: “It would be independent living but it could be aided if needed.

“There would also be a mixture of ownership. The majority would be open for sale, some would be for rent and some would be part ownership.”

He said there was a demand for this sort of housing, with older people wanting to sell larger homes and downsize but stay in the area.

The others would be two-storey properties, ranging from two to five bedrooms.

Up to 60 houses would be lower cost and suitable for first-time buyers.

Properties would include environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels, a bio-mass boiler and rain-water harvesting.

There would be community allotments, a community green, community lounge and a path through woodland.

Mr Wright said: “We are looking to make a contribution to improving community facilities in Collingham as well as the school, the medical centre and open space. This would be a financial contribution.”

He said feedback after consultation last year had been positive.

Mr Wright said the development would enhance the village and provide a greater link from the village to the railway station.

The district council is due to discuss the application later this year.