Plans for new council homes on Nottinghamshire recreation ground
This week's round-up of Ashfield News
Good morning and welcome to this week’s edition of Ashfield News. Today, new drawings have been released for an Ashfield council housing scheme and plans are afoot to transform the area around Kirkby’s train station.
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Plans announced for 40 council homes
Dozens of council homes could be created on a Nottinghamshire recreation ground, new proposals show.
Bungalows, flats and semi-detached properties form the bulk of the plans to develop the Hardwick Lane Recreation Ground, Sutton-in-Ashfield, with 40 homes.
The 10,000 sq m site has already been identified in Ashfield District Council’s draft local plan as an area where residential development “will be permitted”, subject to “detailed planning consent”.
All the properties within the development would be affordable and they will range from one-bed ground flats through to four-bed semi-detached properties.
The majority of the development will be made up of three-bed terraced properties and two-bed semi-detached homes.
In a Design and Access Statement for the project, Lindum says the current access route to the field will be closed off and a new entrance created to the west of the site.
The document adds: “The proposed development is of a high-quality design that responds to the sites conditions and respects the surrounding area.
“As demonstrated, there are no overriding constraints on site that would prevent the residential development as proposed. 40 dwellings with 100% affordable provision will be delivered on site each with suitable access arrangements and adequate on plot amenity space in accordance with Ashfield District Councils Residential Design Guide.”
New adventure play park
An adventure play area has opened at Selston Country Park.
The timber-framed feature includes a climbing tree, challenging ropes , bridges and balance beams, all suitable for ages six and over.
The £130,000 area, installed by Ashfield District Council, also boasts balancing waterlilies for two years+, a double balance beam for over threes and a crawling pyramid for children aged four and over.
Elsewhere on Selston Country Park, the popular Selston Café in the Park is currently under renovation, to allow the business to accommodate more customers.
Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “The new play equipment at Selston Country Park is fantastic and something a bit different to our other play areas. The natural wood and unique shapes allow children to build confidence, and social skills whilst playing. We are proud to be investing in parks and open spaces across the District to allow generations of families, residents and visitors to enjoy Ashfield as a destination.”
Cllr David Martin, Chairman of Selston Parish Council, added: “Selston Country Park is one of the many jewels in Ashfield’s crown and we are ensuring that it is future-proof. This includes the refurbishment of the café which is testament to the enormous success that Susanne has made of the business in the park.”
To complement the new play equipment, a new accessible footpath has been created to ensure everyone can enjoy the country park and play area.
Elderly woman robbed by group
Police are appealing for witnesses after a 78-year-old woman was robbed in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The woman was walking through Sutton Lawn, close to the tennis courts, when a group of people approached her. The strap of her bag was cut and the group ran off, according to Nottinghamshire Police.
The group took £700, a mobile phone, keys and the woman’s purse.
The incident happened at about 4.30pm on Friday, February 2.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 and quote incident 548 of February 2, 2024.
Plans to transform railway station
People are being asked for their views on proposals to transform the area around Kirkby Railway Station.
The council is aiming to make spaces around the station ‘more welcoming’, create a new gateway building and enhance the station’s as a gateway to the town centre.
There are currently three options residents are being invited to vote on:
Removing the existing wall to open up the space and create a dedicated entrance area
Placing existing lime trees to the front of the site and create a second line of trees
Leave the existing walls and wheels and create new signs.
You can have your say by clicking here.
Fundraiser in memory of mum
Funds are being raised to pay for the funeral of an Ashfield mum who died over the Christmas period.
Toni Hopkinson, a mum of eight, died after a battle with cancer.
During the last few years, the family had been supported by Safe Families and Ashwood Church, which is supporting the family to pay for funeral costs.
A crowdfunding campaign has already raised hundreds of pounds and any excess funding will be used to give her children a day out and pay for items they need, agreed with social care.
You can donate funds at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tonifuneral