Worksop: Multi-million pound build of 750 homes in Gateford passed by Bassetlaw Council

A multi-million pound Gateford development, which includes 750 new homes and a primary school, has been passed by Bassetlaw Council.
Land off Churchill Way in Worksop where 750 new homes are planned.Land off Churchill Way in Worksop where 750 new homes are planned.
Land off Churchill Way in Worksop where 750 new homes are planned.

The properties will be built on approximately 40 hectares of agricultural land in Gateford Park and will also comprise a community hall and two sports pitches.

During a planning committee meeting held at Worksop town hall on Wednesday, councillors agreed the development would be beneficial for Worksop, despite some concerns raised by local residents.

Nine letters of objection were received which drew attention to issues such as highway and pedestrian safety, privacy, drainage and loss of public open spaces used by children and dog walkers.

Residents were also concerned that the application, which originally proposed the build of 670 dwellings, had increased to 750, meaning a rise in flow of traffic and further destruction of hedgerows and wildlife.

Coun David Potts, speaking on behalf of residents in his Worksop North ward, voiced concerns about road infrastructure and the fact that the proposed dwellings may not necessitate the primary school, which is estimated at £3m and will offer up to 210 places.

Andrew Johnston, of Lands Improvement, has had three years’ involvement with the project.

He said: “There is significant need for housing in Worksop.”

“We have carried out discussions with residents and 1,200 households were invited to an exhibition earlier this year where all feedback was considered.”

“The application has been well considered over several years and aligns with the council’s provision for the future of the town of Worksop,” he added.

Prior to voting, Coun Graham Oxby said: “I have no problems supporting the application, but time and time again we seem to roll over for developers that don’t want to provide- they just cram more houses in.”

“However, even though I’m not entirely sure Worksop really needs 750 more houses, I don’t see how we can object to this with everything it would do for Worksop. I just hope emphasis will be placed on making these properties affordable.”

All councillors on the planning committee voted in favour of the development.