Controversial homes plan for Derbyshire village set to get green light

The scheme, from Cameron Homes, would see 33 homes, including bungalows, built off Mercaston Lane and Luke Lane in Brailsford. If approved, the site would include eight two-bedroom homes, 12 three-bed homes and three four-bed homes.

Derbyshire Dales District Council planning officials have recommended that the scheme should be approved at a meeting on Tuesday, March 12.

They feel the development represents an “acceptable level of growth” which would “not generate a disproportionate number of additional journeys outside of the village”. Overall, they feel the benefits outweigh the negatives of the housing plan.

However, Brailsford & Ednaston Parish Council – along with more than 40 letters written by residents show their firm opposition to the scheme. The opposing residents detail that homes should not be built on green fields in the countryside “when there are brownfield sites available in Derby”.

They claim the village has had enough new-build developments and is at risk of losing its village identity, claiming Brailsford’s population has doubled in the past 10 years. Residents wrote: “We know that it is in the interest of Derbyshire Dales and all councils to have as many houses as possible built in their areas to fill their coffers.

“It seems that this is regardless of the long-term effects on the individual communities and that they are, therefore, not really listening to or seriously considering the views and genuine concerns of those within the community. The development has an urban design not suited for an area adjacent to wild countryside.

“People choose to live in villages rather than small towns because they are characterful, intimate communities which appeal to many. Villages should not merely keep on growing until they become small towns. Access directly opposite the school will increase the danger to pupils and road users at school pick-up/drop-off times with cars parked picking up children.”

The Derbyshire Swift Conservation Project has requested that “swift bricks” – bricks with a hollow cavity for nesting – be installed on all 33 homes if the scheme is approved.

In March 2022, the council listed a potential site off Mercaston Lane and Luke Lane for 20 homes in its upcoming new Local Plan.

District council planners wrote: “The erection of 33 dwellings on the site is considered to be an acceptable level of additional growth of the settlement and would not generate a disproportionate number of additional journeys outside of the village. The proposed development seeks to integrate with the existing Acorn Meadows development, being a second phase to the scheme.

“The scheme has also taken into consideration existing links with a view to enhance and incorporate these within the layout to encourage residents to walk to access local services and amenities. The development will deliver significant gains for biodiversity and will not result in unacceptable impacts on highway safety or severe impacts on the road network.

“The development will help meet the district’s housing needs and bring with it associated economic and social benefits, deliver a policy compliant level of affordable and diverse mix of housing to meet differing needs within the community.”