Businessman comments on his controversial housing development in Derbyshire village

A businessman behind a new homes development in a north Derbyshire village says the plans will ‘strengthen local business, employment and community life’.
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Stuart Hill, who owns Glapwell Nurseries, has secured planning permission to build 62 homes on land off Park Avenue, Glapwell.

However, the plans have been opposed by a determined group of residents who are trying to prevent the sale of a small area of land, known locally as the Ransom Strip, which will provide access to the site.

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The residents say the plan will remove trees and stretch village amenities ‘to breaking point’ – claims strongly denied by Mr Hill.

Campaigners have claimed the development will stretch facilities in Glapwell to 'breaking point'.Campaigners have claimed the development will stretch facilities in Glapwell to 'breaking point'.
Campaigners have claimed the development will stretch facilities in Glapwell to 'breaking point'.

He insists ecology reports have been completed and ‘show no negative impact from the development of the site’.

“It is important to recognise that only three trees will be removed from the site, this figure has been grossly over represented in reports from opposers of the development,” Mr Hill said.

"In fact, a large number of new trees will be planted to the eastern boundary of the site.

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“Furthermore, the site is not currently public open space. Once the development is completed, the site will, for the first time, be classed as public open space. At present, the site has no actual use or purpose and the fencing surrounding it is unsightly and dilapidated.”

He claims provision will be in place to ‘keep construction traffic to a minimum’ on Park Avenue.

"I am confident that the addition of new homes to the top of Park Avenue will not negatively affect existing properties on Park Avenue or Mansfield Road.

“The development has many acknowledged benefits and there is an urgent need for new housing across the UK at present.

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"A large amount of Section 106 money will benefit the local school and community, including funding for much needed outdoor sports provision and play areas. The development will be of a high standard and taking everything into account, it will enhance Glapwell and support local businesses to prosper.”

Mr Hill added: “The garden centre will also be developed and modernised with the addition of shops, farm shop and bistro. This advancement will further strengthen local business, employment and community life in Glapwell.”

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