'The proposed development represents a significant increase in housing without the necessary supporting infrastructure' - councillor shares community concerns about plan for 350 new homes in north Derbyshire
Residents of a community near Clay Cross will be voicing their opposition to a proposal for 350 new homes.
Hallam Land Management Ltd has submitted an outline planning application to North East Derbyshire District Council seeking consent to develop the 13.86 hectare greenfield site west of Coupe Lane, Old Tupton.
The move has caused a number of concerns in the neighbourhood which will be raised at a public meeting in the Darby and Joan Club, Holmgate on Friday, January 23 at 7pm.
Cllr Jess Stokes, an Independent councillor on Clay Cross Parish Council and the district council, said: “I want to be clear from the outset that opposition to this application is being led by local residents. It is residents who have organised a public meeting and I would strongly encourage anyone with a view on this proposal to attend. This meeting is open to all and is an important opportunity for the community to come together, ask questions, and make their voices heard.”
Cllr Stokes, who represents Clay Cross North, said: “While I am an elected councillor, I am also a nearby resident of Coupe Lane, so this proposal affects me personally as well as professionally. I therefore understand first-hand the very real concerns being raised by the community.
“My objection to this application is based on fundamental and unresolved issues. The proposed development represents a significant increase in housing without the necessary supporting infrastructure. There is no meaningful provision for additional GP or dental services, no expansion of school capacity, and no credible plan to address the strain this would place on already overstretched local services.
“Road capacity is another major concern. The surrounding road network is already under pressure, and there is no convincing evidence that it can safely accommodate the additional traffic this development would generate.
"Flooding is a particularly serious issue for this area. Residents have experienced flooding repeatedly, and there is deep scepticism that the proposed mitigation measures — including the use of a balancing or “attenuation” pond — will be sufficient. The potential proposed flooding solution will not address the wider, cumulative flooding risks, especially given changing weather patterns and existing drainage problems.
“For many residents, this application feels like overdevelopment without adequate consideration of its long-term impact on the community, infrastructure, and environment. These concerns deserve to be properly heard and addressed before any decision is made.”
Residents have also set up a WhatsApp group to share information and coordinate responses to the application. Cllr Stokes said: “Anyone who wishes to join this group is welcome to get in touch with me directly and I will ensure they are connected.”
Cllr Ross Shipman, who leads the Independents group on the district council and is a member of Tupton Parish Council, posted on social media: “The application was received by the council on January 2, 2026. Residents can view full details and plans online via the council’s planning portal and are able to submit comments. There is a 21-day consultation period from the date of the letter for representations to be made.
"Cllr Jess Stokes and I have real concerns about this development adding to the already troubling flooding issues on Coupe Lane as well as the huge increase in traffic on such a narrow road, therefore we encourage everyone to get involved with their views.”