Plans for more than 1,000 new homes, with a potential primary school, care home, community centre, sports facilities and country park have been given the stamp of approval by Bassetlaw District Council planners.

The ambitious development on 252 acres of farming land south of Ordsall in Retford, bordering Retford Golf Club, and with access from Ollerton Road and Brecks Road, was granted outline planning permission at an April 1 meeting in Worksop Town Hall.

Around 20 members of the public were present at the meeting, although they could only voice their opinions if pre-registered to do so.

They saw the plans, outlined by Howard (Retford) Ltd, receive approval, with voting six to two in favour.

Outline plans for a huge housing development, school and further facilities at Retford was given the thumbs-up by Bassetlaw Council planners at Worksop Town Hall this week.

placeholder image — Outline plans for a huge housing development, school and further facilities at Retford was given the thumbs-up by Bassetlaw Council planners at Worksop Town Hall this week.

Cllr David Naylor, vice-chair of Labour-led Bassetlaw District Council, who represents East Retford South, spoke at the meeting on behalf of residents in his ward.

Following the meeting, he said: “I spoke to put forward residents’ concerns about the proposed development, and press home that the promised new infrastructure must be delivered on.

"A lot of people are worried that the amenities included in the plans won’t be delivered. I wanted to say this on their behalf.

"I totally understand people’s concerns about the plans and their possible impact on the surrounding area, but as ward councillor I can only fight for the best outcomes.

“Planning applications are often controversial. My stance is quite neutral on this. What’s done is done and we must now make the best of it we can.

"We need to ensure the developers keep their side of the bargain and deliver on the facilities promised. There are opportunities to come with this, but it must be done properly.”

There is a “real mix” of views on the plans among local people, he added.

The site, made up of arable fields, is allocated for future development in the Bassetlaw Local Plan.

Nottinghamshire County Council has raised concerns about the impact of the scheme on the area’s roads.

Retford residents’ worries centre around the proposed infrastructure, with increase in traffic and pollution, potential flooding, and strain on local services.

Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “This is positive news for Bassetlaw, and the development has the potential to deliver lots of benefits for its eventual residents and people living close by.

“I’m pleased that the developers have provided options for homeowners at different ends of the scale, including affordable homes, and properties that will be specifically aimed at the older population.

“The plans also include much needed community facilities including a school, sports facilities, meeting places, and parks and woodland that will benefit the local ecology and people, including pedestrian and cycle routes to promote healthy lifestyles.

“Subject to a Section 106 Agreement and further planning consents, I am confident that some of the concerns that existing residents have raised around infrastructure, drainage and flooding, and the local wildlife can be addressed.

“This application also ensures that the Council has a demonstrable five-year housing supply and can prevent unwanted speculative development in our district.”