Councillor says Harworth and Bircotes is 'flooded' with housing developments as new 120-home plans are revealed

June Evans, Bassetlaw councillor for Harworth and Bircotes, made the comments while speaking about plans for the new homes – on scrub land just north of Essex Road.

Gleeson Homes hope to build a mix of two-bedroom properties for first time buyers, families and downsizers as well as larger three and four-bedroom family homes.

Access to the four-hectare site would be provided via Essex Road.

Vista Architecture & Urban Design wrote in a planning statement how the site was an ideal location - lying close to schools, shops and community facilities.

They added that the area surrounding the site was primarily residential and key services and facilities were within walking distance via footways along the local highway network and traffic free footpaths.

However Councillor Evans voiced concerns - saying in recent years the area had been ‘flooded’ with developments.

She said: “My concern and that of the town council is the effect of yet another housing development on the infrastructure - we’re talking about education as well as health services.

“People are complaining to the town council about the roads and about primary school places - capacity is constrained as it is.

“The issue is not just one housing development but what in recent years has been a flood.

“The redevelopment of Harworth Colliery was supported as it would lead to the redevelopment of the town centre.

“But we have now seen numerous other applications come forward - the current planning legislation does not allow a phased approach and people are now phoning the town council saying they cannot get their child into a primary school.”

Vista Architecture & Urban Design wrote how the new estate’s design would also ensure enough space between properties.

It read: “A density of around 35 dwellings per hectare is considered to strike a reasonable balance between the need to make efficient use of the land while respecting the characteristics of the site.”

To see the plans in full click HERE.