Locals fume after Labour-led council approves plan to build 180 homes on 'last green space' in quaint English village

Despite 36 letters of objection from local residents raising concerns about traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure, council officials believe the project should proceed.

Locals speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service in May expressed feelings of reluctant acceptance, viewing the loss of the green land as unavoidable.

The proposed development site sits within the Swadlincote settlement boundary, with vehicle access planned from the roundabout connecting Cadley Hill Road and Hearthcote Road, leading to the fields via Swadlincote Lane and Bexley Drive.

The application has been scaled back from its original proposal of 194 properties to the current 187-home plan.

Council officials have indicated the scheme presently includes 19 affordable homes, though the authority is seeking to secure 25 affordable properties, representing 13 per cent of the total, before granting final approval.

The neighbouring Keystone Lintels industrial facility has expressed concerns that residential construction nearby could result in operational restrictions, including limitations on working hours.

Objectors have cited a range of issues including traffic problems, harm to wildlife, disruption during building works, and the absence of bus services alongside broader infrastructure deficiencies.

Residents have voiced familiar worries about the strain additional housing places on roads, schools and healthcare provision, arguing that expansions and improvements must accompany any new development.

To address these pressures, authorities have sought £194,000 in contributions for health service enhancements and £147,000 towards expanding local schools.

However, the application has also attracted letters of support, with some arguing improved access would benefit the surrounding area, including provisions for hedgehogs and access to bungalows.

Planning officers recommending approval stated that residential development on this site is considered acceptable in principle.

"The site is located in a sustainable location within the Swadlincote settlement boundary," council officers wrote in their assessment.

While acknowledging that public objections raised material considerations, officials concluded these would not cause residual harm and should be treated as neutral in the planning balance.

Officers described the proposed scheme as high quality in both layout and building design, determining it would not adversely affect the character or appearance of the surrounding area.