Sale of land near Oregon Way raises concerns. It unlocks a 215-home development, sparking traffic and boundary worries.
The sale could allow access to a new estate, potentially leading to the construction of about 215 homes. Brook Farm is the large private land nearby. A big section will be public space.
Council officers are close to a land deal. The developer needs this council land to build, and without it, the housing project cannot proceed.
The council needs to find space for 12,500 homes. Selling the Oregon Way land helps with that goal. If not, they must find a different building site.
Residents and councillors are worried about these plans. People have protested Brook Farm development for years. Past appeal wins did not lead to buildings, but now new homes seem more likely.
A resident, Phil Haynes, mentioned area infrastructure concern, believing that 200 homes mean more cars and people. He questions Acorn Way’s ability to handle this influx. Another resident, Peter Barnett, lives on Oregon Way and says the road is quiet now, but two hundred homes will change that, increasing traffic.
Councillors fear more land development. They want Acorn Way kept as a natural boundary, as it protects Chaddesden, Oakwood, and Spondon.
Councillors Pearce and Wright posted on Facebook, calling the land public open space like parkland. They feel its sale disregards community needs. They want to keep Acorn Way a natural hedge, stating that housing should not push right up against it. Labour approved housing plans in 2017, and councillors urge them to remove this current plan.
Councillor Shiraz Khan spoke about housing challenges, stating that Derby needs more homes to meet demand. He stated this sale grants access to needed housing. The Brook Farm site was for housing in 2017 and could add 275 homes, but plans should consider nearby nature and provide public green spaces as well.
