Bassetlaw has a need for new housing, as was demonstrated through the examination of the adopted Local Plan. This site was allocated through that process directly to meet these housing needs. This includes a need for affordable housing, starter homes for first time buyers and market housing, all of which are proposed to be delivered through this proposal. Conversations are also ongoing on bringing a care home onto the site, to provide much needed specialist housing for older people, also freeing up existing older stock. If this can be delivered, this will have the wider benefit of introducing new jobs to the area also.

The proposed site is located immediately northwest of Retford in Nottinghamshire, approximate Grid Reference: SK 68736 82428. The proposed site measures approximately 15.85 hectares in size and is located immediately north of the North Road Retford Phase 1 built by Avant Homes.

Immediately beyond the majority of the proposed site’s eastern boundary is located North Road/ A638, beyond which is located further agricultural fields. Immediately beyond the proposed site’s northern boundary is located an area of mature and dense woodland, within which is located a watercourse.

The site’s western boundary is formed by the East Coast Mainline, beyond which is located a further wooded area. The aforementioned watercourse crosses beneath this rail line and flows west of the site, within this woodland, beyond which is located further agricultural fields.

Overhead powerlines cross the site in a southwest to northeast direction in the south of the proposed site and in a north to south direction towards the northern element of the proposed site, adjacent to the western boundary with North Road.

Section 7.7 of the Adopted Local Plan states that a future development on the site would benefit from a myriad existing employment opportunities, as well as a broad range of retail and community facilities, comprising a “logical, sustainable extension” of Retford. Within a half hour walk, under 20 min travel by public transport or a 5 minute drive from the site, supermarkets, petrol stations, sports pitches, a church, cafes, restaurants, a theatre, museum, pubs and a myriad of other services and facilities exist within Retford. The A1 can also be reached within a 5-minute drive of the site, facilitating access to other settlements further afield.

Of the c.300 new homes proposed a mix of housing is to be provided, in broad accordance with the following indicative mix pending community consultation and ongoing dialogue with the Council. This will comprise:

• 84 two bedroom;
• 91 three bedroom and
• 138 four bedroom.

Six of these properties are proposed to comprise bungalows with the reminder of the properties comprising two storey dwellings. The scheme will deliver a minimum of 78 affordable homes, in accordance with adopted policies.

As part of the proposal, large and connected areas of public open space are spread throughout the development. New footpaths are also propsoed around these areas to facilitate the public’s access, ensuring they can be enjoyed and benefit residents’ health and wellbeing. This scheme proposes both new areas of general amenity open space, but also equipped areas of play for both new residents but also those nearby to use and enjoy.

A new care home is also proposed toward the southeastern corner of the development. However, this use will be subject to ongoing discussion with Care Home operators and the Council.

Located to the north of the site is located a large area of open space to provide a buffer with the woodland located immediately beyond the site’s northern boundary. This area will accommodate tree planting to ensure the development blends well with this existing woodland, in effect extending it, as agreed with the Council’s ecologist/ Landscape Officer and relevant consultees.

This area of open space will also accommodate the sites surface water management features, including a large attenuation basin which will serve to manage surface water through the development to ensure new houses are not at risk of flooding and importantly flood risk elsewhere is not increased. Surface water will be released from the site at a comparable rate to the current greenfield discharge rates. However, these features of the development will also create an attractive area to be enjoyed by both future residents of the development, existing residents of Retford and wildlife.

The proposed development is supported by a range of detailed reports and surveys which have helped to inform the scheme and seeks to address points raised in Outline planning application, and allocation commentary within the Adopted Local Plan. These will be available in their totality when the application is submitted and interested parties can make comments direct to the Council also at this time.

A Masterplan has been produced, indicating how the site has been designed, incorporating the above.

• A logical high-quality, sustainable extension of Retford including comprehensive landscape planting and open space to ensure the development appropriately blends with the wider landscape to the west and north;
• A variety of house types and sizes, with a large portion being affordable, to meet the varied needs of the residents of Retford;
• A development well located on a main highway link, with good both public and private transport options into Retford, and to the strategic highway network located further afield;
• Areas of outdoor play areas spread throughout the development;
• A net gain in the biodiversity of the site as a direct result of the development;
• A new access roundabout, facilitating access into the site, but also improving the local highway network. This will also facilitate access into the land to the east of North Road, proposed for future employment development; and
• A new care home to ensure residents can remain in the area when supportive living may be required, subject to ongoing discussions.

Access into the site is proposed via a new roundabout installed at approximate grid reference: SK 68852 82438. This will allow for vehicles to travel into, and out of, the site from North Road/ A638. This new roundabout will also facilitate access to the land to the northeast of North Road which is proposed for future employment use. Such an access is consistent with the arrangements given permission via the Outline planning permission, 15/00493/OUT which delivered the Phase 1 Avant scheme, though it is noted this permission has now lapsed insofar as it related to the employment element. This site remains allocated for employment uses in the Bassetlaw Local Plan.

Nottinghamshire County Council Highway Authority have previously confirmed their acceptance of the arrangement via the Outline planning application. Their up-to-date view on the proposed access is being clarified with the LHA via an on-going pre-application enquiry.

Miller Homes are keen to hear your views on the proposed Phase 2 development at North Road, Retford, prior to the planning application is submitted to Bassetlaw District Council. There will be further opportunity to provide comments on the planning application when it is formally submitted to the Council. These comments will be considered by the Council when they determine the planning application.

This website has been produced to inform residents about the future development. It also gives residents the opportunity to make comments on the proposals, to be considered by the project team and to inform the design submitted to the Council.