Stanton Regeneration Site Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who owns the site?
A. Saint-Gobain.
Q2. Why is the site proposed for development?
A. The site has been used for industrial and business uses for many decades, but over recent years, more of the site has become derelict and under-used. Land that is, or has previously been developed on, is called ‘Brownfield land’.
The Government wants to ensure that we use our Brownfield land as efficiently as possible to build on. This is to take the pressure off having to use too much ‘Greenfield land’ instead. Greenfield land is land which has not previously been developed on, such as agricultural fields and woodland, for example.
The site is also located on the edge of Ilkeston, which means that it is more ‘sustainable’. This means that the site is close to existing employment, transport links and community facilities based in and around the town centre. Because of this, the site is often referred to as a ‘Sustainable Urban Extension’. Further information on ‘Sustainable Urban Extensions’ can be found by clicking on this link which goes to our Local Development Framework website.
The re-development of this sustainable Brownfield site will therefore help us to meet our housing, employment and community facility needs over the next 20 years.
Q3. What will be built on the site?
A. It is proposed that the site will consist of ‘walkable neighbourhoods’. This means there will be a mix of homes and businesses, and community facilities: including schools, shops, health facilities, parks and green space, all within easy walking distance of each other. The precise number of homes and businesses to be built is not known at this stage. The type and amount of community facilities will be established through the planning process.
Q4. Who will develop it?
A. If Saint-Gobain obtains planning permission they will then sell the site to one or more developers.
Q5. When will it happen?
A. Saint-Gobain proposes to submit an outline planning application to us for consideration around summer 2012. The Council will then consult with local residents and consider the application in detail over a significant period of time before making a decision as to whether to grant planning permission or not. Even if we approve this development, we will then have to consider more detailed plans before anything is built on site.
Q6. What is the Council’s role?
A. We are the Planning Authority and have responsibility for making sure that the development is in the best interests of the Borough and meets national policies and local needs. We are working with Saint-Gobain to achieve this but we are not a partner in the development.
Q7. Will the Council be given lots of money for allowing this development to go ahead?
A. No. We do not own any land within the Stanton site nor are we a partner in the development. If the development occurs, we will collect Council tax from new houses and businesses built, but we will use this to pay for local public services.
Q8. But I’ve been told that this is a done deal?
A. No it is not - a decision on whether this development will be allowed or not, will not be made until it has gone through our formal planning process. The formal planning process will start when we receive the planning application. The members of our Planning Committee will decide whether to approve the development or not.
Q9. But what about the road that’s going to be built through the Green Belt? Hasn’t this been agreed?
A. No decision on a new road has been made. We all recognise the need to improve access to and from the site, so we are working with Saint-Gobain, the Highways Agency, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire County Councils, and Broxtowe Borough Council to look at different transport options. These include cycling, walking, public transport (bus and rail) and road traffic. These studies include a technical highway one, which is considering which five potential road options, if any, is required for the site. An actual decision on whether a road is needed or not, will not be known until the planning application is determined.
It is worth noting that all five potential road options involve going through Green Belt land. If a new road is required, it is up to the landowner as part of their planning application, to provide the evidence to explain why we should allow a certain route. We are proud of our policies that protect our Green Belt from inappropriate development and therefore will take any proposals in the Green Belt very seriously.
Q10. Why can’t we just have a new junction on the M1?
A. We have been told categorically by the Highways Agency that a new junction on to the M1 at Stanton would not be allowed as it would not be in accordance with Government policy and would not resolve the transport issues in relation to the site, and could cause more traffic problems in the area and surrounding villages.
Q11. How will the public be involved?
A. We want you to have your say on the proposals as they are being developed. We will be required to carry out extensive formal consultation when Saint-Gobain submit their planning application. Between now and then, we will publish regular updates on our website and in newsletters. We will continue to talk to you by visiting local Community Forums and Parish Councils.