Readers divided as plans for controversial Oakwood housing development back on table

More than 600 objections were raised when plans were submitted to build 150 homes

Derbyshire Live readers have been busy in our comments section discussing the news that controversial plans to build a new and huge housing development on the edge of Oakwood are back on the table. Last year, more than 600 objections were raised when plans were submitted to build 150 homes off Lime Lane next to the ancient woodland of Chaddesden Wood. The plans were later withdrawn - meaning no council decision had to be made.

However, this week developer JGP Properties Limited has submitted a very similar planning application to Derby City Council, which again includes plans to build on the Green Wedge, an area of land used to separate and divide different urban areas of a city or town.

The developer wants to "develop a sustainable and integrated new urban area within Oakwood" and says the land off Lime Lane can deliver a residential scheme to suit its needs. When the plans were announced last year, Oakwood councillors expressed deep concern that the plans were "totally unsuitable, unnecessary and unwanted".

DerbyshireLive reader The Walker, who was among those to comment on the latest plans, wrote: “We need more homes. Get on with it!” Manonthestreet agrees: “Planning laws and NIMBYism have stifled house building holding back an entire generation of would-be homeowners.

"Existing homeowners sit in a very privileged position while a whole generation grapples with how to attain that status. It’s far enough out of the City and adjacent Greenbelt. I can assure you if Derby city doesn't grasp the opportunity then neighbouring authorities will. Get on with it and give our kids a chance.”

Mighty Rams says: “Green belt land is what they are saying they will build on, but no way should Green Wedge land be built on as that defines one area and village etc. Building on green wedge land will eventually just lead to one big city.”

Upo writes: “I don't mind new homes being built but these developers do not think of the infrastructure. Oakwood school is not big enough now and surrounding schools are full, developers should be made to pay for new schools. The doctors are full, it would be good if developers were made to have more responsibility towards new developments.”

TJB59 points out: “People pay taxes for schools and things. Yes it's easy to build a doctor's surgery, but we have a shortage of GPs and nurses and there’s not a lot developers can do about that.”

TJB59 points out: “The government should not have stopped councils building new council homes, but how many would have brought these homes if they were being sold at market value?”

Expotter adds: “‘Right to buy’ destroyed all the council housing.”

How do you feel about the new plans? Will the new housing benefit Derby? Have your say in our comments section.