Plans to build 82 new homes on land adjacent to the former Oakwell Brickworks site on Derby Road, Ilkeston have been approved by councillors, following a vote at Erewash Borough Council’s Planning Committee.
The application, which includes the demolition of 195 Derby Road to create a new access into the site, was approved by 12 votes in favour, with one councillor voting against.
The decision comes after months of local concern and objection, with residents raising a wide range of issues relating to traffic, wildlife, environmental impact, land contamination and pressure on local services.
Residents voice concerns
The proposal attracted a significant number of objections during the consultation process, and many local residents were also in attendance at the planning meeting, making their opposition clear.
Concerns raised by objectors included:
- Increased traffic and road safety risks on Derby Road
- Loss of open land and green space
- Impact on wildlife and a nearby Local Wildlife Site
- Pressure on local schools, GP surgeries and other infrastructure
- Concerns about potential land contamination due to the wider site’s historic use as a brickworks
- Flooding and surface water drainage issues
- The scale and density of the development
Some residents expressed fears that disturbing land linked to historic industrial use could pose environmental or health risks, and questioned whether sufficient investigations had been carried out before planning permission was granted.
Officer recommendation and assessment
Despite the objections, planning officers recommended approval, concluding that the site was suitable for residential development under both local and national planning policy.
In their report, officers said the site lies within the Ilkeston urban area and is considered a sustainable location due to its proximity to public transport routes and local amenities. They advised councillors that, in planning terms, the impacts of the development would not be severe enough to justify refusal.
On highways and traffic, officers stated that submitted assessments showed the development would not result in severe residual impacts on the local road network. Derbyshire County Council’s highways authority raised no objection to the scheme.
Contamination and environmental issues
Planning officers acknowledged the site’s historic use as part of the former brickworks and confirmed that land contamination and ground stability had been assessed through submitted reports and consultation responses.
Officers advised councillors that further site investigations, remediation works and monitoring, if required, would be secured through planning conditions, meaning that development could not proceed until those matters had been satisfactorily addressed.
Environmental considerations, including biodiversity, protected species and drainage, were also addressed through mitigation measures, planning conditions and legal agreements.
What the approved scheme includes
The approved development will deliver:
- 82 new homes, mainly two- and three-bedroom properties
- 15% affordable housing, equating to 12 homes, split evenly between social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership
- Areas of public open space and on-site play facilities
As part of the approval, the developer must enter into a Section 106 legal agreement, securing financial contributions towards local infrastructure, including:
- Education provision at Field House Infant School
- Education provision at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy
- Contributions towards local GP capacity
- Funding for Ilkeston Library stock
These contributions are intended to mitigate the impact of the development on local services.
Decision reached after debate
After hearing from officer presentations, as well as a resident against the development, and considering the objections raised, councillors debated the balance between the need for new housing and the concerns of local residents.
Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application, accepting the officer recommendation that the development complies with planning policy and that the impacts identified could be managed through conditions and legal obligations.
What happens next
With planning permission now granted, the development can move forward once the Section 106 agreement is completed and all planning conditions are discharged.
The decision marks a significant step in the redevelopment of the former Oakwell Brickworks site, bringing the planning stage of a proposal that has generated strong local debate to a close.