Council officers have recommended approval for a major 82-home housing development off Derby Road, despite significant objections from local residents over traffic, wildlife and environmental impact.
The proposals relate to land at the former Oakwell Brickworks site, where an application has been submitted to demolish 195 Derby Road and build 82 new homes, along with roads, parking, landscaping and drainage.
The scheme is due to be considered by Erewash Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 14 January, with officers advising councillors that the development should be approved, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and planning conditions.
Traffic and safety concerns dismissed by highways officers
One of the most common concerns raised by residents relates to traffic levels and road safety on Derby Road, particularly around the proposed access point.
Objectors have cited fears of increased congestion, accident risk, pedestrian safety, and difficulties for emergency vehicles. However, the council’s planning report says Derbyshire County Council highways officers have reviewed the Transport Assessment, accident data and access design, and concluded that the development would not have a severe impact on the local road network.
The report states that accident records from the last five years show no existing highway safety issues that would justify refusal, and that traffic generated by the development would be acceptable in planning terms.
Wildlife and environmental impact remains contentious
The site sits next to a Local Wildlife Site and has long been used informally by residents for walking and recreation, with many objections highlighting concerns over biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation.
Planning officers acknowledge that wildlife will be affected but argue the impacts can be mitigated. The application claims it will deliver a biodiversity net gain of more than 11 percent, with new habitats, planting and ecological enhancements secured through planning conditions.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust raised concerns about the proximity of housing to the woodland edge and the loss of some habitat, but the council’s report says these impacts are either minor or can be addressed through mitigation measures and future condition enforcement.
Great crested newts, bats, reptiles and badgers are all referenced in the report, with further surveys, management plans and controls required before development can proceed.
Ground contamination and flooding fears addressed
Residents also raised fears about ground stability, historic contamination linked to the brickworks, and surface water flooding.
According to the planning report, additional borehole investigations were carried out following initial concerns. Officers state these found no evidence of contamination spreading from the former brickworks and that the site falls within the lowest contamination risk category.
The development lies within Flood Zone 1, meaning it is not considered at risk from river flooding, with surface water drainage proposals to be controlled through attenuation ponds and discharge limits.
What the development would deliver
If approved, the scheme would include:
- 82 new homes, mainly two and three-bedroom properties
- 12 affordable homes (15 percent of the total), split between social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership
- Financial contributions towards local infrastructure, including:
- Over £315,000 for schools
- £82,000 towards GP capacity
- A contribution towards Ilkeston Library stock
Planning officers say these benefits outweigh the identified harms.
Decision expected this month
Despite the officer recommendation, the final decision will rest with elected councillors, who will weigh the report against the strength of local opposition when the application comes before committee.
The meeting will take place at Ilkeston Town Hall next Wednesday at 6pm, and will be open to the public.