A planning application has been submitted to demolish the former Hazelwood care home in Cotmanhay and build 28 affordable houses on the site.
The building on Skeavingtons Lane has been empty since the care facility closed. The new plans, submitted to Erewash Borough Council, propose clearing the site and replacing it with a mix of two and three bedroom homes.
According to the application, all 28 properties would be affordable housing, delivered through a registered provider.
Surveys confirm bats in the building
Ecology reports submitted with the plans confirm that bats are roosting inside the former care home, with surveyors recording common pipistrelle bats emerging from the structure. This means the developer would need a licence from Natural England before any demolition can begin.
Ground investigations required
A separate assessment of former coal mining activity says the area sits within a high-risk zone, with signs of historic workings underground. Further investigations would be needed before any building work could take place.
What the plans include
The proposals set out:
18 two bedroom houses 10 three bedroom houses 38 parking spaces New internal footpaths and landscaping
Drawings show traditional semi detached homes fitted with solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Developer offers £112,000 for local infrastructure
Documents submitted with the application say the developer is willing to contribute £112,000 towards local services. This includes funding for primary school places, open space improvements and sustainable transport.
Where to view the plans
The full planning application, including all reports, drawings and supporting documents, is available on the Erewash Borough Council planning portal.
Residents can find it by searching for:
Application reference: 0925/0052 – Hazelwood, Skeavingtons Lane, Ilkeston
The documents include the site layout, ecology surveys, mining risk report, design details and the draft Section 106 contributions.
What happens next
Erewash Borough Council will now carry out a public consultation before making a decision on the proposals. Residents can submit comments via the planning portal.
Ilkeston News will continue to follow the progress of the application.