Homes plan near ancient woodland set for refusal

A proposal to build 150 homes on the edge of Derby is set to be rejected over concerns about the impact it would have on ancient woodland.

Developer JGP Properties Ltd wants to build the properties on 20.3 acres (8.2 hectares) of land next to Chaddesden Wood.

Planning documents lodged by the firm, with Derby City Council, said the scheme was respectful of the site's "environmental context".

However, nearly 1,500 objections to the application have been sent to planning officials, who have advised councillors to refuse permission when they discuss it on Thursday.

Among the objectors are not-for-profit organisation CPRE Derbyshire, the Woodland Trust charity and the Friends of Chaddesden Wood group.

They said their concerns included the potential loss of habitats and harm to wildlife, and of green wedge land to the north of the city.

A council report said Chaddesden Wood was a nature reserve and ancient woodland with veteran trees.

The report added there was "significant human activity within the woodland" already, and that the new homes would put "further pressure" on it.

It also said developing the site would result in the loss of a "very important" remaining area of the Oakwood green wedge, which would isolate the wood from open countryside to the north of Derby.

In planning documents, the developer said the scheme would "facilitate a subtle and appropriate transition between the existing urban area and the countryside".

It said the site was sustainable and deliverable for a residential scheme.

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