NEDDC Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation on the Strategic Approach to the Location of Development and Refined Sites (March 2026)
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NEDDC Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation on the Strategic Approach to the Location of Development and Refined Sites (March 2026)
45210 – Land off North Wingfield Road, Grassmoor
Respondent: Grassmoor, Hasland & Winsick Parish Council
Representation Summary:
The respondent raises concerns regarding the allocation of this site for housing, particularly in combination with nearby Site 45263. The respondent states that development would place significant pressure on physical and social infrastructure, including an already overburdened road network, ageing water and sewerage systems, and limited recreational and retail provision.
The respondent highlights potential public health risks due to proximity to the former Avenue coking works, noting uncertainty around the extent of contamination and possible impacts of historic industrial waste. Flooding is also identified as a concern, with the site experiencing standing surface water and potential increased runoff impacting surrounding communities.
The respondent raises concerns regarding the loss of Green Belt land, arguing that the site contributes to preventing sprawl and maintaining settlement separation. They also highlight the potential erosion of distinction between Grassmoor and Winsick if development proceeds.
The respondent concludes that, due to infrastructure pressures, environmental risks and Green Belt impacts, the site is not suitable for development.
Full text:
The Parish Council would like to make clear that it recognises just how important the new Local Plan will be to North East Derbyshire as a whole. But it also recognises the potentially enormous impact that it might have on our Parish Community over the next twenty years, especially if the pressure for greater development leads to the wrong decisions being taken.
It is important that in planning for change the interests of our existing communities are not neglected. It is also important that whatever new development takes place in the Parish is supported by appropriate physical, economic and social infrastructure. Without this infrastructure any new developments would not contribute to the wellbeing of the Parish Community as a whole and, indeed, may simply fail as new communities.
The Parish Council has considered the three proposed housing development sites located within the Parish of Grassmoor, Hasland and Winsick, which are identified in the latest iteration of the Local Plan online consultation documents. These are site 45210 – Land off North Wingfield Road, Grassmoor, site 45263 – Land at Avenue Farm, Grassmoor and site 45002 – Land to the South of Gill Lane, adjacent to Hagg Hill.
The Parish Council’s principal concerns about designating these sites for future development are set out below.
The impact on the Physical and Social Infrastructure.
The consultation document envisages that the two sites to the north of the Parish (45263 and 45210) could accommodate approximately 300 new homes. This would be a major addition of new housing, which would place important strains on our Parish Community.
These strains are likely to include significant additional traffic on an already overburdened road network, extra pressure on what is still an essentially nineteenth century water and sewerage system and additional demands on the limited recreational and retail capacity within the area. Given that the other designated site to the south of the Parish (45002) also envisages a further 140 dwellings, the impact on the Physical and Social Infrastructure of Grassmoor, Hasland and Winsick might simply be unsustainable.
As things, stand it is proposed that development on 45002 should ideally be confined to the northern part of the site. This would raise concerns in terms of the flow of traffic from the site through Gill Lane (which is currently not adopted and is in a poor condition) on to North Wingfield Road, which could exacerbate still further the traffic problems in Grassmoor.
Potential public health risks.
As you are aware, both 45210 and 45263 are close to the Avenue re-development site. Although excellent work has been done to decontaminate the Avenue, by removing the cyanide, arsenic, tar and various organic compounds found there, questions remain over how far these contaminants may have affected the surrounding countryside, including these sites.
Much of the waste from the coking plant was transported through an underground pipe to the ‘Lagoons’ which are now located in Grassmoor Country Park. As we understand it, this pipe is still in place and may traverse much of the proposed development land. We simply do not know how much hazardous waste may have leaked out from the pipe over the years and what impact this may have had.
I am not sure that we can rule out the possibility that this waste might have contaminated the wider environment, especially given the flooding that frequently occurs when the nearby River Rother overspills its banks. Designating the land for possible future development before this possibility has been addressed would not be appropriate.
Flood Risks
Both sites 45210 and 45263 experience flooding, with at times standing surface water. This would be a problem in terms of any future developments. But it may also prove to be a problem for our existing communities within the Parish, especially if they suffer from water run-off, as the surrounding green field soakaways are built upon. The Parish Council believes that as a matter of principle new developments should benefit our existing community, rather than to be to its detriment. Increasing the flood risk would not be in line with this principle
The impact on Community Identities
The Parish Council has real concerns about what impact the proposed development sites would have on community identities within our Parish. There is currently a clear distinction between the village of Winsick and the village of Grassmoor. If these sites were developed for housing, then the boundaries between the two settlements would be greatly eroded, so that, in effect, they became one continuous urban community, which in the long run might also merge with Hasland. This would not be supported by local people.
As regards to site 45002, we note that two thirds of the site is designated as a Local Settlement Gap in the current 2014-2034 Local Plan and that an updated Local Settlement Gap Review would inform whether this designation was still appropriate for the site. The Parish Council would be keen to engage with you in this review.
The loss of Green Belt.
Sites 45210 and 45263 are both located in the Green Belt. Taken together they contribute to an outstanding natural landscape, which is a haven for a wide range of flora and fauna. This green lung is greatly valued by the people of our Parish Community. We have noted that both sites will be assessed through a new Green Belt Review, in order to identify the extent to which they meet the Green Belt purposes – especially those related to checking unrestricted sprawl, preventing neighbouring towns merging and preserving the setting and special character of historic towns.
The Parish Council firmly believes that in both instances the sites do meet these purposes and as such would oppose them being removed from the Green Belt.
NEDDC Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation on the Strategic Approach to the Location of Development and Refined Sites (March 2026)
45263 – Land at Avenue Farm, Grassmoor
Respondent: Grassmoor, Hasland & Winsick Parish Council
Representation Summary:
The respondent considers that development at this site, particularly alongside Site 45210, would result in approximately 300 new homes and place unsustainable pressure on the existing infrastructure within the Parish. The respondent states that the road network is already under strain, while water and sewerage systems remain outdated and vulnerable to increased demand.
The respondent highlights concerns regarding potential contamination linked to the historic Avenue coking works, noting uncertainty over the condition of underground infrastructure and the risk of pollutants affecting surrounding land. Flood risk is also identified, with existing surface water issues likely to be worsened by development.
The respondent states that the site lies within the Green Belt and contributes to the area’s landscape character and biodiversity, which they consider should be protected. They also raise concerns about the cumulative impact on community identity, stating that development would erode the separation between settlements.
The respondent concludes that the combined impact of infrastructure strain, environmental risks and Green Belt loss renders the site unsuitable for development.
Full text:
The Parish Council would like to make clear that it recognises just how important the new Local Plan will be to North East Derbyshire as a whole. But it also recognises the potentially enormous impact that it might have on our Parish Community over the next twenty years, especially if the pressure for greater development leads to the wrong decisions being taken.
It is important that in planning for change the interests of our existing communities are not neglected. It is also important that whatever new development takes place in the Parish is supported by appropriate physical, economic and social infrastructure. Without this infrastructure any new developments would not contribute to the wellbeing of the Parish Community as a whole and, indeed, may simply fail as new communities.
The Parish Council has considered the three proposed housing development sites located within the Parish of Grassmoor, Hasland and Winsick, which are identified in the latest iteration of the Local Plan online consultation documents. These are site 45210 – Land off North Wingfield Road, Grassmoor, site 45263 – Land at Avenue Farm, Grassmoor and site 45002 – Land to the South of Gill Lane, adjacent to Hagg Hill.
The Parish Council’s principal concerns about designating these sites for future development are set out below.
The impact on the Physical and Social Infrastructure.
The consultation document envisages that the two sites to the north of the Parish (45263 and 45210) could accommodate approximately 300 new homes. This would be a major addition of new housing, which would place important strains on our Parish Community.
These strains are likely to include significant additional traffic on an already overburdened road network, extra pressure on what is still an essentially nineteenth century water and sewerage system and additional demands on the limited recreational and retail capacity within the area. Given that the other designated site to the south of the Parish (45002) also envisages a further 140 dwellings, the impact on the Physical and Social Infrastructure of Grassmoor, Hasland and Winsick might simply be unsustainable.
As things, stand it is proposed that development on 45002 should ideally be confined to the northern part of the site. This would raise concerns in terms of the flow of traffic from the site through Gill Lane (which is currently not adopted and is in a poor condition) on to North Wingfield Road, which could exacerbate still further the traffic problems in Grassmoor.
Potential public health risks.
As you are aware, both 45210 and 45263 are close to the Avenue re-development site. Although excellent work has been done to decontaminate the Avenue, by removing the cyanide, arsenic, tar and various organic compounds found there, questions remain over how far these contaminants may have affected the surrounding countryside, including these sites.
Much of the waste from the coking plant was transported through an underground pipe to the ‘Lagoons’ which are now located in Grassmoor Country Park. As we understand it, this pipe is still in place and may traverse much of the proposed development land. We simply do not know how much hazardous waste may have leaked out from the pipe over the years and what impact this may have had.
I am not sure that we can rule out the possibility that this waste might have contaminated the wider environment, especially given the flooding that frequently occurs when the nearby River Rother overspills its banks. Designating the land for possible future development before this possibility has been addressed would not be appropriate.
Flood Risks
Both sites 45210 and 45263 experience flooding, with at times standing surface water. This would be a problem in terms of any future developments. But it may also prove to be a problem for our existing communities within the Parish, especially if they suffer from water run-off, as the surrounding green field soakaways are built upon. The Parish Council believes that as a matter of principle new developments should benefit our existing community, rather than to be to its detriment. Increasing the flood risk would not be in line with this principle
The impact on Community Identities
The Parish Council has real concerns about what impact the proposed development sites would have on community identities within our Parish. There is currently a clear distinction between the village of Winsick and the village of Grassmoor. If these sites were developed for housing, then the boundaries between the two settlements would be greatly eroded, so that, in effect, they became one continuous urban community, which in the long run might also merge with Hasland. This would not be supported by local people.
As regards to site 45002, we note that two thirds of the site is designated as a Local Settlement Gap in the current 2014-2034 Local Plan and that an updated Local Settlement Gap Review would inform whether this designation was still appropriate for the site. The Parish Council would be keen to engage with you in this review.
The loss of Green Belt.
Sites 45210 and 45263 are both located in the Green Belt. Taken together they contribute to an outstanding natural landscape, which is a haven for a wide range of flora and fauna. This green lung is greatly valued by the people of our Parish Community. We have noted that both sites will be assessed through a new Green Belt Review, in order to identify the extent to which they meet the Green Belt purposes – especially those related to checking unrestricted sprawl, preventing neighbouring towns merging and preserving the setting and special character of historic towns.
The Parish Council firmly believes that in both instances the sites do meet these purposes and as such would oppose them being removed from the Green Belt.
NEDDC Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation on the Strategic Approach to the Location of Development and Refined Sites (March 2026)
45002 – Land to the south of Gill Lane adjacent to Hagg Hill, Grassmoor
Respondent: Grassmoor, Hasland & Winsick Parish Council
Representation Summary:
The respondent raises concerns regarding the allocation of this site, which proposes approximately 140 dwellings. The respondent notes that development is expected to be confined to the northern section, but raises concerns about traffic impacts, particularly along Gill Lane, which is described as unadopted and in poor condition. They state that additional traffic would exacerbate congestion and safety issues on surrounding roads, including North Wingfield Road.
The respondent highlights the site’s designation as a Local Settlement Gap in the current Local Plan and emphasises its role in maintaining separation between communities. They express concern that development would weaken this distinction and contribute to coalescence between settlements.
The respondent also raises broader concerns regarding cumulative impacts on infrastructure, including schools, utilities and local services, particularly when considered alongside other proposed developments in the Parish.
The respondent concludes that development would place unsustainable pressure on infrastructure, harm settlement identity, and should be carefully reconsidered in light of its designation and wider impacts.
Full text:
The Parish Council would like to make clear that it recognises just how important the new Local Plan will be to North East Derbyshire as a whole. But it also recognises the potentially enormous impact that it might have on our Parish Community over the next twenty years, especially if the pressure for greater development leads to the wrong decisions being taken.
It is important that in planning for change the interests of our existing communities are not neglected. It is also important that whatever new development takes place in the Parish is supported by appropriate physical, economic and social infrastructure. Without this infrastructure any new developments would not contribute to the wellbeing of the Parish Community as a whole and, indeed, may simply fail as new communities.
The Parish Council has considered the three proposed housing development sites located within the Parish of Grassmoor, Hasland and Winsick, which are identified in the latest iteration of the Local Plan online consultation documents. These are site 45210 – Land off North Wingfield Road, Grassmoor, site 45263 – Land at Avenue Farm, Grassmoor and site 45002 – Land to the South of Gill Lane, adjacent to Hagg Hill.
The Parish Council’s principal concerns about designating these sites for future development are set out below.
The impact on the Physical and Social Infrastructure.
The consultation document envisages that the two sites to the north of the Parish (45263 and 45210) could accommodate approximately 300 new homes. This would be a major addition of new housing, which would place important strains on our Parish Community.
These strains are likely to include significant additional traffic on an already overburdened road network, extra pressure on what is still an essentially nineteenth century water and sewerage system and additional demands on the limited recreational and retail capacity within the area. Given that the other designated site to the south of the Parish (45002) also envisages a further 140 dwellings, the impact on the Physical and Social Infrastructure of Grassmoor, Hasland and Winsick might simply be unsustainable.
As things, stand it is proposed that development on 45002 should ideally be confined to the northern part of the site. This would raise concerns in terms of the flow of traffic from the site through Gill Lane (which is currently not adopted and is in a poor condition) on to North Wingfield Road, which could exacerbate still further the traffic problems in Grassmoor.
Potential public health risks.
As you are aware, both 45210 and 45263 are close to the Avenue re-development site. Although excellent work has been done to decontaminate the Avenue, by removing the cyanide, arsenic, tar and various organic compounds found there, questions remain over how far these contaminants may have affected the surrounding countryside, including these sites.
Much of the waste from the coking plant was transported through an underground pipe to the ‘Lagoons’ which are now located in Grassmoor Country Park. As we understand it, this pipe is still in place and may traverse much of the proposed development land. We simply do not know how much hazardous waste may have leaked out from the pipe over the years and what impact this may have had.
I am not sure that we can rule out the possibility that this waste might have contaminated the wider environment, especially given the flooding that frequently occurs when the nearby River Rother overspills its banks. Designating the land for possible future development before this possibility has been addressed would not be appropriate.
Flood Risks
Both sites 45210 and 45263 experience flooding, with at times standing surface water. This would be a problem in terms of any future developments. But it may also prove to be a problem for our existing communities within the Parish, especially if they suffer from water run-off, as the surrounding green field soakaways are built upon. The Parish Council believes that as a matter of principle new developments should benefit our existing community, rather than to be to its detriment. Increasing the flood risk would not be in line with this principle
The impact on Community Identities
The Parish Council has real concerns about what impact the proposed development sites would have on community identities within our Parish. There is currently a clear distinction between the village of Winsick and the village of Grassmoor. If these sites were developed for housing, then the boundaries between the two settlements would be greatly eroded, so that, in effect, they became one continuous urban community, which in the long run might also merge with Hasland. This would not be supported by local people.
As regards to site 45002, we note that two thirds of the site is designated as a Local Settlement Gap in the current 2014-2034 Local Plan and that an updated Local Settlement Gap Review would inform whether this designation was still appropriate for the site. The Parish Council would be keen to engage with you in this review.
The loss of Green Belt.
Sites 45210 and 45263 are both located in the Green Belt. Taken together they contribute to an outstanding natural landscape, which is a haven for a wide range of flora and fauna. This green lung is greatly valued by the people of our Parish Community. We have noted that both sites will be assessed through a new Green Belt Review, in order to identify the extent to which they meet the Green Belt purposes – especially those related to checking unrestricted sprawl, preventing neighbouring towns merging and preserving the setting and special character of historic towns.
The Parish Council firmly believes that in both instances the sites do meet these purposes and as such would oppose them being removed from the Green Belt.
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