Bolsover MP Opposes Clowne Garden Village

Mark Fletcher MP has written to Bolsover District Council to oppose the proposals.

The proposals for this giant housing development will see the population of Clowne increase by nearly 50% with residents concerned for the impact of an additional 1,800 houses, as well as commercial development, on local infrastructure and services.

Earlier this month, Mr Fletcher wrote a six-page letter to the planning department at Bolsover District Council outlining his concerns regarding the lack of affordable housing (only 6% of the development will be affordable housing), the impact an additional 1,800 houses will have on the local road network, as well as the limited contributions towards health (only £684,000 out of £1.62 million requested) and education services (a £10 million funding gap for our local schools), and concerns for the environment, especially flooding and the use of greenbelt land.

Over the last three and a half years the MP for Bolsover has continued to raise his concerns regarding the impact of this development on the local community with senior officers at Bolsover District Council, with the Highways team at Derbyshire County Council, and with the Developers of Clowne Garden Village regarding the impact the increased number of housing would have on the local road infrastructure network.

Mark Fletcher  says he has spoken to hundreds of residents across Clowne and Barlborough either via email, through a local ‘Housing Survey’, at surgeries, or knocking on doors. The overwhelming response has been clear – opposition. 

Mr Fletcher, commented:

‘’Despite the clear opposition and evident negative impact on the local community, I find it staggering that the Council will proceed with the development.

On health it fails. On roads it fails. On education it fails. On affordable housing it fails. To continue with this development and to ride roughshod over the legitimate views and concerns of local residents would be a complete dereliction of duty to the local community.

We all agree on the need for more housing, but this must be accompanied by investment into our services and infrastructure, so that the local community does not suffer. This development does not pass those tests. Ultimately, Clowne Garden Village is unsustainable and not fit for purpose.’’