Town Council Statement – Bolsover North Development

Bolsover North Development

As many residents will already be aware, Bolsover District Council's Local Plan, adopted in 2020, sets out the District Council's plans for providing 5,700 new dwellings across the District between 2014 and 2033. Of this, Bolsover Town is planned to accommodate in the region of 1,800 homes across five site allocations.

Bolsover North Strategic Site

The key strategic site for development within Bolsover Town is the Bolsover North Site.

This is expected to deliver approximately 950 dwellings, the development will also provide a number of additional facilities for the town including;

• a new town park
• a new highway to relieve traffic pressure on Welbeck Road/Marlpit Lane
• an extra care facility
• a new building for the infant school to provide increased capacity
• funding to increase capacity at the junior and secondary schools
• financial contributions towards improvements to the Town End junction, along with improving the walking and cycling infrastructure

Building has already commenced on the first phase of Bolsover North, which will provide 238 dwellings over the next three years. Plans are now being prepared for the second phase of Bolsover North, this includes the development of relocation houses for property owners whose homes will be demolished to form the link road through the site.

The second phase of the development set out in the strategic site allocation includes three parcels of land owned by Old Bolsover Town Council, this includes a section of the allotments located on Oxcroft Lane, a field to the rear of the allotments on Oxcroft Lane, and a section of allotments located off Longlands.

The Council have not yet agreed any terms in relation to the sale of these parcels of land, but it is something that will need to be carefully considered in the near future as the development progresses.

The land off Longlands is key to the second phase of the development as this is to provide essential infrastructure supporting the delivery of a new highway to the development. The Town Council understand that they are the only party to yet agree terms for the sale of their land, and given the importance of the site for the infrastructure of the development, the land could ultimately be subject to a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) from the District Council to ensure delivery of the programme.

The other two parcels are less critical from an infrastructure perspective, but they are vital to the proper delivery of the scheme, should the Town Council opt to not sell they could also be a risk of a CPO and hinder the delivery of the planned infrastructure capacity improvements for the town. There is also the possibility that the slower delivery of the Bolsover North strategic site could lead to unplanned sites in the countryside coming forward to take advantage in shortfall in delivery at appeal.

The Council appreciate that many residents will want to find out more information about the plans and share their views, so with support from our colleagues at the District Council we will be holding a consultation event date in the near future, details will be shared once dates have been confirmed.

Allotments

Should the Council decide to proceed with the sale of the parcels of land, we will consult directly with any allotment plot holders who may be affected, and work with them to identify suitable alternatives. The Town Council will also seek advice from The National Allotment Association and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. If required, it is proposed that Council go through the enhanced disposal process and apply to the Secretary of State to dispose of allotment land, subject to Section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925.