02-07-2025
Another important green space could be lost under plan for 300 new homes in Littleover
Emerging plans have been unveiled to build more than 300 new homes on green space in a Derby suburb – but an online petition against it has already collected hundreds of signatures.
Ainscough Strategic Land has launched a public consultation on its plans to build approximately 335 'much-needed' houses next to Moorway Lane in Littleover. The company has launched a website detailing its plans before a formal planning application is submitted to Derby City Council.
The Nottingham-based firm says the site currently consists mainly of grassland fields with no public access. Its surrounding land includes residential development to the west and the Millennium Wood nature haven to the north.
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It says the application site lies within the southern part of the Littleover/Sunnyhill Green Wedge. Green wedges are spaces which separate suburbs in Derby and form an important part of the city council's planning policy – as was evidenced in the recent planning inquiry for new homes in Spondon for which the council lost.
The company state the new development will involve the creation of new access points from Moorway Lane for pedestrians and cyclists, providing links to the existing footpath and cycle network. Additionally new roads from Moorway Lane are proposed to accommodate the "increased anticipated traffic movements ensuring safe and efficient access to the site'.
Ainscough Strategic Land says on its website: 'The design of the proposals has carefully considered the potential impact on the Green Wedge, with built development focused on the western part of the site to preserve its overall width. A landscaped buffer is included along the southern and eastern edges of the site to further protect its character.
'This development will assist in addressing the shortfall in housing that has been identified by Derby City Council. National policy requires the council demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, however the latest published position is just 3.85 years, and as a result the policies most important for the determination of planning applications are out of date. This shortfall will need to be addressed through the provision of new residential sites across the city, such as the land east of Moorway Lane.'
Residents have until Monday, July 14, to submit their views online or by post. But the pre-application plans have already caused concern.
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An online petition titled 'Stop development threatening Millennium Woods Area, Littleover' has raised 355 signatures at the time of writing. The petition has been launched by community organisation Greener Littleover.
There is concern building new homes will threaten the biodiversity of the "beloved" Millenium Woods area next to where the homes could be built. It says: "This tranquil area not only offers a refuge for a wide variety of wildlife, but it also serves as a green escape for community members seeking tranquillity away from urban chaos. The development will completely surround this nature haven.
It adds: 'Millennium Woods is home to an array of biodiversity, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. This year newts have been spotted in Millennium Pond. Such nearby developments pose a significant threat by potentially displacing numerous species that over the years have found safety within its lush expanse.'
The petition can be seen here –
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has approached the petition author for further comment. To take part in the public consultation or for further information visit -
