Property consultancy Fisher German and co-agent Wiverton have completed the sale of a site off Birchwood Lane, Somercotes, with planning permission for 200 homes to homebuilder Avant Homes.
Plans for Nether Farm homes off Birchwood Lane were approved by Borough Council in 2018, but residents of Somercotes have campaigned to highlight concerns about contamination in the area for 40 years.
They believe no one really knows what may have seeped into the ground off Birchwood Lane, near Nether Farm, and what potential damage could be done to residents in the area.
This is because of a legacy of dumping harmful industrial waste at the Somercotes site, including toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.
But a developer insists that homes can still be built safely on the site, if properly cleared.
The site is now marketed to the landowner, after Chave Planning secured planning permission in its name to build the houses, 30% of which have affordable status.
Matthew Handford, Senior Development Surveyor at Fisher German, said: “We are delighted to be providing a new market and affordable housing in Derbyshire through an agreement with Avant Homes which will meet the demand for properties in the county.
“The site was in high demand, with the level of offers received exceeding expectations. This reflects the positive market conditions for building land at the moment, supported by strong sales
interest rates, restricted land purchase opportunities and rising house prices. »
Work on the site is expected to begin in August 2022.
The Derbyshire Times asked Avant Homes what mitigation measures would be put in place due to concerns about contamination.
A spokesperson said: “Our detailed planning application for the Birchwood Road site in Somercotes will be carefully considered and supported by the completion of a full technical survey of the site.
“Any ground constraints discovered during the investigation will be fully assessed and a proposal to resolve them will be submitted to regulatory authorities.
“Construction of the development will be carried out in full compliance with all obligations set out in the planning agreement.”
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