By Duncan Mackay
January 12 – Nottingham’s plans to build a new stadium in time to host matches if England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup is successful took an important step forward tonight when councillors proposed Gamston and Clifton for development, even though they claimed did not want to.
The planned 45,000-capacity stadium, which would be the new home for two-time European champions Nottingham Forest, is due to be built on land east of Gamston and, under a scheme presented to Rushcliffe Borough Council, it would be part of a development of more than 4,000 homes.
The ruling Conservative cabinet agreed to put forward plans to build 8,400 new homes on this land and south of Clifton, in what are known as sustainable urban extensions, a controversial Government plan that requires all local Councils to identify areas where new housing could be built over the next 25 years as the population and the demand for housing continues to grow.
A final decision is due to be made in 2011 but if the land east of Gamston, which is three miles south-east of Nottingham, is agreed as suitable for development, a planning application for the stadium and the housing development would then be submitted.
Rushcliffe Council claimed it has a legal responsibility to put the sites forward for consultation, but said they do not support the plans.
Neil Clarke, the Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, said: “This isn’t a decision to approve a site, but merely consultation, in that we’re being forced into it.
“We don’t agree with the horrendous allocation of housing that’s been forced upon us and we will continue to oppose it.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1735823796labto1735823796ofdlr1735823796owedi1735823796sni@y1735823796akcam1735823796.nacn1735823796ud1735823796.
Related stories
December 2009: Nottingham World Cup stadium opponents vow to fight on
December 2009: England choose host cities for 2018 World Cup bid