Ambitious plans to create jobs, housing and transport links, connecting old and new communities on the borders of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire over the next 20 years have been unveiled by Broxtowe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.
The Strategic Masterplan for Toton and Chetwynd Barracks, which opens for public consultation today (12 October) sets a framework to guide the future development of the two sites.
Residents around Toton, Chilwell, Stapleford, Sandiacre and Long Eaton, as well as the surrounding areas, are being asked for their views on plans for the area.
The consultation will run until Sunday 22nd November.
Leaflets will be sent to over 80,000 residents over the next few weeks asking for their views.
People can view the plans and leave their views in a ‘virtual’ display room which go into detail about the different aspects of the plans.
Due to Coronavirus restrictions in place responses will be collected by an innovative ‘virtual exhibition’. This will allow people to view plans online as well as submit their views.
In normal circumstances, public meetings would be held, but under current restrictions, this is not possible or sensible. However, the virtual exhibition will be available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week so people can drop in, view proposals and submit their comments.
Toton and Chetwynd Barracks Strategic Masterplan
The scheduled closure of the historic Chetwynd Barracks in 2024 and the start of works at Toton East Midlands Hub has prompted planners to seek additional views ahead of a formal public consultation next year.
The initial plans include the development of cycle pathways, green spaces, new schools, healthcare facilities, and modern communities which offer affordable and carbon-neutral homes.
Councillor Kay Cutts, Chair of the Toton Delivery Board and HS2 Executive Board, said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a bright future for decades to come. The region has really come together behind these bold and ambitious proposals for Toton and Chetwynd.”
“These plans have the needs of the local community at the heart of them. Our position as one of the best-located counties in the UK means there is huge potential for job creation and skills development across our county and beyond. This is more vital than ever as we look to boost economic recovery in light of the pandemic.”
“We really want everyone’s views about these plans which aim to improve the way future generations work, live and spend their leisure time in this area.”
Councillor Cutts, also a board member of D2N2, added: “The proposals showcase new, clean and green models of development, with living, working and learning all overlapping. This will allow us to realise our ambitions to deliver a pioneering net zero carbon development.”
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East Midlands Development Corporation
The proposals for Toton & Chetwynd also form part of an ambitious long-term vision for the future of the regional economy which is being developed under the banner of the proposed East Midlands Development Corporation.
The vision will see coordinated development around Toton & Chetwynd, Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station and East Midlands Airport, with the aim of creating 84,000 jobs and adding £4.8bn to the value of the regional economy.
Speaking about the Toton & Chetwynd proposals, Councillor Milan Radulovic, Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, said:
“The pandemic has made us all look at how resilient and connected the East Midlands is to the rest of the UK. We have a lot to offer this country and we think it’s about time our transport links and connections were evolved into something ready for the future.
“The jobs, the business opportunities and the economic boost this new link will offer, is an exciting prospect and something to look forward to in 2021 and beyond. Whether you are a business owner, resident or frequent visitor, we want to hear what you think about our Masterplan, so please take part in this virtual consultation and share your views.”
“This is not just about those areas directly affected by developments. Job creation and connectivity will have positive affects across the whole of Broxtowe stretching from Toton up to Kimberley and Eastwood, across Long Eaton, Sandiacre and beyond.”
