Housing plan near Arboretum Park delayed due to numerous objections and Historic England’s concerns.
As of February 10, 2025, the plan is still pending. The council needs more time to consider the objections. The plan includes seven terraced homes, each two stories, and three bungalows. Each house should have three bedrooms and parking for two cars.
The park is special and was planned for city recreation. The council says the green space is unused now, with overgrown plants, anti-social behavior, and litter. The project could be a model for social housing.
The council wants “homes for the future” to help aging and disabled people, lower fuel bills, and decrease carbon emissions. However, many people aren’t happy with the council’s idea.
Forty-six objections went to the council. People want to save the green space. Historic England agrees with them and thinks it would hurt Arboretum Park. Historic England says the green space extended the park, including the bowling green.
A bowls club started there way back in 1862. Therefore, they argue that we shouldn’t build on the land. According to their letter, the site is part of the park, and building houses means losing green space that benefits the public as recreation. Historic England is against the plan.
Neighbors also complained to the council. One person said the plot was meant for recreation and objected to the land use change. Another stated that we need space to get away. Another person called the land a rare green haven in a crowded part of Derby. This spot should be kept for recreation and become a part of Arboretum Park.
A planning meeting will most likely discuss it if the proposal progresses. The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the council questions. They wanted to know when a decision would happen and why it didn’t yet. The city council said they extended the time for objections and cannot comment more now because the plan is still undecided.