Swadlincote 'urban park' gets the green light - despite concerns over harm being caused to newts

Plans for a huge new "urban park" in Swadlincote have been approved by councillors despite concerns over protected newts "refugees".

The application, filed by South Derbyshire District Council to itself, will see a 21-acre park built off William Nadin Way, next to the Avant Homes housing site.

Its planning committee unanimously approved the scheme at a meeting last night (March 8).

The so-called "urban park" would include a 1.14km family cycle route, a pump track, and an area where children and new-to-intermediate cyclists – and those on scooters – can hone their skills and learn to ride.

The park forms part of the 200-acre Cadley Park and was formerly known as Cadley Hill Colliery, with all mining ceasing in 1997.

A large master plan has been developed for the wider park which includes hundreds of new homes, two golf courses, a family pub, a country park and a driving range.

At last night's meeting, councillors debated issues raised by the National Forest Company and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Both organisations had raised issues with the scheme, saying insufficient woodland planting had been proposed and that more work needed to be carried out to protect great crested newts – which represent a criminal offence to harm.

Sarah Beeby, a district council planning officer, said the application could be approved with conditions ensuring that plans to protect great crested newts and to improve the landscaping proposals are submitted before public access is allowed.

She said the National Forest Company and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust had withdrawn their objections.

A licence to carry out works on the site in such a way as to protect the newts and their habitat would be secured and money would be given to offset the scheme.

The district council itself would manage the upkeep of the site.

A larger number of small trees would be planted as opposed to a few large trees.

Cllr Andrew MacPherson said: "It is a really interesting scheme and it is great to boost tourism and encourage people to get out into the countryside.

"I am sure the residents in these houses will be delighted to see another park."

Cllr Amy Wheelton questioned what would be done to avoid risk of harm to the newts.

Steffan Saunders, the council's head of planning, said it was an offence to harm great crested newts and the applicants must ensure no harm is caused to the creatures or their environment.

Cllr Trevor Southerd said he was "concerned about great crested newt refugees" but called it an "exciting project".

Grants from British Cycling and Sport England, along with money from developers and the council itself, would help pay for the £1.1 million scheme.

The project would include widespread wildflower planting, numerous benches, bike parking racks, repurposed boulders and timber litter bins.

Artist impressions of the scheme also show a sculpture and a report in the application details that the site could accommodate a "food or coffee truck", also pictured in the designs.