Plans for new employment park at Welbeck Colliery which could create 250 jobs move closer

A hybrid application for outline and full planning permission was granted at a Bassetlaw District Council planning committee meeting at Worksop Town Hall on Wednesday night.

The blueprints also include proposals for 65 dwellings, at a maximum of three stories, new offices, a country park and food and drink facilities.

Bassetlaw district councillor, Graham Oxby, said: “Some of us still bemoan the loss of the mining industry.

“There is no reason to object to this application.

“The only thing that might be appropriate would be to talk to local residents because the history means a lot to the local people.

“Sometimes all it takes is a plaque for people to still feel connected to the history.”

The 29.7 hectare site, on Budby Road, Cuckney, is bounded by the A616 to the north, agricultural land to the east, existing residential development and a solar farm to the south, and a restoration project together with further agricultural land to the west.

The site is wholly brownfield and is located outside of any development boundary as defined in the Bassetlaw Local Development Framework but is adjacent to Meden Vale where there are key services and facilities such as a school, church, recreational ground and shops.

Councillor Scott Scotthorne, Bassetlaw district council member for housing, said: “After being up to the site today it is clear to see that it is crying out for this sort of development on it.

“I cannot see why anyone would not want it to go ahead.”

Councillors voted in unanimous favour of the plans.