The Proposals
The Masterplan
Concept Masterplan
The development proposals include the following:
A new data centre providing up to 100 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs;
An upgraded vehicular access via the A617 Mansfield Ashfield Regeneration Route (MARR), including potential for highways improvements along the MARR (subject to request by the Local Highways Authority). The existing road into the site, Rufford Colliery Lane, was constructed to serve the former colliery, and link workers to Rainworth. The road now also serves the sewage works and Cygnet healthcare facility;
Approximately 400 new residential homes, consisting of a policy-compliant mix of size, type, and tenure homes to meet the needs of local residents;
New public spaces, proposed to include a village green, play areas, natural open spaces, and improved public footpath access; and
Protection of the wider colliery site and its ecologically-sensitive remediation, including protection for established species and habitats.
The Need for Development
The proposed data centre is located to the north of the site, and will support the increasing national demand for these types of advanced technological developments. Containing high-powered computers, these data centres are used to provide important online services such as banking, streaming, and public infrastructure such as emergency services and NHS online systems.
The Government have now classified data centres as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’, noting their importance for the national and local economy. This proposed development will provide the first data centre in Newark and Sherwood District, supporting the provision for online services in the District and wider region, and providing up to 100 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) job roles.
There is a national need for new dwellings with the aim to build 1.5 million homes in Britain by 2029. As a result of this, Local Councils have seen an increase in their housing requirements.
Newark and Sherwood District Council was previously required to provide 437 new homes per year, and is now required to deliver 707 new homes per year, an increase of 62% per year. Newark and Sherwood District Council must now find new options for residential developments in a New Local Plan, beyond their existing allocated sites found in their adopted Local Plan, to meet these increased requirements.