GREEN-BELT land in Toton will once again come under the spotlight as a new consultation launches following plans for the HS2 high-speed rail line.
The Government wants to build the East Midlands hub for the line at Toton Sidings – five miles west of Nottingham.
Like all local authorities, Broxtowe Borough Council is in the process of drawing up its core strategy for housing, which outlines where new homes could be built.
These plans had already been consulted on, but the announcement about HS2 has forced the authority to reconsider some of them.
It is now proposing to remove Toton Sidings from the green belt – a move that could see houses built on the land if successful.
A fresh six-week consultation begins today.
Councillor David Watts, portfolio holder for economy and regeneration at Broxtowe Borough Council, said: "We are asking people whether they think anything should be changed because of HS2.
"At present the core strategy says no building on greenbelt land in Toton, to protect the north of the village and keep the space separate between Toton and Stapleford.
"We are not suggesting that should change, but we are suggesting that Toton Sidings should be taken out of the green belt because it's a bit bizarre they are in there at present. Given that the Government wants to build a railway station there, it makes sense it's out of the greenbelt."
Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry met with campaign group Toton Environmental Protection Society to discuss the u consultation. She welcomed the plan for a HS2 hub in Toton but remained opposed to new housing on the greenbelt.
"What we don't want is thousands of houses. I personally don't think we want a big hotel either. What we want are opportunities for business and for jobs but not at the expense of huge parts of the green belt and there are some particular parts of that green belt which are extremely important to local people."
Full details of what people will be asked will be revealed today.
HS2 is not due to be completed in Toton until 2037.
Everyone who responded to the previous consultation will will be notified of the new one. People can also have their say at www.broxtowe.gov.uk or by writing to the council office's in Foster Avenue, Beeston.
