An outline planning application for up to 250 homes on land east of Sandcliffe Road in Swadlincote is now under consultation with South Derbyshire District Council. The proposal, lodged by Bellway Strategic Land under reference DMPA/2026/0869, covers 23.4 hectares of agricultural land and includes public open space, a community orchard, a wildflower meadow, landscaping, drainage infrastructure and upgrades to the public rights of way network.
The council validated the application on 6 July 2026 and is seeking representations from the public. At this outline stage, only the access arrangement will be decided, with layout, scale, appearance and landscaping reserved for later decisions. Bellway states it aims to deliver a high quality development with up to 30 per cent affordable housing — 75 homes. All properties would be fitted with electric car chargers, solar panels and air-source heat pumps.
The site sits entirely within the Burton upon Trent and Swadlincote Green Belt, which at around 720 hectares is the smallest green belt in the country. A Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment previously identified the land as suitable for development but constrained by countryside policy. Bellway has justified the proposal by pointing to strong demand in the Swadlincote area and particular pressure on affordable housing, describing the town as a sustainable location for new homes.
Neighbouring residents have already raised concerns about traffic on Sandcliffe Road, which they use to access Repton, the A38 and Derby. A local community speed awareness group monitors the route. The South Derbyshire Local Plan Part 1 Review, covering the period to 2041, is now proceeding to examination, which will inform future decisions on this and other Green Belt development proposals.
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