Residents in Netherfield to ‘give evidence’ on how HMOs impacts their town

Gedling residents are being urged to give evidence amid proposals to introduce tighter HMO restrictions.

Gedling Borough Council is currently consulting on introducing an Article 4 direction within Netherfield to better restrict how Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) show up in the area.

Currently, a developer wanting to turn a property into a small HMO – occupied by three to six people – is covered by permitted development rights, meaning it does not require planning permission to convert the home, unless they plan on extending or altering the property.

Article 4 directions allow councils to withdraw permitted development rights for HMOs across a defined area, meaning smaller HMOs would require planning permission and would allow for resident consultation.

Figures released by the council in January this year show the authority was “aware” of 36 of the 3,120 Netherfield properties being HMOs – about 1.15 per cent of the area’s total housing – but this may not include those smaller HMOs that did not require planning permission.

The authority launched a consultation on July 10 for residents to write in with their thoughts on an Article 4 direction being introduced on Chandos Street, Ashwell Street and Beech Avenue. This will end on August 21, meaning residents have around a week left to share their opinions.

Councillor Alison Hunt (Lab), who represents Netherfield on the authority, said the consultation allows residents to provide “evidence” on how HMOs may be impacting their area.

She said: “This is your chance to make a difference. It’s no good just posting on Facebook.

“Please report concerns on the [consultation]. It isn’t a party-political issue, it’s a human issue. It’s about people having a decent place to live that doesn’t cost the earth, and doesn’t negatively affect community cohesion.”

Cllr Hunt has previously said she is not against HMOs, adding: “I would have loved one at a certain time in my life, but they’re not homes.

“Family homes are being lost for bedsits in areas with good schools, community ties – it needs to be more proportionate.”

“This is your chance to make a difference. It’s no good just posting on Facebook." - Cllr Alice Hunt

Back in January, Cllr Hunt introduced a motion which called for the continued review of the concentration of HMOs in Gedling, as well as the call to implement a potential Article 4 direction.

She said: “I said I would like to see this extended to Bourne Street and Forester Street… there’s already several on Bourne Street and around two or three on Forester, so I’m gathering evidence, because I drive past Forester Street every day, on bad parking.

“It doesn’t just stop with these three streets. It’s a continuous process… [residents] need to start gathering evidence for other areas.”

Gedling’s Labour MP, Michael Payne, said on Monday (10) that he has pressed the council to introduce Article 4 directions in other affected areas.

The council was asked whether it was considering introducing Article 4 directions in other Gedling areas.

A council spokesperson said: “The council is monitoring the number of HMOs in individual wards across the borough, along with any evidence that may support the consideration of future Article 4 directions.

“National planning policy states that Article 4 directions, to remove national permitted development rights, should be limited to situations where a direction is necessary to protect local amenity or the wellbeing of an area.

“Any decision to introduce an Article 4 direction must be based on robust evidence and apply to the smallest geographical area possible.”

Gedling’s council previously confirmed that if it approves the direction, taking into account resident views, the tighter HMO restrictions could be in force in Netherfield at the beginning of 2027.

If residents want to write in with their thoughts, the council is asking them to email pandeservicesupport@gedling.gov.uk or send their representations by post, addressed to Planning at the authority’s headquarters in Arnold, where any representations must be made by 5pm on August 21.

Written by Lauren Monaghan (Local Democracy Reporter)

Gedling borough students celebrate A-level success as university places secured across the county

Students across Gedling borough are celebrating a strong set of A-level and Level 3 results, with schools reporting impressive grades, university destinations and apprenticeship successes.

At The Carlton Academy in Carlton, part of the Redhill Academy Trust, 19% of grades were awarded at A* to A, while almost half of all results were at A* to B. More than 70 students are progressing to university, including a significant number heading to Russell Group institutions, while others have secured apprenticeships.

Head of Sixth Form Amy Jennings praised the "exceptional dedication and hard work" shown by students, describing the Class of 2026 as "mature, independent and ambitious young people". Head of School Gary Hillyard said he was "tremendously proud" of the year group and highlighted the academy's first student to secure a place at medical school.

Among the academy's top performers was Taran Blockley, who achieved A* grades in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics, alongside an A in Computer Science, and is set to study Mathematics at university. Azan Ahmed secured a place to study Medicine at the University of Nottingham after achieving an A* in Urdu and A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Fine Art. Head Girl Noor Ahmed will go on to study History at the University of Warwick after achieving an A* in Sociology, an A in History and a B in English Literature.

Students will now begin courses spanning a wide range of subjects including Medicine, Aerospace Engineering, Law, Fine Art, Environmental Science, Nursing and Criminology.

Meanwhile, students at Redhill Sixth Form are also marking outstanding achievements, with more than a quarter of grades awarded at A* or A and over half reaching A* to B standard.

Among the standout successes were Diego PM, who will study Architecture at St John's College, Cambridge, and Summer Y, who achieved A*AA and will progress to Veterinary Science at the University of Surrey. Other high achievers include students heading to universities such as Nottingham, Leeds, King's College London, Imperial College London, Sheffield and Leicester.

Head of Sixth Form Charlie Barlow said he was "so proud" of students' hard work and dedication, while Headteacher Mike Hardy described the results as among the highest the academy has seen.

At Christ the King Catholic Voluntary Academy in Arnold, part of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust, students are also celebrating successful outcomes as they prepare for university, apprenticeships, training and employment.

The academy reported that 52.8% of A-level entries achieved A* to C grades, while 28% of students gained three A* to C grades. Top-performing students included Zara Collison, who achieved A* grades in English and Drama and will study Primary Education at Nottingham Trent University, and Sam Powell, who secured an A* in Business Studies and will study Psychology at the University of Nottingham.

Headteacher Jo Love said results day was "about much more than the grades on a piece of paper", praising students' resilience and thanking staff and families for their support.

As students across the county received their results, Nottinghamshire County Council also offered congratulations. Councillor Simon Wright, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, praised students for their hard work and thanked teachers, school staff, parents and carers for supporting young people throughout their studies.

Students who did not achieve their expected results were reminded that a range of options remain available, including further education, training and employment routes, with support available from the National Careers Service and local mental health resources.

Arnold playground to close as £100k makeover gets underway

A popular playground in Arnold is set for a major £100,000 revamp, with work due to start later this month.

The play area at Church Lane Park will be transformed with new, more inclusive equipment designed to be enjoyed by a wider range of children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Contractors are expected to begin work during the week starting August 17, with the playground closing from August 24 while the upgrade takes place.

If the weather stays on side, the work should be finished by the end of September, allowing families to return shortly afterwards.

The project has been funded by FCC Communities Foundation after Gedling Borough Council and the Friends of Church Lane Park successfully secured the cash following consultation with local residents.

Feedback from the community highlighted a need for better facilities and a more accessible space for children to play.

The refurbishment marks the first stage of wider improvements planned for the park, with further facilities for young people being considered as part of a second phase.

Councillor Viv McCrossen, Gedling Borough Council's portfolio holder for climate change, parks and environmental health, said: “We’re very pleased that work is now set to begin on this much-needed upgrade to the play area at Church Lane Park.

“This is a well-used space, and these changes are about making sure it continues to be somewhere children can have fun, be active and spend time outdoors with their friends and families.

“We are grateful to residents for their patience while the play area is temporarily closed. I’m sure it will be worth the wait.”

FCC Communities Foundation grant manager Cheryl Raynor said the project would “transform a valued community facility” and provide “modern, accessible and inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities”.

Leanne Gilchrist, chair of the Friends of Church Lane Park, added: “It’s fantastic to see this project moving forward and work beginning on site.

“These new facilities will make a real difference for local families, and we’re looking forward to seeing the refurbished play area completed and open for everyone to enjoy.”

Burton Joyce pump track plans gain backing from local youngsters

Plans for a new pump track in Burton Joyce have taken a step forward after young people in the village gave the idea a thumbs up.

Conservative councillors Sam Smith and Mike Adams joined Burton Joyce Parish Council at a consultation event to gather feedback on proposals for a pump track at Poplars Sports Field.

The session revealed strong support for the project, with the councillors and parish council now looking at potential funding opportunities to help make it a reality.

A pump track is a purpose-built circuit designed for bikes, scooters and skateboards, allowing users to build momentum through a series of rollers and bends.

Any scheme would still need to go through the normal planning process and public consultation before work could begin.

Speaking after meeting local youngsters, councillors Smith and Adams said there was a clear demand for more facilities aimed at young people.

They said: "We want to see more opportunities for young people in Burton Joyce. There is a clear need to expand the facilities available and give young people somewhere positive, active and enjoyable to spend their time.

"At a time when so much of young people's lives is increasingly spent online, providing opportunities to get outdoors, be physically active and socialise with friends is more important than ever.

"It was fantastic to speak directly with local young people and see the enthusiasm they had for the possibility of a pump track. The consultation was really positive and showed just how much interest there is in having something new and exciting available locally."

The councillors said a pump track could provide a dedicated space for cycling, scooting and exercise, while also giving young people a safe place to meet friends.

They added: "Frankly, we would much rather see young people enjoying a modern outdoor facility than sitting around on a bench in the Co-op car park because there is nowhere else for them to go."

While the project remains at an early stage, discussions are now focused on securing funding.

The pair said the response so far had been "extremely encouraging" and pledged to continue working with Burton Joyce Parish Council while keeping residents updated on any future developments.

🧩 Sudoku

Test your logic skills! Fill every row, column and 3×3 box with the numbers 1-9 without repeating any number (Solution at the bottom of the newsletter) .

Have Reform's Union Flag banners been a success?

More than 160 Union Flag banners graced Nottinghamshire’s streets late last year in a bid to boost local pride – but has this been successful?

Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council hit the headlines last October when its leadership announced it would be spending £75,000 on installing 164 Union Flag banners on lampposts along the county’s roads, partly to “enhance civic pride”.

The aim was to boost local pride and draw in some cash from local business sponsorship. The flags were rolled out around the end of November and the beginning of December.

However, they have been shrouded in criticism since their deployment, with some even defaced.

The move drew in criticism from opposition members on the authority, who labelled the project a “waste” of taxpayers’ money, with the Conservative leader of the opposition, Sam Smith, telling the cabinet in February that the council could have filled in 1,000 potholes for that price.

But the Reform council leader, Mick Barton, has routinely defended the banners, recently saying the banners were funded with savings the authority made on cabinet positions and not money taken from any service.

He also said that there was “absolutely” an opportunity for the banners to bring in some income for the council through business sponsorship.

Later in May, Reform pushed forward with an alternative use for similar banners, where the authority revealed it would be investing £6,000 in hanging up 41 fostering banners across the county in a campaign to invite more families to join the service.

With the group’s banners not even hanging up for a year yet, how have the decorated lampposts fared?

More than a dozen vandalised

Since their deployment, there have been a few publicised incidents of the banners being defaced, either being ripped or written on, some with black painted writing offering a sarcastic comment, in January, May and June this year.

An anonymous vandal, or vandals, have shown their contempt for some Union Flag banners in Broxtowe in recent months, with two outside the Jaguar Service Centre on Nottingham Road, near Chilwell, found painted with ‘sponsored by’ and ‘the taxpayer’ on either side in May.

The following month, one banner near the turn for Highfields Fire Station in Beeston was left with ‘your ad here’ as a potential jibe at the authority for not receiving any sponsorships at this point.

An FOI submitted in early July has shown a total of 16 banners, including those advertising fostering, have been vandalised across each of the county’s boroughs and districts. These are:

Ashfield district – two

Bassetlaw – one

Broxtowe – three

Gedling – two

Mansfield – two

Newark and Sherwood – three

Rushcliffe – three

Out of those vandalised, 14 have been replaced, where the other two have simply been removed, including 10 Union Flag banners and four fostering banners, costing the authority £3,328.59.

The council has a contingency budget of around £18,000 for all repairs, which includes weather and bracket damage and any traffic management or safety requirements needed when completing a repair.

A spokesperson at the authority has said in a statement that the acts were “disgusting”.

They said: “It’s disgusting that anyone would go out of their way to desecrate our national flag.

“We are looking at CCTV and have informed Notts Police. If we are able to, we will prosecute the people behind this disgraceful vandalism.”

Zero sponsorships

Ashfield Reform MP Lee Anderson previously claimed the banners would not cost the taxpayers “a single penny”, as the party was going to get businesses to sponsor them.

Cllr Barton furthered this in February, saying “a lot of businesses” had been in contact with the authority.

At the time, this included around three or four pubs, a factory, a café, a couple of restaurants and a warehouse.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that a form of planning permission would be needed from district and borough councils to allow for these business sponsorships.

An FOI submitted in April returned that the authority still had no confirmed sponsorships.

Now, in August, the council still has none of the banners sponsored, but it says work is under way.

Dozens of ‘life-changing’ banners deployed

In May, the council began hanging up 41 fostering banners across Nottinghamshire lampposts to promote the vocation, as part of a £6,000 investment, which it said was separate from the Union Flag banners.

That month, it said it was ‘bucking the national trend’ in fostering families, seeing an increase in those joining the service for the first time since the pandemic.

The authority saw an overall ‘net gain’ of six fostering families in the service, where it had 23 de-registrations but had 29 families join – a 38 per cent reduction in de-registrations compared to the year before.

As of March 2026, there were 907 looked-after children under the council’s care, which was a slight increase from 900 reported in April 2025.

Celebrating the banners being installed, Councillor Rory Green, cabinet member for children and families, said in May: “We’re going to be excited to see the fruit of this, and I believe this investment is going to be of so much worth, and if it just brings in one family, it could change one child’s life forever.”

The authority does not currently have data to show whether the banners have created an uplift in fostering enquiries.

But Foster for East Midlands Councils, a joint campaign including Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council, had 164 contacts, 60 enquiries, 34 visits and 21 applications – six for Nottinghamshire – between May 1 and June 26.

By Lauren Monagan (Local Democracy Reporter)

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🌤️ Weather update

Your borough weather forecast for the next few days...

TODAY: 🌤️ A warm and sunny start, but cloud tending to increase through the day making the sunshine hazy. A few showers developing into the afternoon, possibly thundery. Still feeling hot. It will be mostly dry overnight with variable cloud and some clear spells, although isolated showers may linger. Winds remaining mainly light.

SATURDAY: 🌤️ Variable cloud and residual isolated showers at first but becoming dry with sunny spells. Gradually turning fresher than recent days with a gentle breeze.

NEXT WEEK: 🌬️ Largely dry with bright or sunny spells. Mainly light winds. Cloudier and breezier Tuesday, with some patchy rain or showers. Temperatures nearer average.

💊 Late Night Pharmacies

ASDA Pharmacy Arnold
111-127 Front Street, Arnold, NG5 7ED
Open until 9pm Monday to Saturday

Medina Chemist (closest late-opening option)
89 Victoria Road, Netherfield, NG4 2NN
Open until 9pm Monday to Saturday

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