Proposed Strategic Development Site 
in Burnaston Parish 

The proposals being promoted relate to a strategic housing development south of Mickleover, which lies within Burnaston Parish boundaries. Early information suggests the development could include: A significant number of new homes New roads and transport connections Green spaces and landscaping Community and local infrastructure These details are indicative only and may change as proposals evolve.

Given the size and potential impact of the proposals, the Parish Council recognises the importance of: Transparency Timely information Clear signposting to official sources Opportunities for residents to understand the process This page will be used to share: Key updates and milestones Consultation information Parish Council responses and statements Links to relevant external material

STRA2 refers to the site known as Land South of Mickleover, which is identified in the emerging Local Plan Part 1. If the plan is adopted, STRA2 is expected to deliver around 2,500 homes together with supporting infrastructure, open space and community facilities.

South Derbyshire District Council has indicated that it intends to carry out a Regulation 19 consultation on ‘Main Modifications’ to the published Regulation 19 plan.  This consultation allows residents and organisations to submit comments before the plan is submitted for independent examination by a Planning Inspector.

The proposed STRA2 development lies within Burnaston Parish.

Although the site is identified in the emerging plan, the plan itself has not yet been adopted and remains subject to consultation and independent examination. If the Local Plan is adopted, separate planning applications would still be required before development could come forward.

During the examination of a Local Plan, a council may propose Main Modifications if it considers that significant changes are necessary.  Main Modifications are substantial changes to the plan’s policies, site proposals or supporting infrastructure. These changes must be published for public consultation before the plan can proceed to the final stages of examination. At a meeting of the Environmental and Development Services Committee on 5 March 2026, South Derbyshire District Council agreed to proceed with a public consultation on proposed Main Modifications. These proposed changes include: an increase in the scale of development at the STRA2 site the identification of approximately 150 additional homes to the north of the site near the A516 the inclusion of a proposed strategic link road connecting the A38 and the A516 These proposed Main Modifications will be subject to public consultation, during which the Parish Council, residents and other organisations will be able to submit comments during a six week consultation period.

Decisions about the Local Plan and planning applications are made by South Derbyshire District Council. The Local Plan is examined by an independent Planning Inspector before it can be adopted. Burnaston Parish Council does not make planning decisions but may submit comments during consultations.

South Derbyshire District Council has proposed a new ‘link road’ connection between the A38 and the A516 for the STRA2 development. Further details about the route and design of the road would be considered during later stages of the planning process. It is anticipated that the route would be established at the outline planning stage, with more detailed design coming forward at a later stage.

Burnaston Parish Council is not the planning authority and does not decide whether development takes place. However, the Parish Council may: submit comments during consultations raise matters brought to its attention by residents comment on future planning applications affecting the parish  help residents understand the planning process, for example by sharing publicly available information, signposting consultations, and explaining how residents can engage.

Burnaston Parish Council (BPC) remains at the forefront of the Local Plan process, representing the interests of our community in relation to unsustainable development proposals. Our formal responses are built on local feedback, robust evidence, and a commitment to preserving the unique character of our Parish.  During Formal Submissions to Date the Council has scrutinised the current proposals at every statutory stage: Regulation 18 Consultation (Oct–Dec 2024) see document here Regulation 19 Consultation (Nov 2025) see document here EIA Scoping Consultation (Jan 2026) see our response here which was published on South Derbyshire's Planning Public Register on page 13 of the 'Final Scoping Opinion' document which you can see here Strategic Objections: The “Mickleover South” (STRA 2) Proposal BPC has raised fundamental objections to the proposed large-scale residential development south of Mickleover. At 2,500 proposed homes, this development represents a significant strain on local infrastructure and would fundamentally alter the Parish’s rural character. Our primary concerns include: Democratic Transparency: BPC expressed serious concern upon learning that South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC) and developers engaged in discussions over a prolonged period without notifying the Parish Council or the community. This lack of transparency has contributed to a perception within the community that the proposal is a “done deal.” Infrastructure Deficit: This is a key priority. We maintain that no homes should be occupied until appropriate infrastructure—including sewers, roads, and medical facilities—is fully operational. Existing services are already under pressure; further development without prior investment would be unsustainable. Traffic & Rural Road Safety: We have raised concerns regarding the impact on Staker Lane, The Hollows, and Hedingham Way. We remain extremely concerned that the proposed “Main Street” link between the A38 and A516 has not been robustly evidenced.  Erosion of the Green Buffer: The loss of greenfield and agricultural land would result in the erosion of the important green buffer between Mickleover and Burnaston. This area provides valuable wildlife habitat and is an important resource for local walkers and cyclists.  Preserving Village Identity: We strongly oppose unsustainable patterns of development that would lead to coalescence (the merging) of Burnaston with suburban Derby. It is important to maintain Burnaston’s identity as a distinct rural village, including the surrounding pastoral landscape and open countryside that contribute to its setting and character. This also includes recognising the separate identity of The Pastures, which, although a more recent development, forms a distinct part of the Parish and should not be subsumed into a wider urban extension. Educational Provision: Drawing on experience from the New House Farm development, BPC is seeking robust and deliverable commitments to ensure that sufficient education provision is provided in a timely manner.  The Path Forward - Our Neighbourhood Plan Designated in August 2024, our Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) is currently being prepared. This will provide the community with a stronger policy framework to help shape future development and ensure that any growth is proportionate and locally appropriate. The work is being supported by the Housing and Environment Working Parties, comprising of local residents and parish councillors, who are contributing to the development of the Plan and helping to establish the community’s priorities and objectives for the future development of the Parish. Public Engagement A developer-led pre-application public consultation is expected in early 2026. Residents are encouraged to engage with this process and submit their views, as this is an important opportunity to influence proposals before any planning application is submitted. In addition, South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC) is expected to undertake a consultation on the Main Modifications to the Local Plan in April, which is anticipated to run for a six-week period. This represents a key formal stage in the Local Plan process, and residents are encouraged to participate in this statutory consultation. Further opportunities for formal public engagement will arise at subsequent stages, including any future planning applications. Details will be shared on the Parish Council website when they become available.

If and when a formal planning application is submitted: It will be published by South Derbyshire District Council Residents will have the opportunity to submit comments The Parish Council will review the application and provide a response Details of how to comment will be shared on this page at the appropriate time.

If the site is allocated in the plan, development would not begin immediately. A number of further stages would normally be required, including: preparation of detailed masterplans submission of planning applications  environmental and transport assessments planning approval Large developments are typically delivered in phases over a number of years.

Traffic and transport impacts are important considerations for developments of this scale. South Derbyshire District Council requires transport modelling, and technical assessments to consider how development may affect rural lanes, roads and the wider road network and what infrastructure improvements may be required.

If development were to come forward, land currently used for agriculture would change use. However, developments of this scale are typically required to include significant areas of green infrastructure, such as: parks and open spaces landscaping and wildlife corridors walking and cycling routes open green space The exact design would be considered through future planning applications.

Strategic developments of this size would normally include supporting infrastructure such as: schools or education contributions local shops or services community facilities open green space The exact facilities would depend on the final masterplan and planning agreements.

Further information can be found on the South Derbyshire District Council website. The Parish Council will also share updates on its website when new information becomes available.

Burnaston Parish contains three distinct settlement identities: the historic village envelope of Burnaston Village a number of rural farmsteads and dispersed countryside dwellings the residential area known as The Pastures The proposed STRA2 development lies adjacent to The Pastures and Burnaston Village. Planning policies at national and local level generally seek to maintain the separate identity and character of settlements, often through the use of landscape buffers, green infrastructure and careful masterplanning. If development were to come forward, the layout, landscaping and relationship between the new development and neighbouring settlements would be considered through the masterplanning and planning application stages. These matters may also be informed by local planning guidance, including the emerging Burnaston Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) and associated Design Guide, alongside the policies of the South Derbyshire Local Plan.

The STRA2 site covers approximately 100 hectares of land (around 250 acres).  Strategic development sites of this scale are typically planned as new neighbourhoods, incorporating housing, green infrastructure, transport connections and community facilities. The precise layout of the development would be determined through detailed masterplanning and future planning applications.

Common Planning Terms Explained Local Plan A planning strategy prepared by the local planning authority which sets out where development such as housing, employment land and infrastructure may take place. Strategic Allocation A large site identified in a plan for significant development. Regulation 19 Consultation A formal stage where the council publishes the proposed plan before submitting it for examination. Planning Inspector An independent official who examines Local Plans before they can be adopted. Masterplan A plan showing how a large development site could be laid out, including housing, roads, open space and community facilities.

If you have questions about the Parish Council’s role or would like to raise local concerns for consideration, please contact the Parish Clerk.

Burnaston Parish Council recognises that residents may have a range of views regarding the proposed development. The purpose of this page is to provide general information about the planning process and where residents can find further information. Burnaston Parish Council will consider any future planning applications relating to this site in accordance with planning law and relevant policies at that time. This page is intended to provide general information only and should not be interpreted as planning advice. Page last updated: March 2026’