The proposals
This proposal will deliver a substantial part of the emerging STRA2 allocation within South Derbyshire District Council's emerging Local Plan, whilst the site's proximity to Derby City enables it to support Derby City Council in meeting its own housing need.
The site is located to the south-west of Derby, south of Mickleover, and is bounded by the A516 Etwall Road to the north and the A38 to the south. It borders the existing Pastures Estate and will support both the Merlin Way and Burnaston village communities with many basic services and facilities that they do not currently have within walking distance. The Project team has engaged closely with Burnaston Parish Council, Friends of Grassy Lane and Mallard Walk, and officers and members at SDDC to evolve and improve the plans over recent years.
Site movement plan (click to enlarge)
The new Main Street
A defining feature of the new development will be the new ‘Main Street’, which will connect Burton Road (the A38) and Etwall Road (the A516) and deliver new vehicular, cycle and pedestrian routes through the neighbourhood. In turn, Main Street will help relieve the pressure on nearby local roads like Staker Lane and The Hollows which currently experience very high volumes of daily vehicle movements. It has also been designed to accommodate buses.
A hub for the community
A new neighbourhood centre will be located at the heart of the community, providing opportunity for retail, food and drink services, and flexible community spaces to bring new and existing residents together. A new primary school will provide education facilities within walking distance of thousands of homes, while several new play areas and accessible open spaces and active travel routes will enable children of all ages to enjoy time outdoors in a way that is not currently possible in either the Pastures Estate or Burnaston village.
Green infrastructure plan (click to enlarge)
Green space for all generations
All the new services and amenities will be anchored to a new Pastures Park, meaning all people can easily access the central hub of the community. The park will be complemented by a vibrant mix of public green open spaces, new sports facilities, and new and retained trees and hedgerows to support access and use, while maintaining a rural feel to the area. The masterplan's proposed facilities and green spaces will also include new sports pitches and facilities to encourage healthy lifestyles and provide occasions for the community to come together.
Green routes and better transport
Supporting this vision, an extensive network of green infrastructure, including new pedestrian and cycling routes, will be accessible across the neighbourhood for residents of all ages to travel safely and sustainably. The active travel links will join the neighbourhood to the Pastures and Burnaston. The new public transport links will better link all of the parish to Derby city centre in a more sustainable way than is possible today.
Sustainability and wellbeing
Healthy living has been a central, guiding principle in the development of the new community. With this in mind, a range of sustainability and wellbeing priorities have helped inform the neighbourhood’s design.
Sustainable transport links
Public transport links will be enhanced, including a new, more modern bus service connecting the site to local areas and to Derby City centre.
Green infrastructure
There will be new pedestrian and cycle routes built to encourage active travel within the community. These will connect the key facilities in the area, ensuring easy and convenient access by walking and cycling.
Physical and mental wellbeing
The creation of Pastures Park as well as plenty of other public open spaces and a new allotment will help foster social interaction from within the community. Sports facilities are also being built to help facilitate sociable activity.
Social value
Providing essential everyday facilities, services and public spaces to communities which are currently only connected by private vehicle to the amenities provided in Mickleover, Derby and further afield.
Application timeline
Spring 2026
Public consultation launched
Summer 2026
Outline Planning Application submitted
2030
Construction (subject to necessary approvals)
Winter 2026
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Request submitted to South Derbyshire District Council
Application timeline
Winter 2025
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Request submitted to South Derbyshire District Council
Spring 2026
Public consultation launched
Summer 2026
Outline Planning Application submitted
2030
Construction (subject to necessary approvals)