Plans announced for 400 homes at former colliery

Plans for 400 homes on the site of a former colliery in Nottinghamshire have been unveiled.

The proposals for Rufford Colliery, near Rainworth, could also feature a data centre, upgrades to the A617, and "protection for established species and habitats" at local wildlife sites.

Mining at the colliery finished in 1993, and plans to build a waste incinerator at the site were rejected in 2011.

An event to explain the plans to residents will be held at Rainworth Miners Welfare Social Club from 16:00 to 17:30 GMT on 4 November, while an online public consultation closes on 21 November.

Developer Harworth Group said it planned to send an application to Newark and Sherwood District Council the following month.

Since the colliery closed, much of the Rufford site has been restored as new wildlife habitats.

On its consultation website, the Harworth Group said there was "a national need for new dwellings", and cited the government's plans to build 1.5 million new homes across England by 2029.

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