South Derbyshire District Council has published its latest Local Plan proposals, including a site for 250 additional homes on land south of Walton Road, opposite Drakelow Park.
For residents in Dracan Village and the wider Drakelow area, the proposal could have an impact on traffic, local facilities and green space.
Residents have until 5pm on Monday 30 November 2026 to submit formal comments. A public consultation event will also be held at Drakelow Park Flying High Academy next week.
Key points
- South Derbyshire is proposing 250 additional homes on land south of Walton Road.
- The site is opposite Drakelow Park.
- The proposal is listed as Policy H23D in the Local Plan Part 2 Review.
- The site has not been granted planning permission.
- Residents can comment on the proposals until 5pm on 30 November 2026.
Where would the new houses be built?
The proposed site is identified as Policy H23D, Land South of Walton Road, Drakelow, in the council's Local Plan Part 2 Review.
It is separate from the existing Drakelow Park development, which already has an allocation for up to 2,239 homes. Council figures show that 1,082 homes had been completed at Drakelow Park by 31 March 2026.
That means the proposed 250 homes would be additional housing in the area, not simply another phase of the existing allocation.
The Local Plan also proposes a new settlement boundary for Drakelow, which could influence how future development proposals are considered.
Could Drakelow get a shop?
There may be some potential benefits alongside the additional housing.
In a December 2024 submission to the council, land promoter Talland Capital put forward an early concept for the Walton Road site which included:
- Around 250 homes
- Affordable housing
- A food retail store
- Public open space and landscaping
- Improved walking and cycling connections
However, those details came from the land promoter's earlier submission. A new shop or supermarket has not been confirmed as part of an approved scheme.
What could this mean for residents?
For people living in Dracan Village and the wider Drakelow Park development, several questions are worth considering.
- Traffic and roads
Another 250 homes could increase pressure on Walton Road and surrounding routes. Residents may want to ask whether the combined effects of existing and proposed development have been properly assessed, especially alongside the planned Walton bypass and potential employment development at the former Drakelow Power Station site.
- Schools and healthcare
As the number of households continues to grow, residents may also want to ask whether local schools, GP services and other essential facilities would have enough capacity.
- Shops and community facilities
Additional housing could help support local amenities, but residents may want to know what commitments would ensure those facilities are actually delivered.
- Green space and flooding
The council's Sustainability Appraisal identifies the loss of greenfield agricultural land as a significant negative effect. It also highlights areas of flood risk that would need to be considered in any future development layout.
The appraisal also recommends assessing the historic importance of Drakelow House, which lies within the proposed site boundary.
Has the development been approved?
No.
The proposed allocation is not the same as planning permission.
The council is currently consulting on its Local Plan Part 2 Review for 2022 to 2042. If the site remains in the adopted plan, a developer would still need to go through the normal planning process before building could begin.
This consultation is taking place at the Regulation 19 stage. Responses should focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound, and whether its proposals are justified, effective and supported by appropriate evidence.
Consultation event in Drakelow
Residents can speak to council planning officers and inspect the proposals at a local drop-in event.
Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026
Time: 4pm to 6:45pm
Venue: Drakelow Park Flying High Academy, Marley Way, Drakelow, DE15 9WQ
You do not need to attend the event to submit a response.
How to have your say
The consultation is open now and closes at 5pm on Monday 30 November 2026.
You can view the documents, inspect the proposed allocations and find the official response instructions on the council's consultation website:
https://www.southderbyshire.gov.uk/part2reg19
Formal responses can also be submitted using the council's prescribed form by emailing local.plan@southderbyshire.gov.uk.
With Drakelow already growing rapidly, this is an opportunity for residents to examine the evidence and ask how the proposed housing would fit alongside existing infrastructure and community needs.
Drakelow Hub will continue following the proposals as the Local Plan progresses.
