Ilkeston: Plans to create nature reserve to move forward

Plans to turn a former golf course in Derbyshire into a new £500,000 nature reserve are set to move forward.

Erewash Borough Council will discuss the future of the former Pewit Golf Course, in Ilkeston, at a meeting on Tuesday.

The golf course closed in 2022 due to "substantial financial operating losses".

The council wants to turn the site into a "wildlife haven" featuring a pond with footpaths and trails.

It approved plans to develop the nature reserve in February 2023 before launching a public consultation on the proposals.

Almost nine in 10 residents who responded to the survey supported the land being turned into a nature reserve, the council said.

The project will be paid for using funding from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund and money raised from businesses involved in the redevelopment of Stanton ironworks.

Councillors will also discuss a proposal to name the site Pewit Coronation Meadows Local Nature Reserve.

It is expected to open later this year or early in 2025.

Councillors will also discuss a proposal to sell a seven acres parcel of the golf course between the end of West End Drive and Manor Fields Drive, which is near existing homes.

Councillor Joel Bryan, lead member for environment, said: "We were sad the golf course had to close but it had simply become unviable, and the council could not keep pouring money into it.

"The consultation clearly shows local people are keen to back our green agenda which will keep the area as a tranquil open space that can be enjoyed by everyone."

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