Disused land in a neglected part of Mansfield town centre and in Kirkby could be transformed into new homes.

In Mansfield, the site — bordered by White Hart Street, Dame Flogan Street, and Church Street — will be revamped with affordable housing, including later-living accommodation.

Designed for older people who need on-site support or communal facilities, the homes will be alongside other homes, shops, youth clubs, and more.

The plans, backed by Mansfield District Council’s Planning Committee, include the demolition of a former post office sorting office on the site. Some buildings, including a former tannery, will be retained.

The project was first outlined by the council in 2023 as part of its wider regeneration of the town centre.

In Kirkby, Ashfield District Council wants to buy a 19-acre site off Southwell Lane, between the railway line and Lowmoor Road.

The purchase is dependent upon planning permission being granted for a new housing development, which would see around 70 new affordable homes built. The land will be paid for using money from housing developers.

Funding from Homes England could help pay for the estimated £16m development. The cost would be paid back over 40 years from rents received.

The disused site was originally railway sidings and contained a small warehouse that have since been demolished.

A woodland and butterfly meadow will be kept and maintained by the council.