As I promised in a blog post last week, I’ve made my comments regarding the Draft Core Strategy available for constituents to view online.
As a summary, I indicated that I did not believe that the number of houses proposed to be built are required here; that there should be a pause in the consideration so as to ensure that inappropriate developments could be resisted more easily, meaning the Plan would be in the best interests of the Borough; that such a pause would enable the Council to reconsider whether the joint approach with Derby City and South Derbyshire District Councils are in the best interests of the Borough since we’re so far away; advocate a similar approach to Erewash, stating that it may result in a more sensible outcome.
I also commented on specific sites. First, Lily Street Farm, the manner in which the Council proposed which was in my view unacceptable and damages the confidence that the process is fair and evidence-based. I also stated that we risk the merging communities of Swanwick and Alfreton, as well as stating that I don’t believe it’s realistic that people could live and work on the same site.
I mentioned that the Codnor to Woodlinkin bypass – which is needed – is now, in my view, not viable now that the Ripley Gateway/Morrisons proposals have been rightly rejected.
Finally, as I have always done in my prior representations to the previous administration, I urged the Council to take a proactive look at brownfield sites. Examples I included are those such as the Butterley works and Stevenson dye works. The New Homes Bonus could be considered for any funding gaps for decontamination or infrastructure costs to make these sites more viable and reduce the need for greenfield sites.
You can read my full letter here.