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Wings
Thank you for your views on Local Plan
NE Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley writes for Wings magazine
F IRSTLY, a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who got involved in
the recent consultation held by the district council on the Local Plan, the document which sets out the council’s views on how our area should develop over the next 15 years.
This was a very long and detailed
document and the council did not
really encourage involvement with
the very technical questions they
asked in the consultation but, considering it was the last real opportunity for local residents to have a say on this document, it was good to see so many people take the time to provide their comments.
Given the council only undertook limited publicity on the document, I took the decision to hold four meetings across the constituency to raise its profile, highlight my concerns and give residents the opportunity to ask any questions.
More than 300 people came to those meetings, including one at the Bret Club in Clay Cross, and I’m grateful to those who were willing to come along.
Many residents already know that I have huge issues with the document ; I believe the proposal to build 6,600 homes in NE Derbyshire by 2034 is far too high, that the infrastructure to support these new houses (particularly around Wingerworth, Old Tupton and Clay Cross) has not been thought through enough and that Green Belt land is being unnecessarily sacrificed.
Throughout the creation and consultation on this local plan, the council has failed to listen and respond to the concerns raised by local residents and, unfortunately, they show no sign of changing that approach currently.
I hope that the Planning Inspectorate, who will now review the plan to check it is appropriate, realise that there are significant changes that need to be made.
Away from planning, it was great to see so many people at the Ashover May Day celebrations on a glorious Bank Holiday Monday – the event just goes from strength to strength every year!
I also enjoyed the opportunity to meet lots of residents - and help judge the dog show - at Wingerworth Fun Day on 19th May and I’m looking forward to seeing more people at other events and carnivals throughout the summer across North East Derbyshire.
As ever, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues or problems, either by calling the Eckington office on 01246 439222 or emailing lee.rowley.mp@parliament.uk.
One of my toughest jobs so far as an MP... helping to judge the dog show at Wingerworth Fun Day!
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