A proposal, previously approved but expired, for nearly 200 homes has reared its head again. Frank met with local residents on a number of occassions to hear your views. The flooding risk, pressure to stretched local services, loss of green space, increased traffic, and a worryingly inadequate access bridge are some of the reasons why many of you are speaking out against this inappropriate application. It is crucial you, like many of your neighbours, submit your objection on North East Derbyshire’s Online Planning Portal before 23rd November. The case number is 23/00877/FL
Frank's objection can be seen below:
I request that this application be called in to the Planning Committee.
I make the following comment as the ward member for Wingerworth, an area of North East Derbyshire which has faced an enormous amount of development in recent years. The village, if it can even still be described as such, has had almost every vacant plot filled in. Every green space concreted. It is my view that the village cannot take another major development until the local infrastructure is seriously upgraded. This application was once previously approved, but don't let that fool you into thinking it is still appropriate. Amongst the sea of comments submitted is one from Annette Lupton, the head of Deer Park Primary School, raising concerns about the severe lack of capacity. The entire village currently rests its hopes on a single Medical Centre, two small primary schools, a handful of independent shops, and three parks; one of which is in constant threat due to North East Derbyshire's refusal to rule out development. This situation is beyond unsustainable. This development is not outlined in the Neighbourhood Plan, goes against a number of the Local Plan's policies (LC1, SDC3, SS1, SS2, SS9, to name just a few!) and it certainly has not got the support of our residents. I have received an onslaught of emails regarding this application since it reared its head again. It is obvious that this is entirely inappropriate for our area. I am in the unfortunate position of now having to object to applications which have the potential to bring affordable housing to an area in which many young people, like myself, are unable to get onto the housing ladder. I only wish that a longer term approach to housing had been taken prior to my arrival on the Council. This application has many faults beyond that of buckling the village's limited infrastructure. There is of course the huge loss of habitat and the wildlife which will suffer as a result. Natural life has dwindled in recent years as green spaces turn brick red in Wingerworth. The proposed development is not far at all from the Lido which has seen its toad population decline dramatically. Whilst this is due to a number of factors, the loss of habitat is surely responsible for the significant decrease in the toad population (from over 800 in 2016, to a meagre 228 in 2022). This loss at the very bottom of the food chain demonstrates just how disastrous the impact on Wingerworth's wildlife has been. There is a huge flooding risk, not only preventing those occupying the new homes from escaping their enclave via a small bridge (!!!), but also to the existing properties below. Adding yet more concrete only increases the possibility of damage from surface water to those living in and around Spindle Drive. We have so recently witnessed the destruction and distress which flooding causes to homeowners and I hope that this is seriously considered. I ask that this application is called in to the Planning Committee, and that they give this their full consideration. The future of Wingerworth is not a matter to be taken lightly.
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