News

Team effort protects World Heritage Site
A Planning Inspector has refused Planning Permission for the development of land in Darley Abbey, because it is unnecessary, would harm the World Heritage Site, and is contrary to the site's Green Wedge status.
In June 2016, evidence was examined at the Planning Inquiry into the Planning Appeals for proposals to develop new housing on land off North Avenue, Darley Abbey.
The Inspector considered progress made by Derby City Council and neighbouring Councils to provide land for a 5 year supply of housing, and found that "The proposed development of the appeal site is neither necessary nor desirable to achieve housing delivery".
The Inspector also assessed the impact of the proposal on the World Heritage Site and the site's Green Wedge status, finding that "The adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole.  The effect of the proposals on the Green Wedge is unacceptable."  His report ends with the words "The proposals are not sustainable and both appeals are dismissed."
It seems very unlikely that anyone would commit money to making further Planning Applications, as there must be virtually nil chance of securing consent at an Appeal.
In achieving this result, the Darley Abbey Society would like to thank:
Derby City Council, Councillors and Officers, for appointing an experienced barrister and mounting a robust defence of their Planning Policies.
Local residents and societies who wrote numerous letters of objection, and helped pay for expert reports used by the Darley Abbey Society in mounting objections.
Jeremy Eagles, Peter Steer, and Chris Hall who freely gave of their time and energy in giving evidence at the Inquiry on behalf of the Darley Abbey Society.
Mark Suggitt Director of Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, whose evidence at the Inquiry significantly emphasised the Site's major historical importance.
The 'North Avenue Task Group' which was established to coordinate the DAS campaign.  It was chaired by Graham Bennett with the kind support of members of the DAS Committee plus Jeremy Eagles and David Dickie – all of whom the Society wishes to thank.
The Darley Abbey Society was founded more than 25 years ago to:
 Promote high standards of architecture and planning in, or affecting, the area, and to raise objections to planned developments as and when these are considered to be incompatible with the existing standards of the area.
 Preserve the open areas, including the river, Darley and Derwent Parks, and the open area to the north.
 Promote good access, notably, by monitoring traffic and parking conditions.
Update at 22 July 2016