Chapel Parish Council's notes from Public Meeting

To see Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council's notes on the September public meeting, please visit:
http://www.chapel-en-le-frithparishcouncil.gov.uk/newsletter.htm


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    Public Meeting – High Peak and Derbyshire Dales Joint Core Strategy

Some clarification .........

During the Public Meeting organised by Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council on 15th September, HPBC provided a useful summary of the process which has led to the draft Joint Core Strategy. Many people were able to hear this information first-hand, and some were given the opportunity to ask questions. We have also heard some of the views of Chapel Parish Council, as per their response to the JCS consultation (see Parish Council website for further details).

It is important to recognise the difference between the strategic proposals for growth and housing development in the JCS and the speculative proposals, e.g. Barratt Developments plc, which have emerged as a result of the JCS consultation. The leaflets which were produced by a small group of residents were never intended to cause confusion, so we hope this helps to bring some clarity back to the current situation.

PUBLIC MEETING 19:30 Wednesday 15 September

CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH PARISH COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

15TH SEPTEMBER 2010

7.30pm

TO ALLOW RESIDENTS TO PUT THEIR VIEWS FORWARD REGARDING THE CORE STRATEGY AND THE PROPOSED NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TOWN AND PARISH

TO BE HELD IN THE TOWN HALL AT 7.30pm

IT IS PROPOSED TO INVITE OUR LOCAL MP, HPBC OFFICERS & COUNCILLORS & THE TWO DCC COUNCILLORS FOR CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH

Federal Mogul 'Site Transformation Plan'

Federal Mogul has recently announced a Site Transformation Plan which is designed to bring the company in line with world-class manufacturing capabilities. This plan involves significant changes at the Chapel-en-le-Frith site, one of which is the release of land which may be used for housing development.

Some information boards on the Site Transformation Plan are on display at Chapel-en-le-Frith library, together with flyers to complete if people have comments.

Alternatively comments can be made by email to chapelcomments@dppllp.com

For further information please visit
http://www.buxtonadvertiser.co.uk/news/Jobs-boost-in-10m-plan.6485839.jp 
and http://www.buxtonadvertiser.co.uk/news/Public-to-have-a-say.6485850.jp

Andrew Bingham MP

Andrew Bingham MP has launched a new website, in which he has prepared an article on the 'Growth Options Consultation - Chapel' The conclusion to this article reads as follows:

Like many local residents I am concerned at the prospect of large amounts of greenfield development and I am relieved that the straitjacket of the RSS numbers has been removed from the Council. This will allow a more realistic and sustainable outcome which I hope will significantly reduce any housing requirements and in turn protect the greenfield sites surrounding the village. Any need will have to be proven as opposed to the previous system where need was a number imposed from on high.

Please visit http://www.andrewbingham.org.uk/ for further details

NEWS 09-August... UK government to incentivise house builders

Make what you will of this .......................

Monday 9th August 2010


The UK government has announced a New Homes Bonus scheme which will be offered to all English councils who participate in new house building projects to alleviate a shortage of affordable property in the UK. Despite the fact there are 4.5 million people on the English Council housing list only 120,000 new properties were built last year. So how will this incentive scheme work?


In simple terms the UK government has offered a sweetener which will see the government match the council tax raised on each new house for six years. When you consider that for a band D home this equates to £1400 a year there is considerable scope for local authorities to improve their income streams. There is some debate as to how the scheme will work out in practice but there is also no doubt that there are housing shortages in many areas of the UK, something which has been synonymous with the UK property sector for many years.

The UK government has taken a very different approach to the previous Labour government in various areas of the UK economy although whether David Cameron will be more successful remains to be seen. Time will tell!

http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/89566-uk-government-to-incentivise-house-builders.html

Buxton Advertiser article 5th August

Photograph kindly provided by Buxton Advertiser

To read the full article please visit
http://www.buxtonadvertiser.co.uk/chapel/Battle-plans-drawn-up-over.6459352.jp

CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH PARISH COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

15TH SEPTEMBER 2010

TO ALLOW RESIDENTS TO PUT THEIR VIEWS FORWARD REGARDING THE CORE STRATEGY AND THE PROPOSED NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TOWN AND PARISH

TO BE HELD IN THE TOWN HALL AT 7.30pm

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

NEARER THE TIME

iPETITION

NO to housing on our playing field and green fields

To sign up, please visit http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/chapel-en-le-frith/  

REVOCATION OF REGIONAL STRATEGIES

On 6th July, the Secretary of State has issued a REVOCATION OF REGIONAL STRATEGIES with immediate effect.

Please visit http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/localframework/CoreStrategy/RegionalPlanletter.pdf for further information. See paragraphs 10-13.


All of this means that if Councils want to chance their housing target they need to hold a Housing Needs Assessment as soon as possible. High Peak is doiong this, so it is important for as many residents as possible to respond to the Housing Needs Assessment consultation in October.

Plans for 85,000 homes dropped after scrapping of regional housebuilding targets

Please read this article http://www.housing.org.uk/default.aspx?tabid=212&mid=828&ctl=Details&ArticleID=3092

An extract is given below..............

Almost 85,000 planned homes have been scrapped by councils across England in the wake of the Government’s decision to axe regional housebuilding targets, according to a campaign group. An independent report, commissioned by the National Housing Federation, found many town halls have substantially reduced plans for new homes following the decision by ministers to advise them to ignore the previous government’s regional housebuilding targets and the subsequent abolition of the targets altogether. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles wrote to local authorities in May outlining the Government’s commitment to abolishing regional strategies. This followed a letter sent to local authorities last year by Caroline Spelman, who was then shadow Communities Secretary, announcing the Conservative party’s intention to abolish regional targets following the election. On 6 July, Mr Pickles formally revoked the regional targets with immediate effect saying: “They were a terrible, expensive, time-consuming way to impose house building.”

Since the closure of the HPBC Consultation on the draft Joint Core Strategy (15 July 2010) it has become clear that two organisations have an interest in housing development in Chapel-en-le-Frith.

(1) High Peak Land, represented by John Rose of JRConsulting

http://highpeak-consult.limehouse.co.uk/common/search/advanced_search.jsp?id=349306&sortMode=response_date&lookingFor=representations&tab=list

Look for High Peak Land's views on the Options CA and CB.

Also scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the recent response and map GOP-2.pdf

(2) Barratt Developments PLC, represented by Alan Knott of JRConsulting.

http://highpeak-consult.limehouse.co.uk/common/search/advanced_search.jsp?id=452137&eventId=0&sortMode=response_date&lookingFor=representations&tab=list

Again, scroll down for details of how Barratt Homes wish to build on the grounds of Chapel High School and the surrounding fields including those adjacent to Crossings Road.

It comes as no surprise that landowners and prospective developers wish to support the housing proposals under the draft Joint Core Strategy ....... BUT, their views demonstrate a conflict of interest between the needs of this area and their desire to profit from a housing development.

There remains no justification for broad area housing development in Chapel-en-le-Frith.

Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council has prepared a detailed response to the 'Joint Core Strategy' consultation. The response may be viewed at http://www.chapel-en-le-frithparishcouncil.gov.uk/newsletter.htm

Only a short time remaining to register your comments ..........

We have until 15 July to register comments and observations on the Core Strategy Document - Draft Plan. High Peak Planning Officers told us on 5th July that comments received after 5th July would be considered, but the official close is midnight on 5th July. Many comments are now visible on the online 'Consultation Portal', with some people making clause-by-clause comments and others submitting a structured argument at the top of the document. Of course, you may comment by post or e-mail ... details in the early part of this blog. If you haven't done so already, please send your comments .... as everyone keeps saying ... it's important to have your say !

Joint Core Strategy .... online comments

Responses on the Joint Core Strategy may be made online at

http://highpeak-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/jointcorestrategy/derbyshire_dales_and_high_peak_joint_core_strategy_-_draft_plan_49?pointId=1163093#document-1163093

By visiting the 'Consultation Portal', you can read the comments that people have already made.

Don't miss chance to have your say

..... just in case you missed the article in the Buxton Advertiser today.

Click on the image to enlarge it. Thanks to Joan for clipping the article.

Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council meeting 06 July

A short presentation against the Chapel West element of the 'Joint Core Strategy' will be given during the 'Open Forum' agenda item of the Parish Council Meeting from 19:30 at Chapel Town Hall. Please visit

http://chapel-en-le-frith.blogspot.com/2010/06/chapel-parish-council-planning-meeting.html

Extended surgery times with Andrew Bingham MP

Many residents have asked about the support available from Andrew Bingham MP. Recently, Andrew has indicated that he will extend the normal surgery hours on Saturday 10 July to include an earlier start time of 09:00.
Full details available at http://www.hpca.co.uk/accessible.php?sectionid=106

Some questions to which we're seeking answers .........

During a meeting with HPBC Planning Officers on 05-July, we are seeking to obtain answers to the following ..........

1. Why does the Joint Core Strategy document differ from the Summary document in terms of the JCS showing several possible areas for broad development whereas the Summary paper shows only Chapel West for the Central Area ?

2. Why has an open field site been proposed for Chapel West when various in-fill and brown-field sites are available ? The Joint Core Strategy Justification paper states that previously developed land should be prioritised.

3. Is it reliable to base a 20 year growth plan on a very small proportion of questionnaire responses throughout HP / DD ? Is HPBC aware of a local housing needs survey, recently commissioned by Chapel Parish Council ?

4. Has HPBC given any thought to the likely cost of upgrading the road infrastructure to support this development ? Without upgrading, all benefits accrued from the construction of the A6 bypass will be negated. Note also that road access to the A6 would be through the centre of Chapel and Whaley Bridge.

5. Although the green field of the proposed development area for Chapel West are not greenbelt, do you agree that these should be considered as important greenfield (and therefore possibly redefined as greenBELT) land given the detrimental affect the proposed plan would have on the valley and natural environment for which the area is renowned and which defines the town's whole character and sense of place ?

6. Is High Peak BC aware of the possible in-fill and brown-field sites in and around Chapel-en-le-Frith ?

7. To what extent will High Peak BC listen to Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council’s views ?

8. If central government targets are reduced following the review expected later in July, will there be a review of the Joint Core Strategy including following normal guidelines of using in-fill and brown-field sites ?

9. If the Joint Core Strategy is reviewed, will there be a further round of consultation ?

10. HPBC have stated that they value the character of the High Peak rural landscape. Has HPBC consulted with PPPB in view of the proximity of the site to the PP boundary, and the open views over the site from the PP, as there is no abrupt visual demarcation between the PP and the proposed site ? Chapel is an ancient and historic small town – much more so than surrounding towns. Do you wish Chapel to be submerged by surrounding estates and become a commuter settlement ?

11. It was the Local Authority policy that they “did not want to see more of the same” when Downlee Close was at the planning stage. So if property is built in the vicinity of Marsh Hall Farm/Downlee Close will you confirm that the same policy applies ?

12. We cannot understand the justification for th broad area housing development in Chapel West. A balanced document of this nature should clearly address the following: (a) Why do it ?, (b) Why do it now ? and (c) Why do it this way ? The advantages and disadvantages of every option should be covered.

13. Has the HPBC considered that any development could be a precedent to the further encroachment into open country ?

14. Is HPBC aware that the proposed Chapel West area has serious drainage issues ? Please note that all properties in the neighbouring areas of Cockyard and Combs treat waste via septic tanks with treated water outflows via normal water course drainage usually into Combs reservoir, if there is an increase in the surface water table then septic tanks will flood and raw sewage will contaminate water course and reservoir.

15. Is there any truth in rumours that the proposed housing development is intended to house overspill from Hattersley ?

16. Is it true that HPBC has established that the proposed land in Chapel West is ‘available’ ? If so, what discussions have taken place, what other land has been identified as available, and has any surveying been done already ?

17. Who instigated the idea of building on these fields - HPBC or some higher authority ? Has there been any external influence on HPBC in respect of the proposed broad area development in Chapel West ?

18. Why were so many of us not informed of the consultation process, instead hearing about it after the public meeting and consequently having insufficient time to properly analyse and respond ? Please note that many people (some without internet access) have found it very difficult to inform themselves in the short time available.

19. Given the above, can the deadline of 15 July be extended ?

High Peak Radio interview

Please tune in to High Peak Radio on Thursday morning, 1st July to hear an interview about the Joint Core Strategy and how the housing proposals may affect Chapel-en-le-Frith

http://www.highpeakradio.co.uk/

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for Chapel West !

We have recently learned of the Joint Core Strategy Summary Paper dated June 2010. For the Central Area, this includes ONLY CHAPEL WEST for broad development of 430-530 dwellings. If, like us, you thought Chapel West was one of a number of possible sites, please look closely at the Summary Paper, which is available at:

http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/localframework/CoreStrategy/DraftCoreStrategySummaryLeaflet.pdf

Just arrived ? Please start here ............

For anyone just finding this site for the first time, please start at:

http://chapel-en-le-frith.blogspot.com/2010/06/please-start-here.html

Visualisation of part of the completed housing development

An artist's impression of the area around Chapel West as it currently appears, and as a part of it it would appear after the development of the Joint Core Strategy housing development for Chapel West ('Option CB') is available. We can't show the full extent of the development on this site. However, a 1-page pdf file is available by e-mailing chapel.en.le.frith@gmail.com

Chapel Parish Council Meetings

Chapel Parish Council will discuss the Joint Core Strategy during the Council meeting on Tuesday 6th July. Members of the public may, upon prior arrangement with the Clerk of the PC, speak for 3 minutes for or against the proposals.


Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council will discuss their response to the Joint Core Strategy proposal at their Planning Committee meeting at 19:30 on Wednesday 7th July. Members of the public can attend this meeting BUT may not speak.

High Peak BC presentation from Chapel public meeting

The powerpoint presentation that was used at the Chapel event can be accessed at:
http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/localframework/CoreStrategy/
Scroll down until you find the reference to the public meeting.

We now have a pdf copy of the powerpoint file referred to above. A copy is available by e-mailing chapel.en.le.frith@gmail.com

As suspected,Chapel West is vulnerable, as shown by the following extracts ...............

"A broad location for growth to the south west of Chapel-en-le-Frith has been identified due to the availability of land, the close proximity to the railway station and the absence of Green Belt"
and
"...a broad location to the south west of Chapel-en-le-Frith to accommodate 430-530 dwellings"

How to respond to the consultation ......

This is what matters ...........

A Justification Document (520KB) has also been prepared that outlines the background and reasoning behind the preferred Core Strategy. This document is available at:
http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/localframework/CoreStrategy/CoreStrategyJustificationDocument.pdf

The Evidence Base that underpins the Draft Plan can also be viewed. Links to various documents under this heading are at:
http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/localframework/EvidenceBase/


People who have expressed an interest in this issue will shortly be meeting to discuss how to respond. Initial suggestions include:

• Demonstrate theat the consultation process is flawed (most people don't seem to know about it) and the proposals are likely to be revised once central government targets for growth are delivered in July.
• Challenge the basis for the consultation ...... the total sample of returned questionnaires was small.
• Challenge the proposals on the basis of infrastructure issues (road access, road congestion, drainage, school capacity)
• Challenge the proposals on the basis of environmental issues (goes against guidelines for preserving countryside, etc)
• Challenge the proposals on the basis of economic reasons ... where are the jobs that 400-500 families would come to ?
• Make counter-proposals.

Watch this space, or better still contact us using chapel.en.le.frith@gmail.com

The way to respond is as follows:

If you would like submit your views on the Draft Plan or the draft Sustainability Appraisal Report, you may do so by using one of the following methods:

• Online at the Core Strategy consultation website
• Email to either email address given below
• Post to either postal address given below:
• Derbyshire Dales District Council, Town Hall, Bank Road, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3NN
• Email: planning@derbyshiredales.gov.uk Tel: 01629 761241
• High Peak Borough Council, Municipal Buildings, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 8AF
• Email: LDF@highpeak.gov.uk Tel: 0845 129 7777

Use of the consultation website provides several benefits and enables consultees to:

• Read the Joint Core Strategy and supporting documents online
• Submit your comments online (registration required)
• Read all comments submitted by other consultees, including those submitted by post, email or online.
• Further information is available on the consultation website, including help on how to register and submit comments.
• A step-by-step guide to registering on the consultation website and submitting comments is also available.

High Peak Land has an interest in the proposals

Make what you will of this ................ extracted from
http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/localplan/InspectorsReport/Chapter2.pdf

2.2.7 Persimmon Homes, High Peak Land and Mr Robinson contend that Buxton should not be the main focus of growth in High Peak. They argue that the scale of development proposed for the town would encroach into the surrounding open countryside, and that the settlement is not well-placed to accommodate development pressures which cannot be met in surrounding Boroughs. Instead they believe that the Central Area, and Chapel in particular, is better placed to meet the stated aims of the Council. A number of other objectors, whilst not specifically objecting to this part of the Plan, make the same general point.

Public Meeting .......

Last week's public meeting in Chapel-en-le-Frith was well attended, but many people have said they didn't know about it until after the event.

The official presentation given at last week's meeting may be viewed here:
http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/localframework/CoreStrategy/Central_files/frame.htm

A further public meeting will be held on 22 June in Buxton, details as follows:

Pavilion Gardens manned exhibition 2-6pm
Public meeting Pavilion Gardens 7-9pm

Full details may be found at:
http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/localframework/CoreStrategy/

I have arranged for the information boards relating to Chapel-en-le-Frith to be displayed at the Buxton event, and HPBC have agreed we may attend provided we don't 'flood' the meeting which is intended for Buxton residents.

If you choose to attend, please post any feedback on this page. Thank you.

Just arrived ?

For anyone just finding this site for the first time, please start at
http://chapel-en-le-frith.blogspot.com/2010/06/please-start-here.html

Your views and comments are welcome .......

Hi,
The purpose of this blog was to provide some information on the proposals, and to generate some opposition to the building plans as they currently relate to Chapel-en-le-Frith. Please let us have your views, or at least let us know you're reading this.
Thanks :)

How sensible is this Consultation ??

The Derbyshire Dales & High Peak proposal for housing development under the Joint Core Proposal is based on growth targets from the previous government. The consultation ends on 15 July and later that same month, new central government guidelines for housing are expected. So, it is likely that the proposals will need to be revised. We have established from a HPBC representative that under these circumstances, a fresh consultation will be required.

Surely this consultation could have waited until the new government guidelines ?
In a time of spending cuts, look at this for an example of inefficient spending !

Illustration of 'Option CB' in the Joint Core Proposal

Some people have found it difficult to visualise the proposed development areas in the Joint Core Proposal. To make it easier, John B has mapped the 'Option CB' onto the real map opposite.

This area starts at Crossings Road, covers both sides of Manchester Road, over the Golf Course (!) and round to Downlee Close / Marsh Green and Chapel High School. We anticipate it's a notional area, but it shows the extent of the proposed development area. ......... Consider for a moment the effect on local roads and drainage.

Affordable housing according to demand ?

We all recognise the need for affordable homes. But in proportion to the need. The justification for large-scale housing development according to the 2009 questionnaire is weak.

It is important that you have your say on the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak proposals. If they go ahead, the appearance and character of Chapel-en-le-Frith would change dramatically. Not to mention the impact on roads, local services, etc.

Meeting with HPBC

We are setting up a meeting with the Councillor responsibe for planning at High Peak Borough Council. If you have any questions you'd like us to raise, please us the 'Comments' space below or contact us by e-mail using chapel.en.le.frith@gmail.com

Joint Core Strategy

The document looks like this ......... it's important that you have your say on these proposals which, if they go ahead, may radically change the appearance and character of Chapel-en-le-Frith. Not to mention the impact on roads, local services, etc.

If you're not sure what is all means, please contact us using chapel.en.le.frith@gmail.com

Please start here ..........

Did you know ?

Derbyshire Dales District Council and High Peak Borough Council have responded to government growth targets by proposing the building of about 6,000 new homes between now and 2026. This is part of a wider plan for growth.

Several possible areas have been identified for development, and two of these are in Chapel-en-le-Frith.

The consultation process for these proposals ends on 15 July !

New central Government policy may give revised targets for development, in which case further proposals will be necessary and a second round of consultation is expected.

A decision on the proposals is expected by March 2011.

The purpose of this blog is to provide information and assist residents who wish to oppose the plan.

What can you do ?

· Obtain a copy of the proposal document ‘Joint Core Strategy’, available from Buxton library and online at http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/localframework/CoreStrategy/

The June-2010 Summary Paper is available here http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/localframework/CoreStrategy/DraftCoreStrategySummaryLeaflet.pdf
Please note that the details of the Central Area are different from the Joint Core Strategy document. In the Summary Paper, ONLY CHAPEL WEST IS INCLUDED FOR THE CENTRAL AREA.

If you wish to comment on the proposals, you can do this by post or online at
http://highpeak-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/jointcorestrategy/

· To oppose the proposals, please ensure your comments contains strong arguments. HPBC has already told us that it is the strength of arguments which succeeds, not the weight of responses.

· Contact your local MP andrew.bingham.mp@parliament.uk

· Notify and inform others who may have missed the recent public meeting

· For further information contact Hugh Barton using chapel.en.le.frith@gmail.com