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 ?