Matlock Settlement Framework Boundary Review

Smoke and mirrors - The District Council are strangely proposing two contradictory proposals during the consultation period (ending 30th August).

1) The planning of 270 new houses to be built on green field sites outside of the current Settlement Framework Boundary. ie. proposing to move the town boundaries so that they can build on our green fields. <Document Link>

2) The proposal of a new Settlement Framework Boundary update that on their own map excludes these new proposed building sites. <Document Link>

So there are in fact two separate issues that the council are seeking your opinion on, and therefore we should write two separate letters:

1) New proposed building sites:

What would you prefer?

The District Council considers that there are three options that could be
adopted towards the allocation of residential development in Matlock:

Option A – Development of the required housing provision on one large site
and a number of other sites around the town

Option B – Development of the required housing provision on two large sites

Option C – Allocate land to meet the required housing provision across a
number of sites around the town

So you should write a letter voicing your opinions about the need for new housing:

Some Points to consider:

a) Vehicular Access (1000's more cars per day - the council are saying 2160 more cars per day!)
b) Exercise areas - In particular the Asker Lane fields are used by hundreds of people a day to exercise, dog walk, and play.
c) Wild life issues (Badger Sets!), rare birds, hedge rows etc. 
d) Do we actually need these houses in this economic downturn - look at the stats??
e) If the proposed plans go ahead would you prefer option A,B or C - OR None of them!


The general opinion seems to be that the residents don't want any new houses being built on currently protected green field sites and that the council should explore some more alternative like brown filed sites!

2) Proposed Settlement Framework Boundary

Here you can see the proposed changes to the Settlement Framework Boundary:

 < Big Map >

The only proposed change is an area near Starkholmes NOT the Asker Lane Fields or other proposed sites.

So we would recommend that you write a second letter agreeing with the new Settlement Framework Boundary proposal!

Dead Line for all letters is 30th August 2012!!!

Please send written responses (Most Effective) to: 

Derbyshire Dales District Council
Housing Options Consultation
Town Hall
Bank Road
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3NN