Forthcoming events - in brief

Planning Committee on Tuesday 8th October CANCELLED

The next planning committee will be on Tuesday 29th October.

Safer Neighbourhoods and Local Area Forum (Area 4) Meeting date announced....

The next Safer Neighbourhood & area forum meetings will take place on Tuesday 12th November at Granville School from 6.15pm.

More details on this will follow nearer the time for those who are not familiar with these useful meetings.

W/C 30th September

Another sunny weekend goes (hopefully not the last of the year) and into another week we go.

Tuesday 1st October

The biggest event this week is on Tuesday afternoon / evening at the Church Hall rooms on Church Street.  The Draft local plan drop in event takes place between 3.30pm and 6.30pm.

With further development within the plan, it is important that our residents have the chance to give their feedback on the plans and also engage with staff from the planning department at the council who will be able to answer your concerns.

Due to the recent activity and concern from residents we have advised them that this could be a very busy event and to ensure that there are enough staff to cope with this.

If  you are unable to make it there are other events throughout the district as detailed in the link below:

http://www.south-derbys.gov.uk/planning_and_building_control/planning_policy/local_plan/local_plan_part1/draftlocalplan_part/default.asp

Thursday 3rd October

Environment & Development Services Committee - 6pm - Council Chamber

Agenda is attached to the below link:

http://south-derbys.cmis.uk.com/south-derbys/Meetings/tabid/70/ctl/ViewMeetingPublic/mid/397/Meeting/1611/Committee/320/SelectedTab/Documents/Default.aspx

Official communication relating to Draft Local Plan Draft 1.

As mentioned in a previous post, there is a new consultation on the Draft Local Plan.  This is now available on the SDDC website.  This plan could affect all in South Derbyshire.  For further information please see below link which includes a list of planned Drop-in events including the event in Church Gresley on October 1st.

Please note that the documents are not yet available but will be from this Friday 27th September

http://www.south-derbys.gov.uk/planning_and_building_control/planning_policy/local_plan/local_plan_part1/draftlocalplan_part/default.asp

Health Profile information for Derbyshire 2013

We have had communicated Health Profile information for 2013 and Derbyshire is included in the results.  The data shown for Derbyshire is quite interesting.

Whilst favourable in many aspects versus the national average, there is concerning data involving alcohol, smoking during pregnancy and also concerning is the level of obesity in year 6 children.

The 2013 Health Profiles can be accessed via the Health Profiles website at www.healthprofiles.info. They contain a summary of information on the health of the people in your local authority area and some factors that may influence their health. You may find this information useful when planning how to improve health locally.  A link is included below which takes you directly to a number of previous reports.  the current one is at the top:

http://www.apho.org.uk/default.aspx?QN=HP_METADATA&AreaID=50237

National Older People's Day event

We have received the following communication from the South Derbyshire CVS and would like to share for those interested:

Just a quick reminder about the event at Oakland Village next Monday 30th September to celebrate National Older People’s Day and to mark the launch of the South Derbyshire Befriending Service.

The event is in two distinct parts:

-          In the morning we are inviting representatives from organisations and community groups to attend a session, the aim of which is to review information and marketing resources. This is in response to concerns raised at the Derbyshire Handy Van Partnership about how accessible information for older people is and how organisations manage to follow up on information once they have given it out. This is a particular issue when people have dementia or other long term conditions that impinge on their ability to retain information. For example, once Telecare equipment is installed how can we be sure that people fully understand how to use it, how to maintain it and report any faults?

So come to our morning workshop session, bring your organisation’s information and check how it measures up on the accessibility scale!

In the afternoon we will be celebrating National Older People’s Day with a Full of Life drop in event where older people can find out about what’s going on the local area, meet some brilliant older people’s role models and have a go at new activities. We would like to encourage your organisation to have a stand at this event and, if possible, offer an activity in which older people might take part. Priority for stands will be given to those organisations which offer this.

For more information, please contact:

Pam Wood
Community Development Officer
South Derbyshire CVS
46-48 Grove Street
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 9DD

Direct Dial: 01283 817414

Review of Your Police Your Views Event

On Tuesday 17th September at Sharpe's Pottery, the last of the "Your Police Your Views" event was held.

The event gave the public a chance to interact with the Police through presentations and a question and answer session.  There was also an interactive quiz throughout the evening to gauge public perception of the performance of the Police.

Speakers for the evening were Alan Charles (Police & Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire), Chief Superintendent Jack Atwal (Commander of 'D' Division) and Cllr Bob Wheeler (Chair of the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership).

All 3 presentations were interesting and showed how all 3 functions work in slightly different ways, but all together and with the public to help in bringing crime figures down.  Clearly there is need for concentration on the vulnerable and domestic abuse is a significant issue.  It is also clear that more focus is being put on victims compared to days past.

Questions and concerns were also asked about Alcohol, Drugs, 101 number reaction times and cyber crime.

For more information on the organisations taking part, please see the following links:

http://www.south-derbys.gov.uk/community_and_living/community_safety/safer_south_derbyshire_partnership/?VD=ssdp

http://www.derbyshire-pcc.gov.uk/Home.aspx

http://www.derbyshire.police.uk/Homepage.aspx

Thorpe Downs Planning Application - Update

Due to the considerable amount of  feedback we have had it is appropriate to give an update on the planning application on Thorpe Downs Road and hopefully we'll be able to answer a few questions:

Several residents have expressed concern about the very small number of residents who were informed about the application.  Any given planning application can not receive more notification than another due to fairness - and we have asked this question in the recent past.  Based on this, the application on Thorpe Downs has been done to standard practice.  Going forward this is something that needs to be addressed.

Residents have also commented that when submitted their comments a warning comes up to inform them that as the valid-from date + 21 days has expired their comments may not be taken into consideration.  At the moment this is not an issue.  Now that the matter is being brought to planning committee further comments may be received up until the application is on an agenda.  If further comments are to be submitted, it is worth checking whether this is the case, but it will go beyond the current deadline date of 23rd September.

Residents have also contacted our local MP, Heather Wheeler so we will be monitoring any response and see if it is any different to the Conservative group voting to approve the local plan as is (i.e. with development planned for Thorpe Downs) and also over the 200+ homes off Swadlincote Lane .

Several residents have contacted us with their concerns and these are being duly noted.

As mentioned in the previous post, there is a meeting at the Scout Hut at 8pm on Wednesday 25th to discuss the issue.  Unfortunately this is the same night as Finance & Management Committee but at least one councillor will be in attendance.

Also, it would be a good opportunity to remind residents of the Drop in event for Draft Local Plan Part 1 at the Church Hall Rooms at 3.30pm -6.30pm on Tuesday 1st October.

Look ahead to w/c 23rd September 2013

Details of events for next week are as follows:

Council Meetings:

Monday 23rd:  Licensing and Appeals Sub Committee x 3 (see link for further information)

Wednesday 25th:     Audit Sub-committee (see link for further information)

                               Finance & Management Committee - 6pm Council Chamber

Thursday 26th:        Full Council - 6pm Council Chamber

Link to the agendas is here: http://south-derbys.cmis.uk.com/south-derbys/Meetings.aspx

Other Events

Monday 23rd:  Registration Plate Security Event - 3pm-6pm Sainsbury's Local, Glamorgan Way (see previous post)

Wednesday 25th:  Residents Meeting to discuss Planning Application on Thorpe Downs Road.  Scout Hut (off the Common) 8pm.

Number Plate Security Operation Monday 23rd September

Better late than never......................

Apologies for the late notice but on Monday 23rd September (tomorrow) between 3pm and 6pm there is a chance to have tamper-proof screws fitted to registration plates and also a chance to have bikes and scooters security marked.

This will take place in the car park outside Gresleydale Health Centre / Sainsbury's Local on Glamorgan Way in Church Gresley (Castleton Park).

The event has been put together by the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership, the Police and the CVS.

Link on Facebook is as follows:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=684828771546853&set=a.599265870103144.1073741828.599247453438319&type=1&theater

Drop in event for Draft Local Plan Part 1

The next consultation stage of the Local Plan for South Derbyshire begins soon.  We will provide further links to this as they are publicised as part of the consultation will be online.

Once again there are a series of consultation events, the first of which will be held in the Church Gresley Ward.  The event is planned for Tuesday 1st October between 3.30 and 6.30pm at St George & Mary Church Hall Rooms on Church Street (as normal).

We advise residents from all over the ward to attend and particularly those who we have spoken to over recent days.

This event will not be aimed at any particular development but will be an overview of the whole local plan for South Derbyshire.  This event is run by South Derbyshire District Council and staff will be on hand to answer planning related questions relating to a number of items but may include the following:

• Any developments planned within the ward.
• Why the local plan is necessary
• The housing targets required in South Derbyshire
• An overview of where developments are planned and where they are not planned.

For those unable to attend, there will be further events planned around the district including Newhall, Woodville and Swadlincote.  Once the information is publicly available, we will link this on the blog

Further to recent comments from residents through meetings and other interactions, it seems appropriate to give an update on the whole local plan situation.

When the draft local plan first came to Environment & Developemnt Services committee we were unhappy with the balance of development, feeling that there was too much in the Urban Core area (Swadlincote, Church Gresley and Woodville in particular) and fringes of Derby and not enough, therefore as a Labour group we voted against the proposal.  We were defeated in this by the controlling party by 1 vote, hence the draft plan went ahead as proposed.

Due to the proposed inclusion of significant developments in the ward, we had to ensure that residents were aware of the first consultation event as it is the residents feedback that is vital.  Originally there was no event planned in Church Gresley but one was set up at the request of Gresley Councillors and the event was publicised in newsletters distributed in the area.  The turnout for the Church Gresley event was by far the biggest.  Some very important feedback was given by residents and subsequently on the local plan.

In between the Draft Local Plan event and the subsequent Developer hosted event (which was again advertised both by us councillors and also by local residents very effectively) a planning application was received for a development off Swadlincote Lane for 250 houses plus industrial units.  This was marked as not preferred in the local plan as it was earmarked for industrial use only.  At the planning committee all of the Gresley Councillors spoke against this unnecessary development with our key concerns being based on inadequate school provision and several other very pertinent points.  The application went ahead after a vote 7-6 in favour.

The Developer event attracted a large number of local residents and many opinions were exchanged, though the plans were generally only outline in format.

In the meantime, the council has been working on the feedback from the first consultation and we wait to see what this will bring. 

Planning Application on Thorpe Downs Road

As many residents are aware there has been a planning application submitted for an access road at the end of Thorpe Downs Road.

For those who have not seen the application, please see the link below:

http://www.planning.south-derbys.gov.uk/ApplicationDetail.aspx?Ref=9/2013/0710

This application has received a significant response from nearby residents.  This has been discussed with residents on Thorpe Downs Road and also at our recent Surgery.

The items has also been discussed on social media and some clarity is required as to the current situation and also the planning process in general:

• The council receives a planning application from a developer /agent
• The council communicates the application to local members by email and also contact affected residents and publicises the application.
• The application appears on the website with all relevant supporting information.
• The residents have a period of time(in this case up to 22nd September) to submit comments / objections whilst the planning officer deliberates.
• If 2 or more objections are received or if there are certain circumstances, a local councillor can request that the application is "Called in" to go to Planning Committee rather than it being decided under delegated powers of the planning officer.  This has been done by Cllr Stuart following discussion with residents.
• The planning officer will make their decision and prepare a report to the committee with a decision to grant or refuse the application.  This report will include the supporting information, any comments and objections, advice from other bodies to consult (Highways, Environment etc) and quote the planning law used to determine.
• There may be a site visit prior to the planning committee.
• Any people wishing to speak in support of the applicant or any objectors must register their intention to do so but only 1 person can speak in each position.
• At committee, which is a public meeting, the planning officer will present their report.  The speakers will then present their support or objections (3 minute limit).  The planning officer has the chance to respond to any points they feel need addressing, then the Chairman will open up the debate.  The planning committee contains 13 members (7 Conservative, 6 Labour).  Any members with a personal interest in the case must declare it and any with a pecuniary interest or those that have stated an opinion will not be allowed to vote or may be asked to leave the meeting.  Local members who are not on the planning committee may speak if allowed by the chairman.
• Following the debate, the most likely scenario is a vote whether to accept the officers recommendation.  In the event of a tie (if someone abstains), the chairman can use a casting vote.  Sometimes an application may be deferred and sometimes further conditions may be imposed.
• If an application is refused, a valid planning reason must be given.  If the matter goes to appeals, the inspector will challenge the reasons for refusal.

More to follow....

A look forward to the week ahead

The following Council meetings are planned this week:

Tuesday 17th - Planning Committee 6pm

Wednesday 18th - Overview and Scrutiny Committee 6pm

The planning committee meeting does not have any items relating the Church Gresley.

For links to the meetings, agendas and reports, please following this link:

http://south-derbys.cmis.uk.com/south-derbys/Meetings.aspx

Police Event at Sharpe's Pottery -  6.30 for 7pm - Tuesday 17th September

The Your Police, Your Views event was held 2 years ago and proved to be very popular and useful.  Pre-booking is advised.

To read more, see the following link:

http://www.derbyshire.police.uk/My-Local-Police/Your-Police-Your-Views.aspx

Easy Green Recycling Scheme

Hopefully you will be aware that the new recycling scheme is nearly here.  If you have not received a new green bin with a caddy inside, please see link below.

There was a recent road-show at Castleton Park outside Gresleydale Surgery which proved popular.

We will now be able to recycle cardboard again and can now recycle plastic and glass.  This should have an effect to reduce the waste going into the general waste bin.

Please see the following link which has a lot of information relating to the new bins.  If there are any further questions, please see contact details / advice:

http://www.south-derbys.gov.uk/environment/recycling_rubbish_and_waste/easygreenrecycling/default.asp

Review of Recent Events - in the ward

Aside from our monthly surgeries we have been busy in the ward in the following ways:

• Street Surgery in Church Street
• Canvassing in York Road, Gresleywood Road & Newlands Close areas
• Delivery of a newsletter to 350 houses in the older area of the ward.

The street surgery had a lukewarm response with not many residents wishing to partake, though we will try the approach again as it was during the holidays.

The canvassing brought some positive responses and also gave us local members some feedback to act on.  From the street surgery and the canvassing, we had some useful feedback via the freepost letters.

The feedback included the following issues:

• Issues relating to school parking and provision
• Grass Cutting Issues
• Littering on public footpaths
• Traffic issues on Church Street
• Trees overhanging affecting amenity.

In addition to the above we have also had feedback to other issues from residents relating to:

• Broadband provision on Castleton Park
• Access to recreation areas in Castle Gresley
• Flooding Issues
• Issues with play equipment.

Some of the issues have been resolved and others are in progress.  Not all issues have an immediate solution unfortunately.

We would like to thank all those who took the time to respond and for the compliments.

Review of Recent Events - in council

Further to our last post, this is the first significant post to the blog in a few weeks.

Those with good memories will remember that before the children went back to school we had something that resembled a summer.

Committees in council are kept to a minimum during the summer but we have been out and about within the ward.  As there are clearly more important issues within the ward at the moment, we'll just give a brief summary of recent events.

In Council, Church Gresley councillors have been present at the following meetings:

Environment & Development Services - 22nd August

Key issue with relevance to Church Gresley was to note the progress of the kerbside recycling scheme (see separate page) and also to note progress on the Community Infrastructure Levy and also the Draft Local Plan.

Housing and Community Services - 29th August

Active Nation presented a report about participation rates at Green Bank and Etwall Leisure Centres.  There has been a significant increase in participation over the last year which is very encouraging.  The success brings the challenge of managing capacity.

Finance and Management - 5th September

Several reports relating to the Budget, Corporate Plan and the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Apologies for the brief absence

Due to us all taking late summer holidays we've not been keeping the blog as updated as we'd like.  Rest assured that there have been plenty of things happening and we'll report on them soon.