The planning application for 132 new houses south of Chesterfield Road and adjacent to Burns Drive and Southfield Mount has been rejected by North East Derbyshire’s District Council’s Planning Committee, with all 10 Councillors voting against it. Dronfield Town Council joined countless local residents and other groups like the Civic Society in submitting comprehensive and technical objections to the application, which was first submitted in October last year.
Cllr Alex Dale, who spoke on behalf of the Town Council to highlight concerns to the planning committee, said: “I’m really pleased with this result and it demonstrates what can happen when local residents, community groups and Councillors work together to ensure new development works for the town and its people. No one is opposed to the principle of new development but it must be in keeping with the character and setting of the wider town and be of the highest standards. This application sadly fell short on so many different levels and I’m delighted this was recognised by planning officers and the committee.
“A huge thank you to all those who took the time to make their views known on the application, attended the committee meeting and in particular those who spoke. As the local Ward Member, District Councillor William Jones did an excellent job in coordinating responses and devoted countless hours over the past year to ensuring residents views were taken into account.
“For now, we will wait to see what happens next and if the developer appeals the decision we will be ready to continue the battle.”
