Council submits Local Plan for scrutiny

Derbyshire Dales District Council submitted its Local Plan into central Government this month.

The plan is the culmination of years of consultation on the part of the authority and sets out the policies and proposals for development in areas outside of the Peak District National Park until 2028.

The plan seeks to address local needs, especially for housing and economic development while at the same time ensuring the special qualities of the district’s environment – both natural and built – are conserved and, where possible, enhanced.

The plan was submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by an inspector and the submission documents are available to view online at www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/localplanexamination

Council leader Councillor Lewis Rose, who chaired a series of Local Plan meetings, said: “We pride ourselves on listening to the views of local residents and in preparing this very important document for the Derbyshire Dales we have been thorough in engaging local people.

“As well as protecting this wonderful part of the world, the new Local Plan is designed to ensure future generations of people who regard the Dales as their home have somewhere affordable to live and jobs to earn a living.”

The document states that the 4,400 new homes will need to be built in the Dales by 2028.

Part of the examination process will involve hearing sessions where those invited to participate will have an opportunity to respond to matters raised by the inspector.

The hearing sessions will be open to the public to attend, but only those invited to participate by the Inspector can speak at the hearings.

All communication to and from the Planning Inspector during the examination will be managed by the council’s programme officer Ros Hession, who can be contacted by email at [email protected] or phone 01629 761101.