Merry Christmas & best wishes for 2011

From APG Committee, to all our Members

As we near the end of 2010 we can reflect on the changes which have taken place in planning laws over the year and enable us all to recognise that standing for what we believe is right, with sufficient public support and pressure, will ultimately produce just deserves. It is without doubt as a result of pressure, from community groups such as APG, that these changes have been brought about.

I am particularly referring to the change in planning designation status of private gardens back to a special category, bereft of the devastating brownfield tag which, but for good fortune, would have been responsible for the creation of a 60 bed care home and an estate comprising of 55 houses on Kings Croft. The arrival of a new government which, like it or loathe it, has rapidly implemented the garden status change but also declared intent to give local communities much more say in governmental matters which affect them. This has been demonstrated in the Localism Bill which recently passed through parliament.

So whilst none of us can rest on our laurels, as we still have some fairly inappropriate developments looming, the outcome of which are reliant on an appeals to Government inspectors who we hope will support decisions of refusal by the Council’s Planning Committee, we can be optimistic that our Council now has the power to recognise, and act upon, the pressure from local communities against unpopular, unacceptable and character destroying developments.

People who are regulars at the Red Cow may be interested to look on the Council Planning Website to see 2 applications for alterations by the owning Brewery. We have not had time to study them as our priority, given the time of year, has been drinking and eating. The serious stuff comes after Christmas, but it appears that the intentions of the owners are to move the focus to an upmarket restaurant which is a major change from being a cosy, though needing refurbishment, local with good value food and drinks. If you prefer it as a local there is a petition launched by regular patrons, but better still if you feel strongly write to the brewery with your views.

If, retaining the Character of the part of Allestree where you live is important to you, irrespective of the era in which it was originally developed, then you will find solace and support from being a member of Allestree Preservation Group if you need it.

Thank you for your support - Best wishes for Christmas & the New Year

From Rod Straw (Chairman) and Committee Members of Allestree Preservation Group