Firstly, the Kings Croft situation is still as lively as ever. Namely, consultants and our 'legal eagle' in London have found many issues which we are currently putting together ready for early 2009.

At times, as the well used phrase states, "you could not make it up !!". As you know, some people do and are taken seriously, so carry on watching this space.

 

Recently we had a meeting between Allestree residents and City Council planning managers. On what was one of the coldest nights of the year, Dec 2nd, in Woodlands school hall, over 100 residents attended. Cllr Roy Webb and our group had requested this meeting for such a long time and when it took place it was excellent. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, asked questions, queried the planning process and showed how much they care for their community. The planners enjoyed it too !.

 

From this meeting several people have contacted us and stated their concerns regarding how the planning application process is very much in the applicants favour.

So few residents are informed of an application and it is obvious that if you live more than 3 to 15 metres away (depending on the proposal), you will not be officially informed.

As a group we ask that if you get a letter stating anything from removal of trees, extensions or house building, tell your neighbours - as many as possible. The number of times we have heard 'if only we had known'. We need to look after our suburb and inappropriate and architecturally unpleasant development needs to be challenged. You can check on all planning applications on the council eplanner via the APG web site.

There have been some applications which people have passed on to us for comment, if we can help we will. Always question why something is being proposed e.g. tree removal may be requested to give access to future back garden development.

Garden Grabbing. A bill has been going through parliament to remove gardens from the brownfield category. This received success in the House of Lords, but was rejected when it went back to the Commons. There will be further development on this in 2009, so we would urge you to express your concerns to our MP, http://www.boblaxton.org.uk/contact_me and let us join the many groups just like ours who feel that this loophole in planning policy needs to be closed asap.

 

Derby City Mature Suburbs Policy - we are still waiting to hear about this, we understand that it is available in draft form, but have yet to know when it will be delivered in full. Once again this is a policy which will give better direction for planning officers/committee members in being able to protect the character of an area where maturity is a major asset to the surroundings.

 

Allestree Conservation Area (Expansion of).

For over 2 years a review of the conservation area has been requested, via Cllr Roy Webb and the Neighbourhood forum. This may be the protection we need to preserve the look of Allestree village and its surroundings. At the time of writing, the area is being professionally surveyed - an initial assessment, paid for by APG.

 

Finally, a big thank you to everyone who supports us, and in particular those who have regularly helped us with leaflet and letter deliveries.

All your encouragement, concerns and interest are vital to our success.

 

Subscriptions.

Obviously we need your subscriptions to keep the momentum going. Please renew your membership or join the APG so that we can help residents who need advice and support, either individually or as a group.

Membership is £10 - please send to Mrs Carmel Mason (treasurer) at 16A, Kings Croft, Allestree, Derby DE22 2FN. Any cheques please make payable to 'Allestree Preservation Group' - Thank you.

 

Have a good Christmas and let us look forward to the New Year with hope and the knowledge that we are living in a wonderful community.

 

Some of the APG committee and friends are going to the 'Carols in the Churchyard' - St Edmund's Church on Wednesday 17th Dec at 7pm (you'll need a torch) , we hope you can join us.

 

With best wishes.