A new application reference 05/11/00572 has been submitted on behalf of Peakdale Developments Ltd which looks distinctly similar to the previous application, reference 03/10/00383, primarily because it is. There have been very few changes and arguably little attempt made to address the objections from local residents, the decision of the Council Planning Committee and the adjudication of the Government Inspector.

This development was adjudged by Derby City Council to be “over intensive, appearing cramped in the streetscene by reason of number of dwellings, scale and height of the built form and layout, visually intrusive and out of character”. It was also determined that “the layout, massing and scale of the development would have an overbearing impact on the living conditions of nearby residential properties in Devonshire Avenue and Kings Croft resulting in an unreasonable loss of amenity for local residents”.

An appeal was dismissed by a Government Inspector on grounds that “the scheme is over-intensive”. “The proposed houses would appear cramped and the layout out of character with its visual context. “The proposed development therefore conflicts with saved policies H13, GD4 and E23 of the LP and the aims of PPS1 which share similar requirements for new development to be of a high standard of design, to respect its surrounding and to have an appropriate relationship with nearby properties”.

This new application has not addressed any of these refusal issues so you may well be wondering why a developer has decided to re-submit a clearly inappropriate scheme which conflicts with local and national policies for a second time. Well you would be right to wonder and it would be incredulous if the second application did not suffer the same fate as its predecessor.

If you consider that a development should not go ahead which fails to respect the character of your area and the existing amenity enjoyed by you as local residents, and which has been unequivocally renounced by your Council Planners and the Government Inspector then you need to make your comments to the City Council. The new parliamentary ‘Localism Bill’ promotes greater involvement by local communities. This may be your first opportunity to see if it is working.

If you have internet access go on the Council website www.derby.gov.uk and go to the

e-planning service page where you can comment on line; or you can email your letter to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you prefer to write, send your letter to Development Control, Roman House, Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1 XB.

No one can dispute that the Palm Court Site desperately deserves development as it has been an eyesore for far too long, but an eyesore can ultimately be quickly resolved, a development which damages the appealing character of Allestree, so deeply prized by you its residents, may last for the rest of your life and beyond.

Allestree Preservation Group – June 2011