Developer loses battle to put homes on Wolds

INSPECTOR BACKS COUNCIL'S FLOODING RISK FEARS AS 'DAVID AND GOLIATH' FIGHT SAVES COUNTRYSIDE

- By EDDIE BISKNELL Local democracy reporter

A DEVELOPER'S attempt to build more than 400 homes on the open countryside above a Derbyshire town have been rejected at appeal due to flooding and public safety concerns.

Government inspector Joanna Gilbert has dismissed an appeal from William Davis Homes to build 423 homes and a slew of facilities and services on the Matlock Wolds hillside off Gritstone Road, Sandy Lane and Pinewood Road.

This followed the rejection of the plans by Derbyshire Dales District Council in March 2024 with significant concerns over the potential flood impact on the town below which has been repeatedly ravaged by the combined flooding from the river, hillside and sewer system.

In what had been dubbed a “David versus Goliath” battle, residents’ campaign group the Wolds Action Group (now renamed Save our Greenfields) took on William Davis Homes single-handedly after the withdrawal of the district council's objections following a close-doors meeting in January.

This was after councillors received private legal advice that their reasons for refusal were indefensible.

Ms Gilbert detailed in her decision notice that “the risk (from flooding) presently caused to properties, the operation of local businesses and community facilities, and the lives, health and wellbeing of local residents should not be underestimated”.