Design flaws lead inspector to reject appeal over homes plan

A PLANNING inspector has dismissed an appeal for a housing scheme in a Derbyshire town due to design issues.

- 

Labour-led NE Derbyshire District Council's planning committee originally refused W. Redmile and Sons Ltd's planning application for 132 homes on sloping greenfield land on land near Burns Drive, Southfield Drive and Chesterfield Road, in Dronfield, with highways, landscaping and works.

But after the developers lodged an appeal concerned residents had to endure a long wait before the Government-appointed inspector formally dismissed the matter on a number of grounds including design issues.

Alex Dale, Conservative county councillor for Dronfield and Unstone and NE Derbyshire district councillor for the neighbouring Unstone ward, said: "This is a huge result for local residents and a really important example of what can be achieved when communities stand together.

"We've been clear from the start that this proposal was not right for Dronfield. The design was out of keeping with the area, the impact on neighbours was unacceptable, and there was little thought given to how affordable housing would be delivered properly.