|
|
|
|
NO
SURRENDER!
Derbyshire County Council has announced
through the media today, Wednesday, 07/06/06, that it
intends to grant a 150 year lease to the London based
developer Highgate Sanctuary.
This is despite large and consistent public
rejection of the plan. What has now become abundantly
clear is that in the case of Elvaston Castle Country
Park, democracy is definitely a concept of the past.
If these plans had any element of harmony
with the surroundings then there would not be such wide
spread opposition to them. As things are, the Riding
Stables are to be ‘relocated’. The site which
has been used by the Caravan Club of Great Britain very
successfully, and enjoyed by thousands of people over the
years looks set to be enjoying its last season at
Elvaston Castle.
Gerald Tommy, the Assistant Chief Executive
at Derbyshire County Council is quoted as saying that;
“The
Castle and Country Park are clearly not sustainable as
they are”.
He could not have been more accurate. It is
true to say that the present state of the Castle and
Country Park is entirely the responsibility of the
Derbyshire County Council. We have an entire catalogue
of, in our opinion, missed opportunities, bad decisions
and wasted time, money, effort and resources.
Mr Tommy’s claim that the developers
wouldn’t have included a golf course if there wasn’t
the need for one doesn’t ring true. There are at
least nine golf courses in and around Derby itself. If we
go over the border into Nottinghamshire this can be
practically doubled.
What is proven is the need for this Country
Park, complete with Local Nature Reserve, and especially
for the restoration and preservation of the Castle and
outbuildings and the public facilities there. Who says
so? 700,000 visitors a year, that’s who! How many
golf courses get 700,000 visitors a year? Answer –
who cares?
One thing is certain – a lease has been
granted in principle. However, and, once again this is
only our opinion - no real estate developer is going to
sign a lease without first having planning permission.
The real fight begins now and we are ready. This is a
unique piece of our heritage. If Derbyshire County
Council cannot manage it on behalf of the people (who own
it), then bring in an organization that can. We will not
accept the privatisation of this treasure house of public
open space.
The battle lines are now drawn.
THERE WILL BE NO SURRENDER!
|
