PLANNING RESPONSIBILITIES OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES

The Friends of Elvaston believe that it is a privilege to work for and represent the community, but with this privilege comes responsibility, which we have always acknowledged, and we would remind others too of their responsibilities.

A local authority is an administrative body with no powers to pass laws, only to enact bye-laws, with the authority of parliament. All its powers are conferred upon it by act of parliament. The authority has a statutory duty to comply to these acts and also to provide specific social services, one of them being the provision of public open space for the benefit of good health, recreation and social inclusion. This includes parks, gardens, playing fields and to provide public open space within the built environment, for recreational education (St. Helen’s House in Derby For Example) and physical training, including community centres and sports centres. Relevant Acts of Parliament, the 1968 Countryside Act, Open Space Act, 1906 Physical Recreational Act, 1937, and the 1944 Educational Act.

The authority may dispose of public open space if it has demonstrated that it is surplus to requirements to the needs of the community. This is achieved by conforming to Planning Policy Guidance note 17 (PPG17), and in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code Of Practice On Consultation and recognising the laws relating to the disabled and race relations, as two examples.

We are heartened by the article in the Derby Evening Telegraph of November 13th, 'Reopening of Sports Centre.' Reopening of the Sports Centre is possible next year. We hope that the above information has been of help to the ruling bodies on Derby City Council on this occasion.

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