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MEMBER’S WORKING
PARTY DOCUMENT, 16th MARCH 2006
Page 5 of 8
CONSIDERATION
OF RESPONSES TO THE CONSULTATION
As regards
the comment by English Heritage it has always been known
that the “enabling development” justification
has to be accepted to secure planning approval. Highgate
are working on this in consultation with English Heritage
and South Derbyshire District Council. Heritage Lottery
will also need to accept the impact of the development on
the Garden Restoration to make an award.
Although Highgate has been working on this with
English Heritage these are English Heritage’s latest
pronouncements on the matter. Similarly, it appears that
the Heritage Lottery Fund may have given its verdict on
the current plans.
Members should be aware that the case for “enabling
development” has yet to be proven and without a
convincing case English Heritage and South Derbyshire
District Council as the local planning authority could
not support the application.
More might have been made of this fact initially.
As regards the “disposal” (by long lease) of
the Castle and golf course area, it will be remembered
that the Highgate offer is only as a result of two long
marketing exercises and the consideration of 22 bids in
total against the objectives and planning considerations.
It might be said here that had public opinion
been adhered to after the 2000 consultation, much wasted
time, money and effort might have been saved!
The following information is given for consideration
against the various main “objection” comments
(in the same order as the previous analysis schedule).
1) The golf proposals will not restrict access as no
currently open access land is taken. Also there is no
floodlit driving range proposed.
The golf course will restrict access because
footpaths and bridleways pass through the proposed golf
course area.
2) The hotel will benefit from the restored garden but it
is contributing to the work and ongoing maintenance. It
will be open to anyone who wants to use its facilities.
3) Why should a long overdue garden restoration
only be carried out if the Castle is turned into a hotel?
Only people who can afford to use hotel facilities would
do so. Many of the Park users are families with young
children. Therefore, an asset which would formerly have
belonged to everyone will become socially divisive and
lead to the exclusion of a lot of people.
4) Any boating or fishing (if implemented) will be very
limited to “special event” days.
5) Boating or fishing would lead to potentially
harmful intrusions to the wildlife in and on the lake.
Fishing would not be advisable as anglers casting hooks
back and forth could be dangerous to other users.
6) All memorial benches and trees will be protected and
maintained with access as existing.
7) Naturally, DCC will protect memorial
interests, which, as far as we know, it has always done.
Some people have scattered their loved one’s ashes
across the Parkland.
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