Derbyshire County Council is to begin a £40,000 pavement resurfacing scheme on Summerfield Road in January. This is likely to last until March!

The planning application (below) for Dronfield was received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Construction of flat roof extensions to rear at 52 Hilltop Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr David Keeton

Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council are being recommended to appoint United Utilities for a 25 year contract to deal with household waste including building a treatment plant to deal with waste that cannot be recycled or composted. United Utilities propose to build a treatment plant at Sinfin Lane, Derby where up to 180,00 tons of waste would be sorted and dried [inside a sealed building] and afterwards burned at a low temperature to produce electricity.

Quite seperate proposals [which do not involve the Council] have also been made for a plant in Chesterfield by a company to treat commercial waste which will also result in an end product which will be burnt to produce electricity. As I understand it this will use a somewhat different treatment process.

Residents will no doubt be concerned about health and safety in spite of what appear to be assurances that the plants will not result in any toxic emissions. Both proposals will be subject to the usual Planning Process where hopefully a thorough airing of this will be given before any decisions are made.      

On his first anniversary as leader, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg today set out plans to put Britain on a Green Road out of the Recession, creating jobs and leaving a legacy that will save energy, put money back into people’s pockets and fight climate change. The plans will cost £12.5bn, which would be paid for by scrapping the proposed VAT cut. The vast majority of that money will be spent immediately, making a real impact on the economy and people’s lives right away.

Green Road out of the Recession proposals include:

- A five-year programme to insulate every school and hospital, with 20% completed in the first year.

- Funding insulation and energy efficiency for a million homes, with a £1,000 subsidy for a million more 

- Building 40,000 extra zero-carbon social houses 

- Buying 700 new train carriages 

- Reopening old railway lines and stations, opening new ones, electrifying the Great Western and Midland mainlines [this is the London to Sheffield line] and beginning the Liverpool light rail network 

- Installing energy and money saving smart meters in every home within five years 

Nick Clegg on Five Live this morning being interviewed, was passionate about these plans and for the Liberal Democrat way of tackling the current economic problems we’re in.

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx     

Application to prune 2 White Beam, 2 Silver Birch and 1 Cherry covered by NEDDC TPO 103 (Part 2) G2 at land adjacent at 32 Pentland Road Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr Ray Sleight

Construction of new house and garage and associated parking areas at
36 Derwent Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Richard Bembridge

Construction of a single storey extension to rear and porch to front at

The Government was severely rebuked by the statistics watchdog today over its use of knife crime figures. Is it any wonder that people become more and more cynical about politicians?

Sir Michael Scholar, head of the UK Statistics Authority, said yesterday’s release of stabbing data by 10 Downing Street and the Home Office was “premature, irregular and selective”.

In a letter to Jeremy Heywood, Permanent Secretary at Number 10, he said figures on hospital admissions for stabbing injuries had not been properly checked and putting them out early was “corrosive of public trust”.

Congratulations to Richard Bull, a Dronfield GP who has been selected by North East Derbyshire Liberal Democrats as PPC to fight the next General Election. I have known Richard for many years and am delighted that he is to be our candidate.

More information about Richard can be found on the North East Derbyshire Liberal Democrat Website  www.nedlibdems.org and clicking on PPC

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx    

Erection of two concrete sectional garages on plots 2 and 3 at Garage Site Smithy Croft Dronfield Woodhouse for Mr Bellamy

Construction of a concrete base and erection of a concrete sectional pent garage at Plot 11 The Avenue Garage Site at Land To The Rear Of 29 -37 The Avenue Dronfield for Mr Stephen Hancock

Derbyshire County Council is now consulting on a plan to put a zebra crossing on Stubley Lane, more or less opposite the Talbot Pub. This is the rsult of long standing requests from many people. They are also going to modify the four road humps which continue to annoy a large group of motorists if my correspondnece is anything to go by. These are all to be made into longer, “flat topped bus friendly” humps. I remain sceptical about the need for road humps here at all for many reasons.

Please use the “comments” section or e-mail me if you have a view about this.

Or fill in the “survey” question form in the column to the left of this column

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx   

Retention of a disabled access ramp to front at 26 Wilson Road Coal Aston Dronfield for Mr Paul Reaney

Conversion of attached garage and scullery into ground floor bedroom and bathroom, new door opening in south west elevation, replacement window frames, reinstatement at front stone boundary, new stone wall alongside north east elevation  and detached single storey double garage (Listed Building) (Conservation Area) at Quoit Green House 26 Hallowes Lane Dronfield for Mr Andrew Bayliss

Listed Building consent for conversion of garage and scullery into ground floor bedroom and bathroom, new door opening in south west elevation, replacement window frames, reinstatement of front boundary wall and new stone wall alongside north east elevation (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at Quoit Green House 26 Hallowes Lane Dronfield for Mr Andrew Bayliss

Retention of fence at a position 400mm within boundary and installation of a third velux window (variation to approved application 08/00510/FL) at 5 Romney Drive Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Nick Ward

Conversion of an agricultural barn to form 5 bed residential dwelling with partial demolition and new build on existing footprint (revised scheme to NED07/01467/FL) (Affecting the Setting of a Listed Building) at Nether Birchitt Farm Sheffield Road Dronfield for Mr Matt Gerrard

Application to prune Yew Tree (T1) covered by NEDDC TPO 120 to rear (Conservation Area) at 11a Manor Bungalows High Street Dronfield for Mr Andrew Broadhead

Application to prune 4 Norway Maple and 1 Wild Cherry covered by NEDDC TPO 103  (Part 3) G14 at Grassed Area Radbourne Common Dronfield Woodhouse for Mr Andrew Broadhead

There was a byelection in Unstone earlier this year. A Labour Party leaflet said the 40mph limit along the main road in Unstone - which includes the the part outside the school would be reduced to 30 mph by November. Unstine is still waiting even though we are at the end of November. 

For me, as someone with a long term interest in politics, both local and national it is important that we retain our freedom to challenge Government. We can only do this if we have access to information.

Today, I received the e-mail below from Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

“When MPs heard about Damian Green’s arrest, many of us asked ourselves the same question: “When did it become a crime to hold the Government to account?”

Throwing a spotlight on information the Government would rather keep hidden is an essential part of our democracy. And when dealing with an administration legendary for its secrecy, you increasingly have to rely on whistle-blowers to see the full picture.

I have written at greater length on this issue in today’s Telegraph, as you can read at www.tinyurl.com/damiangreen.

This unprecedented arrest is a wake-up call. We must save our broken democracy.”

Best wishes,

Nick Clegg
Leader, Liberal Democrats

The Working Group which has been looking at the possibility of a skate b oard park in Dronfield has recommended to Dronfield Town Council that following the consultation last month that there are more disadvantages to Cliffe Park as the site than advantages.

This seems to apply to every other possible space in Dronfield which is owned by the Town Council with the possible exception of an area adjacent to the current BMX track on Chesterfield Road. The Group recommends that this be given further consideration but if this area [which certainly also has potential problems] is also judged not suitable then the idea of providing a skate park will have to be abandoned. The Groups report will be considered at the Town Council metting on Monday 1st December

[update 1st Decemember - full council meeting agreed to these recommendations]

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx  

Proposed single storey rear and side extensions at

Loft conversion including a rear dormer window and raising the roof height by 750mm (Revised Scheme of 08/00294/FL) at 42 Smithy Croft Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr T Pearson

Proposed works to oak tree to rear of garden (TPO 41) at 9 Hilltop Way Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr S Burkhill

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx    

Change of use of building from retail with storage and flat over to mixed use of retail and beauty parlour. at Coal Aston Post Office Dyche Lane Coal Aston for Mrs Louise Ward

Re-build existing garage as habitable accommodation and construction of a single storey link plus block paving of front garden to create 3 off road parking spaces at 4 Roston Close Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr Nicholas Haywood

Construction of a first floor play room over existing garage, ground floor utility room to rear of garage and a rear conservatory at 106 Eckington Road Coal Aston Dronfield for Mr A D Hickinson

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx   

Alterations to existing building and change of use from residential to the manufacture and sale of jewellery (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at 26 High Street Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Stephen Bisby

Application for Listed Building Consent for exterior and interior alterations to existing building (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at 26 High Street Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Stephen Bisby

Single storey extension to front and two-storey extension to rear at 60 Hallowes Rise Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Matthew Blunt

Construction of a white PVC-U conservatory to rear at  32 Bents Crescent Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Ardron

Application for Listed Building consent for demolition of existing single storey larder reinstatement of masonry wall and alterations to door opening ListedBuilding /Conservation Area) at 18 Church Street Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Stephen West

Retention of minor alterations to car park to extend and reposition car parking spaces for ease of disabled access (Revised Scheme to NED/08/00821/FL) at The Bowshaw Inn Sheffield Road Dronfield for Mr Colin Nettleton

Conversion and renovation of medieval barn and erection of a single storey ancilliary building for community use (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at The Old Barn High Street Dronfield for Peel Centre Charitable Trust

Application for Listed Building consent for alterations in connection with conversion and renovation of medieval barn for community use (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at The Old Barn High Street Dronfield for Peel Centre Charitable Trust

See further update on 27th Novemeber! 

The consultation [see entry below of 9th September] on whether to have a skate board area at Cliffe Park produced almost as many objections as approvals, including concerns from the local police. We (Dronfield Town Council of which I am a member) agreed to look again at the proposal at our meeting on Monday 3rd Novemeber. The Councils Properties Working Group was asked to do this and report back to the Council.

There appears to be only one other possible area which will not meet with very similar objections from those who live nearby or those who object to further loss of green areas with our parks.

IT WOULD HELP ME TO KNOW IF YOU FIND THIS INFORMATION WHICH I INCLUDE ON MY WEBSITE  EVERY WEEK USEFULas opposed to the North East Derbyshire Council site.Click on comments or e-mail me on islwyn.pryce@derbyshire.gov.uk

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx  

Alterations to existing building and change of use from residential to the manufacture and sale of jewellery (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at 26 High Street Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Stephen Bisby

Application for Listed Building Consent for exterior and interior alterations to existing building (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at 26 High Street Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Stephen Bisby

Single storey extension to front and two-storey extension to rear at 60 Hallowes Rise Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Matthew Blunt

Construction of a white PVC-U conservatory to rear at 32 Bents Crescent Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Ardron

Monitoring of parking has been in a state of limbo for many months and this seems to have had a knock on effect with increased problems with parking not being attended to.

A delay of at least two months in improving parking across Derbyshire is being blamed on the Government. Derbyshire County Council was ready to take over responsibility for parking enforcement on 24 November.

But the county council was informed suddenly by the Government Department for Transport that they had been unable to process the application.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for environmental services Councillor Brian Lucas said: “It is totally unacceptable for us to be told this at the last minute and we shall be taking it up with the Government Department for Transport.

“We haven’t yet been given a new date for us to take over this important job and we have not been told why it has been held up. This set back has caused difficulties for us and our partners.” It is now expected to be the New Year before parking enforcement powers will transfer from the police to the county council, working in partnership with the district and borough councils.

The council will appoint a contractor to patrol the county’s streets and car parks, doing the work previously carried out by the police.

IT WOULD HELP ME TO KNOW IF YOU FIND THIS INFORMATION WHICH I INCLUDE ON MY WEBSITE  EVERY WEEK USEFULas opposed to the North East Derbyshire Council site.Click on comments or e-mail me on islwyn.pryce@derbyshire.gov.uk

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx  

Demolition of existing offices and garage and construction of two 2½ storey buildings containing 6 apartments (amended scheme to NED07/00563/FL) at 1 Cross Lane Dronfield Derbyshire for Jason Howe - BHH Developments

Variation of Condition 16 of planning Permission 08/00090/FL to allow the first floor windows to bedrooms 1 and 2 of bungalow No1 to be clear glazed at 115 Green Lane Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Mark Woods

Construction of an extension to side and a pitch roof over existing store at 11A Patterdale Close Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr T Boreham

Variation of Condition 10 of planning permission NED397/198 to allow opening between 0600 and 2200 on 22, 23 and 24 December in any year (Major Development) at Sainsbury Ltd Wreakes Lane Dronfield for Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd

Construction of a single storey, demolition of existing garage and construction of a replacement garage at 48 Prospect Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs S Allen

Construction of a detached two storey dwelling with rooms in the roof space (amended scheme) at Gomersal Farm Gomersal Lane Dronfield for Highdale Homes Ltd

Extension to create dining area, entrance porch, toilet and conservatory at 25 Beechwood Road Dronfield Derbyshire for D Barrowcliffe

Ground floor rear extension and raising of ridge height at 7 Hallowes Rise Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Lewis Morris

I am among those LIBERAL Democrats in Dronfield and North East Derbyshire who have backed plans to help small businesses survive the looming recession. The plan by the party to boost businesses was launched by leader Nick Clegg and the party’s Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable. The plan includes: 

• a substantial cut in interest rates to lower the cost of loans and investment;
• immediately overhauling the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme to improve government support for business loans;
• banks which receive government financial assistance adopting a new code of conduct on rearranging business credit and overdrafts;
• developing with energy companies an assistance package for small businesses struggling with high energy bills

 “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy here in Dronfield”It is vital that we give them a fighting chance to get through the recession.”

 “The government has given a massive bailout to the banks. But ministers must now look at the bigger economy. Small businesses here in Dronfield, and throughout the country generally, are suffering from the downturn. Profits are being squeezed and jobs are at risk. “A big cut in interest rates will be a big boost to many local businesses and could mean the difference between staying open or closing down. “Nick Clegg and Vince Cable have taken the lead with their plan to help businesses and I am giving it my full backing.” 

Consultation  has now ended on the scheme for Derbyshire County Council to provide a a zebra crossing point, footway improvement and dropped kerbs on School Lane as a response to the schools Travel Plan.  I understand that it is likely to go ahead soon.

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx  

Installation of two handrails to existing paved footpath (Conservation Area) at Dronfield Health Centre High Street Dronfield for Dr Stuart Saunders 

Alterations to porch and entrance at  41 Summerfield Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Robert Allcard 

Pruning of 10 trees and felling of 1 tree covered by Tree Preservation Order E9 and G10 (Part 3) T32 and T47 at Land Adjacent To Garage Site Sherwood Road Dronfield Woodhouse for Parks Department 

Pruning of 6 trees covered by Tree Preservation Order Part 2 G3 at Open Space Adjacent No 9 Buckingham Close Dronfield Woodhouse for Parks Department 

Two storey extension to side projecting at ground floor level to rear with a new porch to front at 14 Wordsworth Place Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr S Fisher 

Listed Building consent for partial demolition of rear wall to create access for vehicles (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at  23 High Street Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr L Rothman

If you were going to buy a property costing £5 million and fund this mostly by selling off other properties would you go ahead and spend the £5 million before the sale of these other properties was in the bag?

Well this is what Labour controled North East Derbyshire District Council has in effect done this year and now they are going to have to borrow £3 million to keep their heads above the waters. This is going to cost us [the taxpayer] about £150,000 in interest every year until they pay it back.

And how are they going to pay it back, supposedly in the next 2 years - -ugh — by selling off some of its properties!

When this was brought to a Council Meeting today, I felt that there didnt seem to be much choice about borrowing this money, but the report was so complacent at what needed doing to make sure we didnt continue getting into a financial mess that I had to vote against.

You could be forgiven for assuming that the consultation exercise which the Post Office conducted about proposed Post Office closures in North Derbyshire was a farce. The Post Office this week confirmed that all 15 are to close.    

As I wrote on the blogg on 6th September, “On March 19 a Parliamentary proposal to stop the current round of closures was debated and voted on. Natascha Engell, Dennis Skinner and every other Derbyshire Labour MP (except one who abstained) voted to continue the closures.

Paul Holmes, Chesterfield’s Liberal Democrat MP, voted to end the closures.”

So in North East Derbyshire

Its Goodbye to a Post office in Apperknowle.

Goodbye to a Post Office in Marsh Lane and

Goodbye to a Post office in Ridgeway

Goodbye to Rotherham Road Post Office Killamarsh, Ridd Way Wingerworth, Lower Market StreetClay Cross and Station Road Hepthorne Lane

Well done those Labour MPs who supported the closure programme

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx  

Installation of two handrails to existing paved footpath (Conservation Area) at Dronfield Health Centre High Street Dronfield for Dr Stuart Saunders

Alterations to porch and entrance at

Pruning of 10 trees and felling of 1 tree covered by Tree Preservation Order E9 and G10 (Part 3) T32 and T47 at Land Adjacent To Garage Site Sherwood Road Dronfield Woodhouse for Parks Department

Pruning of 6 trees covered by Tree Preservation Order Part 2 G3 at Open Space Adjacent No 9 Buckingham Close Dronfield Woodhouse for Parks Department

Two storey extension to side projecting at ground floor level to rear with a new porch to front at 14 Wordsworth Place Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr S Fisher

I support the statement by LIBDEM Leader Nick Clegg yesterday at Prime Ministers Question Time. He said “When a ship is sinking, we must send out the lifeboats, not argue about who steered the ship into the iceberg.”

He has also said “But the Government must do more. It must use the leverage it currently has over banks to end unacceptable bonuses for senior executives, ensure that home repossessions are only ever an absolute last resort, and cut some slack for struggling small businesses before calling in their loans.

Now is also the time for tax loopholes to be closed for the very wealthy and the money saved to be used to cut taxes for low and middle income earners. Hard-pressed families and individuals need more of their own money back now more than ever as they are worrying about their savings and facing mounting bills.”

We are fortunate to have a great deal of economic expertise in our party with Chris Huhne, David Laws and Susan Kramer working closely with Nick Clegg and Vince Cable on the challenges that face us. Over the coming weeks and months it will continue to be our party that is leading the debate with the ideas and solutions to put Britain’s economy on the right track.

The single planning application (below) for Dronfield was received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Construction of a first floor extension over existing ground floor extension to rear (Revised Scheme of 07/01532/FL) at 42 Sherwood Road Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr Dan Mattison

As I reported on here in May, Derbyshire County Council is to provide a a zebra crossing point, footway improvement and dropped kerbs on School Lane as a response to the schools Travel Plan. This will of course benefit the Infant School also The detailed scheme proposed is now out to consultation.

Soaring prices of petrol, food and heating are hitting people hard across our area. It doesn’t matter how much you earn, almost everyone is feeling the pinch. Hardest hit are pensioners and others on fixed incomes.

People are fed up with Gordon Brown’s excuses for his economic mismanagement. We need action now to help people in our area.

Pensions went up by just a few pounds a week this year. That was quickly wiped out when the cost of basic foods like butter and cheese has risen by a third in a year.”It doesn’t stop there either. The cost of heating also went up by up to 40% too. Petrol prices remain much higher than theywere a year ago.

Lower taxes needed I am backing Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP to get action to tackle the crisis.Top priority is putting more money in the pockets of ordinary people. The Lib Dems are calling for a 4p in the pound cut in income tax and better pensions.Energy companies would be forced to cut prices for the less well off and pay to improve home insulation.It’s only right that people need to keep more of what they earn to help deal with rising prices.Energy companies have made massive profits from their customers. It’s time that they helped those on low incomes.No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or keeping their home warm.

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx  

Application to replace front door and relay part of driveway with reclaimed stone setts (Conservation Area) at 12 Holmesfield Road Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr David Torr

Construction of a side extension with dormer windows front and rear, alterations to existing dormer windows and installation of an additional rear facing dormer at 1 Dalbury Road Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr G Simpson

Derbyshire County Council gives all County Councillors (including me) £4000 each year to award as grants to help local organisations as part of its “community leadership” scheme. These grants are generally intended as one offs to help organisations which I wish to support. For example in the recent past I have been approached by the local Girl Quides and by the Dronfield Dolphins swimming club and arranged for them to receive a grant

Dont hesitate to contact me if you are a member of an organisation in Dronfield and have a project which you would like me to consider supporting.

The single planning application (below) for Dronfield was received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Application to carry out works to various trees located within the Dronfield Conservation Area at The Rectory Church Street Dronfield for Mr A Smith - Derby Diocesan Board Of Finance

Update on 27th Novemeber 

The Working Group which has been looking at the possibility of a skate b oard park in Dronfield has recommended to Dronfield Town Council that following the consultation last month that there are more disadvantages to Cliffe Park as the site than advantages.

This seems to apply to every other possible space in Dronfield which is owned by the Town Council with the possible exception of an area adjacent to the current BMX track on Chesterfield Road. The Group recommends that this be given further consideration but if this area [which certainly also has potential problems] is also judged not suitable then the idea of providing a skate park will have to be abandoned. The Groups report will be considered at the Town Council metting on Monday 1st December

[update 1st Decemember - full council meeting agreed to these recommendations]

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Construction of single storey rear extension to form study and w/c at 18 Solway Rise Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr Charles Rice

Notification of intention to fell and prune trees at The Rectory Church Street Dronfield for Mr Allen Smith

Construction of a two storey front extension and a single storey extension to rear at 67 Pentland Road Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr Alfred Wilton

Natascha Engel [Labour MP for North East Derbyshire] supports the current massive wave of post office closures (Derbyshire Times, August 28). She says that closing 3,000 more post offices nationally is necessary to help the network survive! The only reason so many are struggling is because the Labour Government have taken so much business away from them starting with their campaign a few years ago to force all pensioners to stop drawing their pension in cash.

If Labour also go ahead with removing the Post Office Card account as threatened, then ANOTHER 2,500 will have to close. Doubtless the loyal New Labour MP’s like Natsacha will say that is necessary too. Meanwhile urban suburbs as well as rural villages are losing what is often their only easily accessible shop when the post office is taken away.

On March 19 a Parliamentary proposal to stop the current round of closures was debated and voted on. Natascha Engell, Dennis Skinner and every other Derbyshire Labour MP (except one who abstained) voted to continue the closures.

Paul Holmes, Chesterfield’s Liberal Democrat MP, voted to end the closures.

Labour MP’s seem to have forgotten why they were elected and who they are supposed to represent.

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Erection of a detached garage on Plot 14 at Garage Site Smithy Croft Dronfield Woodhouse for Mr Harry Newton

Construction of a side extension and raising of the roof height to provide living accommodation at first floor level (Revised Scheme) at 19 Holmley Bank Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Keith Allen

Insertion of one first floor window in front elevation of previously approved dwelling at land to the rear (Conservation Area) (Affecting Setting of a Listed

Construction of a conservatory to the rear at 16 Westfield Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs Skelton

Construction of a conservatory to the rear at 8 Draycott Place Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr Downs

Listed Building Consent for internal ground floor alterations to provide new toilet facilities, cafe servery and reception (Listed

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Retention of two air conditioning units to gable elevation at 18 Cross Lane Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr David Myers

Construction of patio to previously approved extension (07/00641/FL) at 1 Reynolds Close Dronfield Derbyshire for Mrs Catherine Madden

Proposed raising of ridge height to create rooms in roofspace with a rear facing Juliette balcony and construction of a side extension at 87 Firthwood Road Coal Aston Dronfield for Mr A Rinaudo

Retention of minor alterations to car park and extend and reposition disabled parking spaces and create additional parking space at The Bowshaw Inn Sheffield Road Dronfield for Mr C Nettleton

Construction of a two storey side and single storey rear extension (Revised scheme of 08/00354/FL) at 9 Stubley Croft Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Ms D Taylor

Application to prune one Swedish Whitebeam tree protected by Tree Preservation Order No 103 (Part 5) at 16 Gainsborough Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mrs Barbara Hodd

Application to prune two silver birch, one oak tree and one sycamore tree protected by Tree Preservation Order No. 103 (Part 3 G1) at Land Adjacent 1, 3 And 5 Gainsborough Road Dronfield for Parks

Construction of a two storey rear extension at 12 Marston Close Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr John Young

Installation of 1 no automated teller machine (ATM) at Stubley Garage Stubley Lane Dronfield Woodhouse for HSBC Bank Plc

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Change of use from pharmacy to veterinary surgery at

Replacement of existing detached garage with new garage at

Proposed construction of single storey extension and conversion of garage to living space to the front at 67 Ennerdale Close Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr Bates 

Proposed raised roof to accommodate dormer windows to front and rear to form additional living space at 7 Stonelow Crescent Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs Blanksby

The planning application (below) for Dronfield was received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Retention of engineering works to cut and fill slope to create level areas with retaining walls at 49 Holmley Lane Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr P Brocklehurst

A 3 week period beginning on 18th August should see a major refurbishment of the footways [pavements] on Melbourne Avenue, Dronfield Woodhouse by Derbyshire County Council. Many other footways in Dronfield remain in need of similar work.

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Construction of two storey rear extension at 7 Oakhill Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr R Lyne

Construction of gable end conservatory to the rear of property at

Construction of side extension with garage underneath at

Application to consider the making of an order to reduce the height of an evergreen hedge at 1 Ferndale Close Coal Aston Dronfield for Mr Graham Nobles

Construction of a detached garage accessible from Fairwinds Close (Revised Scheme of 05/00626/FL) at 2 Fairwinds Close Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr M Knights

Construction of single storey side extension at 2A Dale Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr P Meakin

Construction of two storey side extension at 14 Constable Close Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Kevin Shaw

Variation of condition 18 (provision of visibility sightlines) imposed on planning permission NED06/00285/FL for the construction of 7 dwellings at Gomersal Farm Gomersal Lane Dronfield for Highdale Homes Ltd

Construction of a single storey rear extension and raised decking at 113 Holmley Lane Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr David And Mrs Muriel Dalton

Demolition of existing garage and construction of a two storey extension to side (Amended Scheme) at 19 Melbourne Avenue Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr Andrew Beech

I welcome the launch today of the Liberal Democrats’ vision for Britain by Party Leader Nick Clegg MP. Called ‘Make it Happen’, This paper will be debated at the party’s conference in Bournemouth in September. 

In ‘Make it Happen’ the Liberal Democrats say:

• They will cut taxes for ordinary families

• If your local hospital can’t see you on time, they will pay for treatment elsewhere
• They will switch taxes from people to pollution - so it pays to go green
• To improve standards in education, they will fund extra help for those who need it most
• They will put Britain at the heart of Europe to make us a force for good in the world
• They will stop ID cards so we can keep control of our privacy
• They will change the voting system so everyone’s voice counts
• They will bring communities together with local people in charge
• They will give communities a say in how offenders pay for their crimes

I am delighted to be able to back ‘Make it Happen’. It sets out how the Liberal Democrats will run Britain.

“No-one in Dronfield or North East Derbyshire has escaped the rising cost of food and fuel. The credit crunch is biting hard and local people are feeling the pinch.

Nick Clegg has set out how we can help ordinary people through cutting taxes on those on low and middle incomes. Thousands of people in Dronfield will benefit from this.

We are taking the plans in ‘Make it Happen’ to the people during the summer to get their response.  And in September, we will be heading to the Liberal Democrats’ conference where we are looking forward to taking part in the debate.

  ‘Make it Happen’ is available at: http://www.libdems.org.uk/media/documents/policies/Make%20it%20Happen.pdf

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Retention of use of former farm buildings as kennels and as a farm shop at Border View Farm Rod Moor Road Dronfield Woodhouse for Mr Alex Merryman 

Construction of first floor side extension at 5 Crofton Rise Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Kerry Grace 

Variation of condition 5 to allow outside storage at Alps UK Limited Stubley Hollow Dronfield for Mr Mike Howard

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Partial rebuilding of existing boundary wall (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at 18 Church Street Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Stephen West

Use of land as a car sales lot and provision of a sales office (amended scheme) at Lucas Works Sheffield Road Dronfield for Lucas Developments (S And A) Ltd

Notification of Felling of tree (Conservation Area) at 156 Carr Lane Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mrs Christine McGuinness

Conversion of existing attached garage into a chiropody treatment room and office at 115 Snape Hill Crescent Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr N Corner

Advertisement consent for a refurbished free standing sign at Sheaf Motors Callywhite Lane Dronfield for Sheaf Motors

Conservatory to rear at 72A Coniston Road Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr W Seddon

Use of two wasteland areas on site frontage to provide car parking areas alterations to access and boundary treatments at Jay’s Refractory Specialists Ltd Callywhite Lane Dronfield for Mr Mark Turner

Part rebuild of ground floor garage area, first floor extension over garage and kitchen to form bedroom and en-suite at 19 Netherfields Crescent Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Simon Walton

One of the frustrations about being a councillor when planning applications are received for mobile phone masts less than 15 m high is that they are very difficult to oppose legally

Currently, fewer restrictions govern planning applications for phone masts up to 15 metres in height, often making it difficult for councils to refuse permission for controversial proposals. Liberal Democrats in Parliament recently moved an amendment to the Planning Bill which would have meant applications for phone masts would have required full planning permission and therefore be considered in the same way as applications for new buildings or change of use of existing ones. But Labour MPs, voted against the call and Conservative MPs did not bother voting at all. The Labour party had the opportunity to side with local communities or with giant phone companies. It is extremely disappointing so see that Labour decided to back the latter. “The change the Liberal Democrats proposed in the House of Commons would have given residents a fighting chance to stop inappropriately sited phone masts. It would have meant the phone companies would have had to apply for full planning permission in the same way that any other business would need to. 

My local LIBDEM party candidate Gordon Austin gained the Unstone Ward seat in a byelection yesterday. In 2007 we did not put up a candidate in this seat. Labour fell to third place. Congratulations to Gordon and the local LIBDEM team

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Partial rebuilding of existing boundary wall (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at 18 Church Street Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Stephen West 

Use of land as a car sales lot and provision of a sales office (amended scheme) at Lucas Works Sheffield Road Dronfield for Lucas Developments (S And A) Ltd 

Notification of Felling of tree (Conservation Area) at

Advertisement consent for a refurbished free standing sign at Sheaf Motors Callywhite Lane Dronfield for Sheaf Motors 

Conservatory to rear at 72A Coniston Road Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr W Seddon

Construction of single-storey extension to rear at  31 Stubley Lane Dronfield Derbyshire for Malcolm Giles 

Change of use of dwelling from residential to office use at 59 Stubley Lane Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr John Cruise 

Construction of single storey rear extension and conservatory at 17 Gosforth Green Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Carl Humphries 

Double storey extension to rear at 48 Hallowes Rise Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Russell

After originally aiming to take over enforcement of car parking powers in April this year a date of 24th November has been set. At the moment the enforcement of parking [currently  a police traffic warden] seems sporadic or non-existent. Derbyshire County Council press release sums this up. “From 24th November if you park where you shouldn’t its highly likely that you’ll get a ticket for parking illegally”

I hope the system is more efficient than some of the private parking firms currently are. I still feel annoyed about threats to take me to court for parking without paying in a shopping centre to which I have never been to in a town I’ve never been to. Fortunately I had proof that my car was elsewhere all day for the alleged offence. When presented with this they backed down and said they had wrongly transcribed my registration number! But how many of us could prove where our car was 4 weeks after an event. 

The Labour Leader of North East  Derbyshire District Council seems to expect us to suspend belief in normal logic and mathematice in a letter to the Derbyshire Timeson June 12^th 

All staff are being given an extra weeks holiday this year. I can accept that it costs the same to pay them when they are on holiday as it does when they are at work. I cannot accept that having 1 in every 47 members of staff off, on average for every week of the year, will not have any impact on services – however flexible their working practices are – unless of course he is saying more than 2% of the workforce are normally surplus to requirements and doing nothing.

He is perhaps in good company – the leader of the Labour Party, Gordon Brown seemed to be convinced that abolishing the 10p tax rate would not leave anybody worse off – in spite of very simple arithmetic which showed that about 5 million people were worse off . A tax package of £2.7 billion was eventually whistled up to mitigate the effects for some of this 5 million.

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Construction of a conservatory to rear at 15 Gosforth Green Dronfield Derbyshire for Mrs J Offer 

Installation of a combined public telephone kiosk and ATM at 6 Greendale Shopping Centre Green Lane Dronfield for Mrs Mandy Greenslade

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Replacement of existing 15m high mast with a 20m high mast and relocation of existing spire mounted antennae and transmission dish to new mast at Dore And Totley Golf Club Bowshaw Dronfield for Ms A Valenti 

Construction of a dormer window to front at 95 Hilltop Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Mark Antcliff

Construction of a single-storey extension at Highfield Hilltop Road Dronfield for Mr Ricky Dobson

Alterations to existing industrial unit to create 3 separate units at Stubley Works Wreakes Lane Dronfield for Mr Timothy Collins 

Change of use of the land for the operation of a mobile catering trailer to be parked on (Revised Scheme to NED/08/00219/FL) at Sheaf Motors Callywhite Lane Dronfield for Mrs D Cutts And Mrs J Fox And Mrs S Robinson

Construction of a single storey rear extension at 11 Hilltop Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr S Marples 

Erection of one dormer bungalow with attached garage on land to the rear (revised scheme to NED/07/01038/FL) at 25 Longacre Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Shaw Developments (Sheffield)

For several years people have been complaining to me about the length the grass is allowed to grow on the Bowshaw roundabout together with its approach roads.

The Labour controlled County Council refuses to do any better and fund only 3 cuts a year. The result is that the grass becomes so long that it obscures vision and is a hazard in many peoples view. It also looks such a mess compared to Sheffield Council grassed areas a few yards up the road. What a comparison between the gateway to Dronfield and Derbyshire and the gateway to Sheffield! Attempts by LIBDEM Dronfield Council to offer to cut the area themselves more often have so far been rebuffed by the County Council   

Full of potholes and uneven. Thats how motorists surveyed recently by the AA felt - many felt the road network is worse than it was 10 years ago. I am sure many people locally will know the feeling.  Certainly one of  the most common complaints that I receive as a County Councillor

I am very pleased to welcome the radical transport proposals to significantly increase long-term rail investment, introduce road user pricing to tackle pollution and congestion and hand control of buses back to local authorities which have been launched on June 3rd by the Liberal Democrats. This is due to be debated at the LIBDEM Conference in September

The additional investment will be paid for by introducing emissions-linked charges on road freight and internal flights.

The main proposals include: ·        Cutting fuel duty and abolishing Vehicle Excise Duty over the next 10 years and introducing a cost-neutral road user pricing scheme on motorways and trunk roads·        Building a high speed rail network paid for by introducing emissions-linked charges on road freight and internal flights·        Introducing rolling contracts for train operating companies to increase long-term investment and improve services·        Give power to control local bus services back to local authorities·        Introducing a new fund for rural transport ·        Giving passengers a stronger voice to improve local transport services through a new passenger watchdog .

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg said: “These proposals offer a radical alternative vision for transport in the 21^st Century, compared with the tired short-sightedness of both Labour and the Tories.” “At a time when families are feeling the pressure of the rising cost of travel, only the Liberal Democrats are setting out how to make our transport system sustainable, affordable and fair. 

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said: “With Labour’s 30 year plan for the railways stopping inexplicably in 2014 and no firm proposals from the Conservatives, we are the only party with concrete proposals to build a transport system fit for the 21^st century.  “Motorists and passengers are getting a raw deal under Labour. We are turning into cattle truck Britain, with rail services overcrowded and congestion growing on the roads, as any commuter will tell you.  “Motorway and trunk road pricing will cost the average motorist no more but the costs will be honest and upfront and rural motorists who have to rely on their cars will save money.”  

Derbyshire County Council gives all County Councillors (including me) £4000 each year to award as grants to help local organisations as part of its “community leadership” scheme. These grants are generally intended as one offs to help organisations which I wish to support. For example in the recent past I have been approached by the local Girl Quides and by the Dronfield Dolphins swimming club.

Dont hesitate to contact me if you are a member of an organisation in Dronfield and have a project which you would like me to consider supporting

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx

Construction of a side extension and raising of the roof height to provide living accommodation in the roof at 19 Holmley Bank Dronfield Derbyshire for Keith Allen 

Construction of a single-storey rear extension and attached garage at

Erection of a conservatory to rear at 2 Dale Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Steven Gregory 

Construction of a two-storey side extension and two-storey front extension and a rear conservatory and erection of boundary fence (Revised Scheme of NED/08/00226/FL) at 5 Romney Drive Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Nick Ward 

Installation of pitched roof over existing flat roofed garage at

Application for Listed Building consent for partial rebuilding of existing boundary wall (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at 18 Church Street Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Steven West 

Construction of a two storey rear extension at 51 Fanshaw Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr A Mitchell

Construction of a conservatory to rear at 1 Garth Way Close Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Jangwa

Construction of 2 detached two storey houses with rooms in the roofspace at Land To Rear Of 61 And 63 Accessed Between 59 And 61 Stubley Lane Dronfield for Mr Steve Morton 

Construction of single storey front extension two storey side extension and pitched roof over existing rear extension at 171 Holmley Lane Coal Aston Dronfield for Mr And Mrs P Pickering

Addition of a conservatory to previously approved dwellings at Plots 1 and 2 (NED/06/01282/FL) at Cross Lea 42 Gomersal Lane Dronfield for Mr David Jackson

The sole planning application (below) for Dronfield was received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx

Construction of a single and two storey side extension and a front porch at 23 Westfield Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr M Rawson

Derbyshire County Council is to spend £15000 to provide a crossing point, footway improvement and dropped kerbs on School Lane as a response to the schools Travel Plan. This will of course benefit the Infant School also 

As indicated in an earlier post Derbyshire County Council are to spend £40,000 in repairing the footways on Melbourne Avenue - they have confirmed that this should start in July

Derbyshire County Council are to spend £43,000 this year in reconstructing the footway [”pavement”] on Barnes Avenue

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx

Creation of adjoining vehicular accesses (Amended Plans) at 48 Carr LaneDronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Victor Garton

Construction of a side extension and raising of the roof height to provide living accommodation in the roof at 19 Holmley Bank Dronfield Derbyshire for Keith Allen

Demolition of existing flat roofed carport and garage and construction of 2 no 5 bed bedroom dwellings (Revised scheme to 07/00931/FL) (Conservation Area) (Affecting the Setting of a Listed Building) at Quoit Green House 26 Hallowes Lane Dronfield for Mr Andrew Bayliss

Conservation Area Consent for the demolition of an existing flat roof carport and garage (Conservation Area) (Affecting Setting of a Listed Building) at Quoit Green House 26 Hallowes Lane Dronfield for Mr Andrew Bayliss

Outline application for the construction of a detached house or land adjacent (siting and access not reserved) at  214 Holmley Lane Coal Aston Dronfield for Steve Dyson

Construction of a balustrade on existing flat roof area (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at The Peel Centre (formerly Methodist Free Church) High Street Dronfield for The Management Committee Peel Centre Charitable Trust

Construction of a single-storey garage extension to side (Revised Scheme of NED/07/00610/FL) at 36 Netherdene Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Ian Atkinson 

Construction of a single storey side extension and a rear conservatory at 16 Holmesdale Close Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs Stowell

I have had a number of ongoing complaints about the state of both the road surface and the footway [”pavement”] surfaces on Melbourne Avenue, Dronfield Woodhouse. Derbyshire County Council still refuse to do anything significant about the road but they are proposing to “reconstruct” the footway in the next 12 months at a cost of £40,000

 The Conservatives have recently been making a great deal of noise about the need to compensate people who lose out as a result of Labour’s decision to double the 10p income tax starter rate. But they refused to support a compensation package when one was proposed last year. In June 2007, in the House of Commons, after the tax rise was first announced, the Liberal Democrats and a small group of Labour backbenchers proposed an amendment to the Government’s Finance Bill which would have made the Government compensate those people on low incomes who would end up paying more under Labour’s tax grab plans. Where were the Conservatives? “We cannot support it,” said Conservative spokesperson Theresa Villiers MP during the parliamentary debate. Only one Conservative MP voted for compensation, and he has since resigned from the party!  The Conservatives only woke up to this issue and started making a fuss this year, after the changes came in, when they saw the press were interested in it. More than a year after the Liberal Democrats first raised the issue.

The planning applications (below) for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx

Demolition of existing flat roofed carport and garage and construction of 2 no 5 bed bedroom dwellings (Revised scheme to 07/00931/FL) (Conservation Area) (Affecting the Setting of a Listed Building) at Quoit Green House 26 Hallowes Lane Dronfield for Mr Andrew Bayliss

Conservation Area Consent for the demolition of an existing flat roof carport and garage (Conservation Area) (Affecting Setting of a Listed Building) at Quoit Green House 26 Hallowes Lane Dronfield for Mr Andrew Bayliss

Outline application for the construction of a detached house or land adjacent (siting and access not reserved) at  214 Holmley Lane Coal Aston Dronfield for Steve Dyson
 

Construction of a balustrade on existing flat roof area (Listed Building/Conservation Area) at The Peel Centre (formerly Methodist Free Church) High Street Dronfield for The Management Committee Peel Centre Charitable Trust

Today is my last day as mayor. The most outstanding impressions have, after visiting so many organisations, been what a huge number of volunteers there are functioning in our town. This really does make a difference to the quality of life here

One planning application (below) for Dronfield was received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx

Change of Use form shop (A1) to hot food takeaway (A5) (Conservation Area) at

We did not have any elections here in Dronfield yesterday but our near neighbours the LIBDEMs in Sheffield made 6 gains and now control the Council. One of the gains was the last Tory seat (Dore and Totley). Just as in Dronfield, Tory Councillors kept Labour in power for 4 years from 2003 to 2007 so did the sole Tory in Sheffield last year. Congratulation also to the LIBDEMs in Derby who gained 5 seats to become the largest party.

In my role as Dronfield Town Mayor, I shall be launching a new fleet of 5 new low-floor, easy access buses for passengers in Dronfield on Friday. The Stagecoach Yorkshire/Chesterfield buses for its  service 43 buses meet tough EuroIV emission standards - I welcome this and the increased frequency of daytime services on the Chesterfield - Dronfield - Sheffield route

The planning applications below for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx 

Construction of a two-storey extension to side front and rear at 7 Oakdell Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr S Hazeldene

Removal of existing foundry tip and continued disposal of non-hazardous foundry waste at William Lee Refuse Tip Callywhite Lane Dronfield for Mr Alwyn Roebuck

Construction of two storey rear extension and raising of height of existing roof to provide additional living accommodation including two front dormer windows at  22 Cross Lane Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr D Agar

When the LIBDEMs took control of Dronfield Town Council in May last year the Council decided to join in with the Community Partnerships which North East Derbyshire Council has been trying to set up. The previous council - which was controlled by a Labour/Tory coalition were not prepared to take part.

The vision is “To make Dronfield an economically successful, healthy, safe and accessible community, with an inclusive community and an enviable quality of life by working with the community and in partnership with all agencies involved”.

The  ”community” includes the many voluntary organisations in Dronfield and also any individuals who wish to influence events. “All Agencies” include the Town, District and County Council, the Police, the NHS. They were all represented last night at the inaugural meeting.

I was elected vice-chairman of the Partnership  

I resigned from the Rykneld Homes Board on 21st April 2008. This was as a result of several issues which have arisen, which I felt that I could no longer be a party to, or accept, the corporate responsibility required of a Board member.

I had been involved for several years in assessing as a member of a North East Derbyshire Council Steering Group in seting up an ALMO (Arms Length Management Organisation) to manage the Council Houses. In April 2007 I became one of the 5 councillors who, along with 5 Tenant’s representatives( elected by tenants) and 5 independent members make up the Board of the ALMO which is known as Rykneld Homes. 

The planning applications below for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online and object etc. An up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx

Retention of conservatory at 28 Frithwood Drive Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Glen Dixon

Application for advertisement consent for retention of two signs and two flag poles at Dronfield School Gosforth Site Stubley Lane Dronfield Woodhouse for Mr Ian Wilson 

Construction of a two storey side extension and single storey rear extension at 23 Hilltop Road Dronfield Derbyshire for D Ellin

The planning applications below for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online, an up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications. You will need the application number quoted below for the application you are interested in and click  http://planapps-online.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx

Proposed construction of a conservatory to the rear of at  188 Stonelow Road,Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs P C Sherburn 

Removal of existing conservatory and construction of a single storey rear extension at 63 Cemetery Road,Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs Elmor 

Construction of a two-storey side and single-storey rear extension at 9 Stubley Croft Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Ms D J Taylor 

Notification of intention to prune one sycamore tree within Moss Valley Conservation Area at 297 Eckington Road Coal Aston Dronfield for Mr Paul Proctor 

Construction of a 3 bed dwelling on land adjacent (Conservation Area) at Tap Cottage Mill Lane Dronfield for Mrs Caroline McLaren 

Construction of single storey extensions to side and rear at 33 Moonpenny Way Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Frank Hayes 

Construction of a two storey side and rear extension at 9 Ferndale Road Coal Aston Dronfield for Mr W Chinn 

Construction of a first-floor side extension at  46 Highfields Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr Andrew Brown

I am Dronfield Town Mayor this year. The final event in aid of my charity appeal before a new mayor is elected on the 12th May, a concert by the Sheffield Chorale in the Parish Church on Saturday 19th April raised about £700  

My charities are the Dronfield District Scout Group and the Gosforth Field Sports Association [a charity set up to preserve the old Gosforth School fields for sporting and recreational use).

Congratulations to Jan Robinson who was elected last night in a byelection in Heath and Holmewood ward of North East Derbyshire District Council. Labour had held this ward for many years and it was not even contested in the last 3 elections in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Following North East Derbyshire District Council decision to charge nearly three times as much for ground maintenance between 2008 and 2010 LIBDEM Dronfield Town Council decided to go it alone from 1st April this year. By a combination of tendering out some of the work to local firms plus using its own workforce we believe we shall have a massive saving to the  Tax Payer - perhaps as high as 40% or more of what the Labour North East Derbyshire Council would have charged by 2010. Makes you think doesn’t it!

At the Dronfield Town Council meeting last night we received a report from the first  meeting of the waste recycing working group. The Dronfield community already has the best record in North East Derbyshire for waste recycling but the report had many ideas on how this might be improved and these will be followed up by the group over the next few months.

The planning applications below for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online -see the “side panel” and Planning Applications Online where an up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications

Construction of a first-floor extension to rear at 12 Rembrandt DriveDronfield Derbyshire for Mr Martin Brader 

Reconstruction of roof and first floor extensions to provide 3 additional bedrooms and ensuites at 11 Stonelow CrescentDronfield Derbyshire for Mr Steve Siddall 

Proposed alterations to the roof to enable additional living accommodation in the roof space including raising the height of the roof and insertion of front and rear dormer windows at 1 Salisbury RoadDronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs R Symonds

Derbyshire County Council gives all County Councillors (including me) £4000 each year to award as grants to help local organisations as part of its “community leadership” scheme. These grants are generally intended as one offs to help organisations which I wish to support. For example in the recent past I have been approached by the local Girl Quides and by the Dronfield Dolphins swimming club and they will shortly bereceiving a grant

Dont hesitate to contact me if you are a member of an organisation in Dronfield and have a project which you would like me to consider supporting

 A large number of Labour MPs have voted against an amendment to allow councils to renovate existing council houses and build new ones whilst retaining local authority direct ownership – despite signing early day motions in support of council house building and renovation.  

The vote took place on a rebel Labour backbench amendment to the Housing and Regeneration Bill in the House of Commons on 31st March 2008. 28 Labour MPs voted against the party’s whip for the amendment, which was supported by the Liberal Democrats. The Conservatives abstained.

Here in Dronfield/North East Derbyshire, management of the Councils houses has been passed to Rykneld Homes Ltd as the only way in which money to bring the houses up to a decent standard could be borrowed. This will however depend upon Rykneld Homes obtaining a 2* rating in an Audit Commission inspection

The abolition of the 10% income tax rate was included in the 2007 Budget proposals but will be introduced this April.  Without a corresponding increase in the tax allowance from April, this means that low income earners  will pay the new standard rate of 20% on a greater proportion of their income from that month.

For those only paying 10% currently this will mean a big reduction in their income in addition to the increase in council tax most have to pay.

It is appalling that those on low incomes will lose, whilst those on higher incomes will gain from these latest tax changes. Once again under this government the gap between rich and poor will get wider 

Gordon Brown has moved to quell a backbench revolt over the abolition of the 10p income tax band amid fears it will hit some low-paid families. Mr Brown has assured former Labour whip Greg Pope - who tabled a Commons motion calling for action which was signed by 43 Labour MPs – that he will look again at the impact of the changes. This comes after Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe criticised alcohol tax rises in this year’s Budget, although he later backtracked, saying, peculiarly, “my comments do not accurately reflect my views”. Health Minister Ivan Lewis recently criticised Gordon Brown’s style of government. Commentators have suggested that the Government is in disarray.

The income tax changes made by Gordon Brown in his last Budget represent a tax cut for the wealthy dressed up as a tax cut for the poor. Liberal Democrats pointed that out on the day they were announced. It seems Labour MPs have taken more than a year to wake up to it. The daily splits and disagreements within the Labour parliamentary party, even at ministerial level, are a sign of the growing disarray and sheer absence of competent management in Gordon Brown’s administration. 

Free travel for the over 60s on local buses is supposed to be available from tomorrow (1st April - all fools day) according to a much trumpeted new scheme. But it appears that many people will not receive this right away because the agents to whom this has been contracted out have not sent them all out yet. Not suprisingly people in this position are not happy.

Update 1st April 2008. It is being claimed that nationally 93% of the new cards have been issued

Update 2nd April. Its now being claimed that 99% of the cards have been despatched locally in North East Derbyshire District Council area. How many ahve been received maybe different - depends presumably on the efficiency of the postal service.  Why  can we not seem to get things done in a timely fashion in the UK?

The planning applications below for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last 2 weeks. You can follow whats happening online -see the “side panel” and Planning Applications Online where an up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications

Construction of a dry store building and skip pen at William Lee Ltd Callywhite Lane Dronfield for William Lee Ltd

Raising of roof height and construction of a rear facing dormer window to create rooms at 2nd floor level at 42 Smithy Croft Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr And Mrs Pearson

Construction of a two-storey rear extension (Revised Scheme of 07/01022/FL) at 13 Hayfield Close Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mrs S Walton

I took part in an interview at Radio Sheffield yesterday as part of a discussion on late night problems in Dronfield along with a police inspector. The whole slot for this only lasted about 5 minutes and hence was not very useful as a debate on this. However it is clear that the police are not able (or willing) to put in sufficent resources late at night (between 12 and 2.30am) to help sort out the nuisance which arise at this time and cause local residents distress. They concentrated very much on the issue “recorded crime has fallen” and sidestep the issue of nuisance (the “prevention of nuisance” is a requirement put upon enforcement agencies as part of the 2003 Lcensing Act).  In  a recent statement commenting on the 2008/09 Police Budget, Derbyshire Chief Constable said “I will inevitably have to reduce the visible officer numbers in some of our neighbourhoods and on our reactive patrols” So not much hope there.

 The planning applications below for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online -see the “side panel” and Planning Applications Online where an up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications

Listed Building Consent for two new rooflights and 2 new windows (Listed Building) at 16 Eckington Road, Coal Aston Dronfield for Ian Parry

Construction of a detached double garage (Conservation Area) at 3 Chapel Yard Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr M Godwin

Retention of smoking shelter at The Yew Tree 234 Holmley Lane Coal Aston for Mr A Jarvis 

Creation of adjoining vehicular accesses at 48 Carr LaneDronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Victor Garton 

Installation of two internally illuminated fascia signs at Somerfield Supermarket 22 Dronfield Civic Centre Dronfield for Mr Ken Trimmer

Construction of a conservatory to rear (revised scheme of 08/00033/FL) at26 Westfield Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs Rhode

Construction of first floor extension at 95 Snape Hill Lane Dronfield Derbyshire for Dunning Dental Care

Construction of a conservatory to rear at 17A Moorgate Crescent Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr A Jewitt

The planning applications below for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online -see the “side panel” and Planning Applications Online where an up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications

Construction of extensions to front and rear and increase in ridge height to provide first floor accommodation including a rear-facing Juliet balcony at 7 Hallowes Rise Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr L And Mrs E Morris

Construction of a conservatory to rear at 7 Park Avenue Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs Elston

Change of use of the land for the operation of a mobile catering trailer at Sheaf Motors Callywhite Lane Dronfield for Mrs J Fox And Mrs D Cutts And Mrs S Robinson

Construction of a pitched roof over existing rear extension at 74 Netherdene Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs J Friend 

Construction of a conservatory to rear at 32 Carr Lane Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Barry Donohoe

Construction of a two storey side extension and a front porch at 5 Romney Drive Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr N Ward 

Extension to existing industrial unit to form 2 new storage bays at Alps UK Limited Stubley Hollow Dronfield for Alps UK Limited 

Construction of a single storey extension to the rear at 103 Stubley Lane Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr A Eales 

Retention of conservatory to rear at 8 Hilltop Way Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs Nankivell

Construction of a single storey side and rear extension at 17 Netherfields Crescent Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs E Newton

Its good to see that the old Gosforth School site playing fields are being preserved as playing fields and recreation as a result of the formation of the Gosforth Field Sports Association of which I am a Trustee. This is especially so when we see that 314 small playing fields were sold in 2005/6 despite the Government’s pledge to end the practice, official figures revealed today. A further 40 applications were accepted on sites which Sport England believed constituted a ‘threat’ to local sports facilities, with up to 90 additional applications still to be considered. The written statement also revealed that there were 50 fewer new sites created between 2003 and 2006 than the Government previously claimed.

This Government claimed it would put an end to the ‘great playing field sell-off’ we saw under the Tories, but these figures paint a very different picture. At a time when we should be encouraging the next generation of athletes, this Government seems happy to squander any possible sporting legacy the London Olympics could offer.

Derbyshire County Council gives all County Councillors (including me) £4000 each year to award as grants to help local organisations as part of its “community leadership” scheme. These grants are generally intended as one offs to help organisations which I wish to support. For example in the recent past I have been approached by the local Girl Quides and by the Dronfield Dolphins swimming club and am arranging for them to receive a grant

Dont hesitate to contact me if you are a member of an organisation in Dronfield and have a project which you would like me to consider supporting.

Chancellor Alistair Darling should cut national income tax, paid for by rises in green taxes, when he delivers his Budget on 12^th March, say North East Derbyshire Liberal Democrats. Izzy Pryce said, “The people of Dronfield and North East Derbyshire have been squeezed by higher prices for energy and rising council tax over the past year. 

“And since the last Budget, the country has suffered again from extreme weather conditions, where climate change is likely to have been a causal factor.

 “The Budget is an ideal opportunity for the Government, at last, to tackle the environmental damage that is contributing to the freak weather conditions we are seeing happen only too often. It is also an opportunity for Alistair Darling to cut the burden of tax on low and middle income households. “The Liberal Democrats therefore want to see a cut in national income tax to 16p in the pound. This should be paid for by increasing the taxes on activities that pollute most, such as running the most polluting vehicles or flying. “Council tax is an unfair tax. It is far more of a burden for low and middle income households. Liberal Democrats want the Chancellor to use the Budget to scrap council tax and replace it with a fair, local income tax, based on ability to pay. “I strongly believe that the Liberal Democrats’ plan of shifting more of the tax burden from people’s income and onto pollution.  “In Britain, the poorest fifth of households pay a bigger share of their income in tax than the richest fifth. The wealth divide between rich and poor has actually risen since Labour came to power.  “The Budget is an ideal opportunity for Labour to put right the problems they have allowed to grow since they first came to office in 1997.” 

My next councillors surgery along with LIBDEM colleaques is at Gorsey Brigg Primary School from 7.pm to 8pm on Thursday 13th March. No appointment necessary

Last year the County Council consulted on proposals to reorganise the Infant and Junior Schools in the northen half of Dronfield. Their preferred option seemed to be to close all the current 4 schools and build a single large school on the Gladys Buxton site. Having consulted on this they seem to have changed their mind and now have a much less  radical plan. 

The authority is now proposing to moveStonelow Junior School to a new building on the on the Gladys Buxton Centre site and close Northfield Junior School. Lenthall Infant School would continue to offer provision for pupils aged three to seven years and Holmsdale Infant School would continue to educate children aged five to seven years. However they also say that the new Stonelow school would be built in such a way that it could be extended into a Primary School at a later date

This is Fairtrade Fortnight and I am very pleased to be able to support  as Dronfield mayor and as a  councillor the efforts of the local steering group in their campaign to make Dronfield a Fairtrade Town. There is an event to promote this on Saturday 8th March, 10am to 12.30am at Dronfield Civic Hall -open to everyone with displays, information, refreshments, prize quizz. 

The planning applications below for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online -see the “side panel” and Planning Applications Online where an up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications

Demolition of existing two storey building and construction of 2 no. one bedroom dwelllings (Conservation Area) at Building Adjacent Poppins Callywhite Lane Dronfield for Mr K Perkins

Conservation Area Consent for the demolition of existing two storey building (Conservation Area) at Building Adjacent Poppins Callywhite Lane Dronfield for Mr K Perkins

Construction of storage unit and office extension at Dronfield Storage Centre Rosemarie House Wreakes Lane for Mr Roger Dillon

Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of 4 detached houses and associated access and parking area (outline application - access not reserved for subsequent approval) at 66 Hilltop Road Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs I Mawbey

Construction of a two storey side extension and a front porch at 14 Romney Drive Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs R Scotford

Raising of roof height to create rooms in roof space with three rear facing dormer windows and construction of a conservatory to rear with raised decking at 6 Aston Close Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr And Mrs Oades

Construction of two storey front and rear extensions at 149 Holmley Lane Coal Aston Dronfield for Mr G Bluff

On the 29/02/08 I reported on problems for pedestrians crossing at the bottom of Church Street. Another area looked at on site, at my meeting with Derbyshire County Council Road Safety officers, was around Sainsbury’s Store/Civic Centre Dronfield/Library. The traffic has increased massively since Sainsburys opened and many people need to cross the roads in this area - we watched as many people did so - there was no obvious best place chosen by people to cross. The County Council is now going to monitor where the best place maybe and consider putting in a pedestrian crossing. They will then consult on this but any comments you may have as local residents would be welcome -click on “comments” at the beginning of this piece.

One area looked at in my meeting on site in Dronfield on Wednesday with Road safety officers from Derbyshire County Council were at the junction of Church Street and Lea Road.

At the bottom of Church Street we watched as literally hundreds of school children from Henry Fanshawe School came up in a wide stream at about 3.30pm onto Lea Road and crossed from an area where the footway runs out to Church Street and the footpath which runs along the Oaks Christion Fellowship building. I found this quite alarming at times when the traffic was also heavy due partly to the “school run”.  A solution to improving pedestrian safety here in not obvious but the officers (who should be the experts!) undertook to think about this and report back later.

Your comments about this would be most welcome - just click on “comments” at the beginning of this post.

One of the most frequent complaints I get as a County Councillor is about the vicious four road humps on Stubley Lane near the petrol station. Originally put in when the school was still on the Gosforth site many people cannot understand how they are still justified. If you drive a small car like I do at the speed limit of 30 mph the car would be wrecked in no time.

I have asked for these to be reviewed several times in the last 2 years. This was one of the issues discussed when I met officers from the County Council in Dronfield yesterday and it looks likely now that they will be replaced by a pedestrian crossing sometime in the next year. Ironically this is what was originally requested in this area!

I have just come back from several hours in a cold wind looking at several sites in Dronfield identified with road safety issues with a group which included road safety officers from Derbyshire County Council.

We looked at the School Lane area, the bottom of Church Street/Lea Road junction where hundreds of school children cross the road every day, High Street and the area between the Civic Centre and Sainbury’s where many people cross the road.

I will report in more detail in later posts

The planning application below for Dronfield was received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online -see the “side panel” and Planning Applications Online where an up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications
 

Construction of a detached two storey dwelling (outline application - siting and means of access not reserved for subsequent approval) on land adjacent at 39 Marsh Avenue Dronfield Derbyshire for Mr D Wright

Dronfield Town Council [where the LIBDEMs took control last May and of which I am currently Mayor] has agreed to the seting up of a  Youth Council for Dronfield. Details, with a constitution and allocation of funds will be decided following consultation with the Towns young people in the next few months

Despite a £3 million enquiry lasting four years the Labour Government has quietly dropped plans to replace council tax with a fairer local tax system. The report concluded that council tax was not fit for purpose and had some fairly modest proposals to tackle some of the unfairness. But it now seems even this was too much for ministers.  

Do you remember the poll tax fury? The Labour party at that time were proposing ‘fair rates’ to replace the poll tax, well there’s nothing fair about the way that council tax has increased since 1997!!! 

With new Council Tax bills due to drop through letter boxes in about a months time with rises locally about 3.7%, again no account will be taken of peoples ability to pay.  

I am Dronfield Town Mayor this year. Two events in March and April in aid of my charity appeal

Around 30 young performers are to feature in a talent show on Friday 14th March starting at 7.30 pm in Dronfield Civic Hall. This is organised by the local magazine - The Dronfield Eye and will feature all manner of entertainment from tap dancing to card tricks and piano to punk  Tickets £5 and £3 concessions

The Sheffield Chorale (one of the best mixed choirs in the Sheffield area) are to perform a concert at the Dronfield Parish Church on Saturday 19th April at 7.30. Works include Vivaldi’s Gloria and short pieces by several composers including an extract from Karl Jenkins Armed Man. Tickets £7 and £5 concessions

Contact me by telephone 01246 414956 or e-mail islwyn.pryce@derbyshire.gov.uk if you would like to come

My charities are the Dronfield Disrict Scout Group and the Gosforth Field Sports Association [a charity set up topreserve the old Gosforth School fields for sporting and recreational use)

Following a local campaign (I am the Town Council representative on the Action Group) to increase the abysmally low number of trains that stop at Dronfield Railway Station it is great news that up to 32 trains a day will be stopping here from the end of the year. We must now try to ensure that this is integrated into a system whereby bus services enable people to readily access the station and that people can park near the station. There is a real chance to decrease the total of road congestion for commuters and business travellors and make this a sustainable project for the Rail Companies 

In November 2007 Labour controlled North East Derbyshire Council who have maintained Dronfield’s Green spaces - parks, football pitches, bowling greens, cricket pitches and flower beds, since 1974 decided that they would increase the costs of this maintenance in 3 steps by nearly £100,000 to nearly £150,000 by April 2010. The LIBDEM Dronfield Town Council of which I am a member (and mayor this year) have however decided that they will find alternative ways of doing this work. We believe that we will be able to save at least £50,000 per year perhaps more.

Derbyshire County Council gives all County Councillors (including me) £4000 each year to award as grants to help local organisations as part of its “community leadership” scheme. These grants are generally intended as one offs to help organisations which I wish to support. For example in the recent past I gave £2000 to help pump prime the newly formed charity -the Gosforth Fields Sports Association which have taken over the management of the former school fields and will maintain them for recreational use. I have also given grants to the Air Training Core, Scout and Guide Groups, the Cardio Club etc.

Dont hesitate to contact me if you are an organisation in Dronfield and have a project which you would like me to consider supporting.

Construction of a single-storey rear extension and a front porch at 52 Balmoral Crescent Dronfield Woodhouse Dronfield for Mr And Mrs J Young

Application for conservation area consent for demolition and rebuilding of a 12.5m long section of front boundary wall (Conservation Area) at The Green Nursing Home 2 Green Lane Dronfield for Dr R C Jaiswal

The above planning applications for Dronfield were received at NEDDC in the last week. You can follow whats happening online -see the “side panel” and Planning Applications Online where an up to date list is always available from NEDDC including the current status of applications
 

Labour controlled North East Derbyshire District Council are proposing closing the two public toilets in Dronfield to save money. They claim this is to protect frontline services! One of  the toilets is adjacent to the railway station where it is hoped that by the end of the year there will be an hourly train service from Dronfield in both directions.

I have been on holiday for nearly 4 weeks and have not posted in that time. We were in New Zealand. Though trying not to think about political issues on this our  first signicant holiday for 18 months I could not help be impressed by the apparent great Civic pride of New Zealanders. Not a scrap of litter anywhere and great provision for young people were two things which impressed me

I receive complaints on a regular basis about the road humps on Stubley Lane. These were originally put in when the school was still on site at Gosforth and many people wonder why they are still there. As a driver of a small car I have considerable sympathy with this as even driving at 15mph they are uncomfortable to drive over and probably damaging to the car.

I have tried to get them at least modified (they appear to be higher and sharper than many of the humps elsewhere) but the County C ouncil have been unmoveable on this over the last 3 years.  I am however going to meet one of their  officers on site soon and discuss this issue yet again alongside the fact that within a few months there will be more traffic arising from the 100 houses which are being built on the old school site

While mostly supportive of the traffic calming scheme currently being developed on Gosforth Drive/Pentland and Leabrook Roads [see my post dated 21st Novemebr 2007] I have had several responses relating  to obscured vision onto Pentland Road due to cars and other larger vehicles parked near, indeed right up to junctions. The problems mostly identified relate to the junction with Gorsey Brigg (very busy due to shops and schools) and junction with Balmoral Crescent and at the Pentland Road/Leabrook Road/Gosforth Drive junction. I have asked the County Council to look at this and will report back later on their response