A Note from the Chairman of Draycott and Church Wilne Parish Council
On the evening of Wednesday 26th March an extraordinary meeting of the parish council was held to provide an opportunity for residents to hear from local councillors what the EBC proposed Core Strategy review meant for Draycott with the indication that green belt land to the south west of the village was to be reassigned with a view to develop this land for 190 homes.
62 people attended the meeting, Cllr Wayne Major from Sandiacre PC who is also a borough councillor for that ward was invited to join the meeting as he had more detailed knowledge of the plans and procedures that might ensue. The overriding sentiment was one of frustration with the procedure thus far with the public in Draycott and further afield in Erewash not being adequately informed and one of anger at the potential loss of sensitive green belt land and the subsequent effects. A show of hands at the end of the meeting showed that not one person present was in favour of supporting the plans as they were presented.
Cllrs Tim Scott & Val Clare (Draycott PC and EBC borough Councillors) and Cllr Wayne Major subsequently attended the EBC meeting which was held the following evening at Long Eaton Town Hall where the Core Strategy review was to be debated and voted on for it to go forward to public consultation, the first step in the approval of any of the plans contained within it. There was vigorous and heartfelt discussion with several hundred Erewash residents in attendance. Tim gave an eloquent and robust speech outlining all the issues raised the previous evening adding his own personal touches and experiences of living in Draycott for many years and to picture holistically what living in Draycott and beyond would be like for residents after these changes should they be adopted. He received a rousing applause from all EBC residents, he was outstanding.
The motion to pass the plans was finally approved and so we will shortly enter a six week consultation period (the legal minimum) before it is reviewed by the planning inspectorate and possibly passed. I urge all residents and those affected by these plans to look closely at the proposals when they become available and to take this brief opportunity for your views to be heard. To aid democracy and allow these voices to be heard please make all your friends and family aware. Where possible updates on this issue will be signposted from the Draycott PC website and noticeboards.
Roger Brown
Chair Draycott and Church Wilne Parish Council