Peak Park planning officers are currently recommending refusal of the demolition and rebuild plans for the new Memorial Hall when it goes before the Planning Committee next Friday. However, the situation is not irreversible and there is room for manoeuvring.
These are their reasons for refusal:
1. The proposed development would not be of an appropriate design, materials or scale for its location.
2. The proposed development would fail to preserve or otherwise enhance the setting of a designated Conservation Area.
3. The proposed development would result in an unacceptable adverse impact on the residential amenities of neighbouring properties.
4. Inadequate provision of parking spaces would compromise the safety of other highway users, result in harm to the amenity of the local area and put users with mobility difficulties at a relative disadvantage.
Click here to read the full 17 page document in printer-friendly PDF format.
Having just spoken to Chris Fridlington, the Planning Officer dealing with the application, he states that the above report was written before they received the amended version and since receiving this amended application subject to minor amendments, issues 1 & 2 could be resolved. He also states that there are a number of ways in which issues 3 & 4 may also be resolved, so that the Planning Officers can change their recommendation to one of approval for next Friday’s Planning Committee Meeting.
What we can do.
1. Even if you have already done so please write in again to Peak Park – all comments must be received by Wednesday 13th August. Email comments to planning.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk quote NP/DDD/0608/0546
2. Attend the planning committee meeting next Friday at The Conference Centre, Bakewell Agricultural Centre at 10am. (Click here for a map.)
There are people going who have spaces in their car, so if you are going or need a lift please email parwich@hotmail.com or ring Jane on 665. The physical presence of large numbers of our village (including children) will help to show planners the support for this project.
Remember that without planning permission there is NO CHANCE of Big Lottery funding, and therefore NO MONEY. If planning permission is refused, then certain alterations to the existing building would still be required by law. These alterations would still require approval from Peak Park planning officers, who have already indicated that they would request some substantial cosmetic changes. Without the support of Lottery funding, where would the money come from?
7pm Pet Show in the Memorial Hall Car Park 
best singing dog; most unusual pet; largest pet; smallest pet; smallest pet; rangiest rooster; prettiest pullet; fastest carrot eater.
