Villagers in plea to council not to take down vintage crane
VILLAGERS in Doveridge have been urging the district council to allow a vintage crane which has towered over the community for several years to stay in place.
Steve Foster Crane Hire, a family-run firm in Doveridge, has been displaying a vintage Priestman Crawler crane in a paddock at its depot off Derby Road and even decorating it with Christmas lights for the festive season.
But a planning application lodged by the firm late last year, asking if it could become a permanent fixture, has been recommended for refusal – meaning the 18m-tall machine may have to be removed from its roadside site.
Some 44 letters were sent into Derbyshire Dales District Council to support the application, from residents who feel the crane has become a recognised landmark in the village.
Some even say it fills their children with joy when they see it lit up for the first time at Christmas, and many believe it adds to the character of their “quirky” village.
However six villagers, including one who lives metres away from the crane, sent in letters of objection, suggesting the machine is an “eyesore” in a country village. The firm, which operates across the Midlands, treated its crane to a makeover in September, including a new paint job in the corporate colours.
Many of the correspondents calling for the crane to stay welcomed this spruce-up, but others say it still looks out of place in Doveridge - and one resident even claims it presents a danger to the public as youngsters have been seen climbing on it.
In a report to the the council’s planning committee, which will meet virtually to discuss the application next week, case officer Andrew Stock said he did not share the public safety concerns, as the crane sits on private land - but he did not agree with its supporters that it was welcome in the rural setting. He said: “The vintage crane, by reason of its siting, size and appearance results in an adverse impact on the amenity of the street-scene at a prominent entry point to the village and is considered to be harmful to the character and appearance of the area, contrary to the advice contained in the National Planning Policy Framework and the National Planning Practice Guidance.
“Whilst the vintage crane raises no concerns with regard to public safety, it will have a detrimental impact on the amenity of the street-scene, contrary to the advice contained in the National Planning Policy Framework and the National Planning Practice Guidance.”
Nesta Jarville, who lives in Derby Road, is among those who support the crane. She wrote to the council: “This crane is considered a landmark by most villagers. Cranes are not pretty, but this one has been used to delight villagers and passers-by alike for several years.
“The crane is on private property and represents a village-based business which contributes to the economy in many ways.”
The planning committee can decide to follow the officers recommendation or can vote against it – allowing the crane to stay put.
The Zoom meeting, at 6pm on Tuesday, January 12, will be broadcast on the authority’s Youtube channel.