Spondon, unite to halt homes on green belt

IN relation to the recent articles in the Derby Telegraph concerning Erewash Borough Council’s proposal for a housing allocation on the green belt land adjacent to Spondon Wood, I feel an obligation to express my views.

The proposed site is an oasis of natural beauty consisting of farmland bordered by Spondon Wood, and is a haven for an abundance of wildlife.

Obviously the site is within the boundary of Erewash but it is certainly not within the “community” of Erewash. Where is the nearest Erewash town or village, where are the Erewash facilities?

Words were spoken at the recent Erewash meeting such as “job creation”, “improvement in infrastructure”, “increased footfall for shopping in Erewash towns” how do such words apply to this site?

To some of the councillors of Erewash, take heed:

■■Why was this site introduced at such a late stage in the proceedings, as it had never been previously mentioned? As a result other communities have been given the opportunity to consult and consider for a much longer period of time.

■■Previously proposed sites have been abandoned because of their proximity to bordering communities, yet under this scheme the proposal is to build right up to the Derby city boundary.

■■Erewash have always had the reputation for their unyielding strictness in adhering to the rules regarding the green belt. This has obviously been forgotten as under their current plans chunks of the green belt in this and other areas are due to be wiped out.

■■The Spondon site has been put forward at the last minute and become it appears, in the Erewash council’s view, an easy option to boost numbers, no consideration or benefits being given to the Erewash community as a whole, nor to the Spondon community.

To the Spondon community I say come together as we always have done and fight off this proposal.

One of the last speakers at the recent Erewash meeting promised that the public’s views and opinions would be heard and considered, and I trust acted upon. I certainly hope so, for if not within the next three weeks or months or years a new headline may be appearing in the Telegraph saying, “Planning permission has now been given to build housing on Green Belt land in front of Bluebells up to Locko Road and over towards Chaddesden”. Spondon unite don’t let it happen.

Ray Clayton, Spondon