Aye Up Mi Ducks,
If you have been wondering where our updates have been, well, after 12 months we can finally give you some news on Leafy Lane proposals of the Local Plan.
The Amber Valley Local Plan 2022 - 2040 consultation has been published and is ready for residents to give their thoughts on the proposals. I must admit there are so many documents on their page for the local plan that it's a little difficult to get your head around what's being proposed and the maps are really hard to see; nothing is ever clear cut.
But anway.. as it stands from what we can see, for Leafy Lane, it looks as though our voices have been heard!
The trees in our beloved Leafy Lane Woodland Habitat are safe for the time being – Amber Valley Borough Council have reduced the number of houses from 50 down to 15, and the map on the local plan proposals now shows our Woodland area is no longer part of the plan, which is something we requested as a compromise.
It's been a long road, with around 15 years of campaigning from various residents every time a new proposal popped up. But now, it's official – our Woodland has been recognised as a Broadleaved Wildlife Habitat by the AVBC planners as they have finally put that in writing. That's something of a win.
It's been a rollercoaster, with Leafy Lane, Hands Road, Ella Bank and nearby residents facing the threat of losing their valuable green space since 2008. We've seen plans swing from 12 houses to 72, then to 50, and now, down to 15. And, at long last, our Woodland is not just spared but officially acknowledged! It's a little relief!!
The thought of losing the Woodland has given many residents sleepless nights and panic attacks, worrying that their little fury friends and songbirds would soon be lost to the Chainsaws and Bulldozers. Hopefully, this news will bring peace and tranquillity to all affected residents who can enjoy the Woodland without worry.
Should the Local Plan finally go through, we will be losing a bit of shrubbery by Hands Road, near the William Gregg Leisure Centre, to make way for those 15 houses. But, as long as they do all the necessary Wildlife, Coal, Stability, Noise, Safety and Traffic checks, as well as sort out a separate access road and protect all the trees in that area, it seems like a compromise we can live with, especially if it means keeping the main part of our Woodland safe and sound.
Now, we're just hoping the Council will update their Shelaa Interactive Map to reflect the latest local plan proposal, as this still shows the Woodland as part of the 15 houses plan. It's all about keeping things clear and in sync to avoid any mix-ups down the line.
We know there are other concerns among Amber Valley Borough Council residents with this Local Plan, and we send our best wishes to those still fighting their corner. But for us, it's a moment to breathe a sigh of relief. Our Woodland at Leafy Lane is safe for now, and it's all thanks to the community's effort and the Council's willingness to meet us halfway.
If you want to take part in the consultation the Amber Valley Borough Local Plan Pre-Submission consultation wraps up at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, 3rd April 2024. If you've got something to say about the future of Amber Valley, now's the time to have your say.
(https://www.ambervalley.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/local-plan/).
Once again, thanks to everyone who's been part of this campaign – your support has hopefully made all the difference. That's all from me, hopefully we can stay quiet and the plan for Leafy Lane can roll forward without losing any of our precious Woodland habitat.
Rach x