Moorway Lane planning application: a disappointing decision

Dear all,

Thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign against the proposed development on Moorway Lane.

Tonight, the application went before Derby City Council’s Planning Committee and, unfortunately, the proposal was approved.

The vote was incredibly close. Three councillors voted for the development and three voted against it. Sara Boulton, Matthew and Miles voted against the development. With other members either abstaining or not voting, the decision was tied and the Chair was given the casting vote, which resulted in the proposal being approved.

We want to say a particular thank you to Sara, Hardyal, Miles and Matthew for speaking so strongly about the concerns surrounding this development, particularly the negative impact it could have on traffic and nature. It was important to hear these concerns being raised so clearly during the meeting.

As Greener Derby, we are of course deeply disappointed with the outcome.

We are particularly disappointed that, with the decision so finely balanced, some councillors chose to abstain or not vote. This ultimately left the decision in the hands of the Chair through the casting vote.

For residents in Littleover and Blagreaves, the three local councillors who sit on the Planning Committee and therefore had a vote were Lucy Care, Sara Boulton and Saquib Amin.

We were also disappointed that so few local people attended the Planning Committee meeting in person. Thousands of people have engaged with this campaign and expressed concern about the proposals. When an application of this significance reaches the committee, being there in person is another important way for councillors to see the strength of feeling within the community.

That said, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the campaign. Whether you signed the petition, contacted councillors, shared information, spoke to neighbours or attended the meeting, thank you.

Approval of the outline application does not make the concerns we have raised disappear. The impact on traffic, road safety, nature, biodiversity, green space and the surrounding community still matters, and we will continue to speak up for these issues as the development progresses.

You can watch the Planning Committee meeting here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/2cI7P9AYbPI?is=CnJJBAXCrq6Hk6gW

Thank you again for standing up for our community.

Best wishes,

Ali
Greener Derby