The intricacies of planning procedures means that we need your help again.
You may recall that back in late 2020, planning applications for the Darley Abbey to A38 (Ford Lane) section of the Cycleway were submitted to both Derby City and Erewash Borough Councils. The southern part of the planned route falls within the City, the northern part within Erewash so permission from both planning authorities is needed.
The Derby City application is still to be finalised but a determination is expected soon. All feedback to the Council has been supportive of the plans. Commenting on this Derby City application closed a long while ago and no action is requested from you regarding this Derby City planning application.
For the Erewash section, discussions with landowners and further investigation has suggested a slight change to the most northern part of the route. Previously (and as part of the original planning application) the route was to run through an underpass of the A38 which is heavily used by Talbot Turf agricultural machinery. A much improved plan now follows the bank of the river more closely and passes under the A38 bridge alongside the Derwent before reaching Ford Lane.
The change of route means that the Erewash application has to be resubmitted with the original application being withdrawn and this has now happened.
One effect of this re-application is that all the letters of support previously sent to Erewash are now obsolete (and discarded) and we need to ask our supporters to please submit their support for the new, modified, planning application.
Full details of the new planning application can be found by visiting https://register.civicacx.co.uk/erewash/planning and searching for reference 0922/0067.
To submit comments online visit https://www.erewash.gov.uk/planning-section/planning-enquiry-form.html A few questions need to be answered:
- Site address is “Cycleway from River Derwent borough boundary towards Ford Lane Little Eaton Derbyshire”
- “Planning enquiry / Make a representation”: Select “make a representation”
- Application reference is 0922/0067
- Case Officer is Kerry Hallam
- “Your views” – important to select “support” and comments can then be added at the next question.
While you can add whatever comments you wish, none are necessary and the key thing is to register your “support”. Some of the benefits you may wish to consider for your comments include:
- Cost – covered by National Highways so a great opportunity for local benefit at no cost to the local Councils
- Allows for an additional choice of commuting method from the North towards Derby when, and if, the A38 Junctions works (flyovers) start
- Safety – allows for cyclist to avoid the accident black spot at Palm Court Island (A38/A6 junction) and provides a traffic free alternative route.
- Links to the Darley Fields path for onward travel to Derby and provides the next part of the Derwent Valley Cycleway to continue to the north to eventually reach Chatsworth.
- Will allow for replacement of poor parts of the existing National Cycle Network (NCN 54) currently on Alfreton Road (on road with no cycle facilities) and alongside the A61 (narrow in places and unprotected from fast motor traffic).
- The route is a long standing goal within the Derby City Rights of Way improvement plan and the Erewash section is necessary for the Derby section to be useful.
- The route will provide improved access for Darley Abbey pupils at Ecclesbourne school (particularly with the future addition of the Ford Lane to Duffield section of the Derwent Valley Cycleway).
- Links partially to the planned Rewilded Allestree Park destination
- Originally called for in the Derby Cycling Group 1983 plan for cycling improvements in and around Derby (produced in conjunction with the City Council) so well overdue
- Local Ramblers groups have been consulted and are supportive of the plans
The Erewash application should be determined before the end of December 2022 so please submit your support and comments as soon as possible to ensure they are considered.
Thanks for your continuing support.
