CURRENT ISSUES

We have been in talks with Staffordshire County Council about refurbishment and maintenance of the Ferry Bridge, one of our town's most recognisable landmarks, a great piece of engineering and part of our heritage. A principal inspection has taken place. Repairs to the bridge walkway were completed earlier this year. A site meeting between ourselves, Staffordshire County Council, English Heritage and consulting engineers was held to confirm and agree what we jointly want to achieve subject to funding.

South Derbyshire District Council have issued a 'Strategic Land Availability Assessment' which includes agricultural land in Derbyshire immediately adjacent to Winshill, at Newton Road and Hawfield Lane. We have indicated our opposition to any extension of the town over the county boundary in this area.

Proposals to develop Lawns Farm are being monitored closely. The Society strongly believes it is important for Tatenhill Ridge (the area from Battlestead Hill, through Lawns Farm, Sinai Park, Oak Wood to the Outwoods Hills) remains open, green space.

The Society has responded to ESBC’s Air Quality Action Plan consultation document and is monitoring progress in the defined management areas.

Plans for futher development of Coopers Square Shopping Centre are in the pipeline. We have commented on outline proposals and are broadly in favour but have made suggestions where we beleive improvements can be made.

We have made a site visit to Beam Hill where a significant housing development is proposed and await detailed plans.

Robins Cinema has been sold and a temporary roof covering is planned to curtail further deterioration. We await a planning application.