Bakewell Road - we're determined to get it right
- Thursday, 20 September 2012 10:44
The Leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council Councillor Lewis Rose OBE has stressed how important regenerating Bakewell Road is to the people of Matlock and surrounding areas.
On 13 September the District Council selected Henry Davidson as the preferred partner for the Bakewell Road site and Councillor Rose said:
"Councillors are determined to get it right, and they appreciate that the only way to do this is to consult with local residents and traders.
"So far, we have chosen a partner, but we have not yet chosen a development. Before choosing a development, we will consult fully. And when the chosen development is submitted for planning permission, we will consult again.
"We chose Henry Davidson because they have a good track record in making developments happen. In choosing a partner, we had to consider what it is possible to achieve in the real-world development market. That's why we asked all possible partners to give indicative ideas of what they thought could be achieved on Bakewell Road."
Councillor Rose remarked it was a fact that, at the moment, food stores were one of the few profitable parts of the economy. That is why four out of five of the potential developers said a food store would probably be needed to 'anchor' any development. A food store would create the value that enables other parts of a development to take place.
"It is also a fact that Matlock has room for more food store floor space, without affecting existing stores. The District Council believes that it is important that future development in Bakewell Road enhances Matlock for shoppers and traders, giving them more not less choice," he said.
"District Councillors are passionate about Matlock and helping it thrive. That is why they revitalised Hall Leys Park, renovated Crown Square, built the bypass, and built the brilliant Arc Leisure Matlock. When it does get to the stage of considering a development, they will not approve any scheme that does not help Matlock flourish. Nor will they approve a scheme that the local community as a whole are not comfortable with. But we are not at that stage yet – indeed there are two rounds of public consultation to go before we get to that stage."
The District Council and Henry Davidson will now carry out public consultation to help design a development scheme for Bakewell Road. Then, when the agreed scheme is submitted for planning permission, there will be a further round of public consultation.
Councillor Rose added:
"We are very happy to make this clear to everyone who cares about Matlock. We want you to be involved in creating a development scheme for Bakewell Road – indeed we know that without your involvement, we will get nowhere. So we will consult – twice."
