SIR Richard FitzHerbert (last week's letters) stated he was extremely concerned that the Peak Park Planning Board rejected the plan by developer Cathelco, to build 39 new houses in Hartington.
Hartington villagers have been fighting plans to build a large housing estate on the old Creamery site, for more than two years. Clearly Sir Richard is unaware of the background.
* A packed village meeting totally opposed the scale of development.
* A village questionnaire returned by more than 75 per cent of residents overwhelmingly rejecting the size and scale.
* A record turnout at council elections to elect a totally new parish council.
* More than 200 representational letters opposing the scheme.
* A packed planning meeting with 18 village speakers.
* A unanimous decision to reject the plans as too large for the village.
* Hartington opposed a plan that would have increased the size of our village by 30 per cent overnight.
* A plan that had just six affordable homes against 33 open market dwellings and only a small barn conversion for commercial space and potential job provision.
Turning down the a scheme is hardly as Sir Richard states a "rejection of business and a sustainable future for the Peak Park." In fact it demonstrates the importance of village communities in the Park, proves the democratic process can work and illustrates how with overwhelming local support, community action can make a difference.
Sir Richard does not represent our ward and in fact our district councillor and our county councillor spoke alongside villagers in opposition to the plans.
HARTINGTON TOWN QUARTER PARISH COUNCIL
