April 2020 Newsletter

In this month’s newsletter there are lots of positives to be aware of. We can’t print and deliver it, of course, so please share this with everyone you know via phones/whatsapp or any other messaging service you have your neighbours on! THE FLOOD DEFENCES ARE FINISHED…..hooray…..we’re watertight, and there are some lovely window display and other ideas for the area, along with a community VE day well dressing celebration in the pipeline, which should work even if we’re all still in lock down!

IMPORTANT : There’s now a Derby Covid Community Response Hub where volunteers, and those who need help can contact DerbyDirect on 01332 640000 The line will open between 9.30am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. There’s also a dedicated email address that can be contacted; covidsupport@communityactionderby.org.uk
More details can be found at https://news.derby.gov.uk/derby-covid-community-response-hub-launched/

Please stay safe, fellow Chester Greenies and do keep in touch with your neighbours and friends using all the remote methods available to you!

March 2020 Newsletter

This month there’s new details on the Aida/Bliss redevelopment. There are still many challenges to overcome to enable residential development so close to the flood defences and incorporating the iconic factory building on what has always been an industrial site. The council have announced a website in order to keep us up to date with their proposed Aida/Bliss factory redevelopment. Details can be found at http://www.derby.gov.uk/aidabliss

Details on the final finishing off of the flood defences in Chester Green are also included (nearly finished….hooray!) and we’re keeping a close eye on these finishing touches!

Despite objections from local residents, Darley Ward Councillors, Emergency Planning officers and Council Drainage officers, the City Council’s Planning case officer recommended for approval the application by Honeypot Investments to convert the historic former Bridge Inn into four apartments plus ground floor offices.  This was particularly worrying given the council’s own Highway’s Land Drainage officer who objected strongly:
“…a building of this age in close proximity to the flood defences should not be used for residential use at all as we are still of the opinion that the development is inherently unsafe in flood risk terms. The building should only receive planning permission for less vulnerable uses.” The full planning committee report can be found here.

All this, and more can be found in the newsletter linked below: