Notes from Meeting Nov 19th

Higher Buxton Action Group meeting held at South 16 on 19 th November 2018. This second meeting was attended by local businesses, community/voluntary organisations and residents.

• 10 local businesses were represented with 4 apologies received
• 2 Community/Voluntary Organisations
• 22 Higher Buxton residents with 1 apology received

Progress since last meeting

• We have a new name: Higher Buxton Action Group
• We have a website: www.higherbuxtonactiongroup.co.uk – Dave spoke about the site and the information hub we are creating. You can link through the site to the HPBC Planning Application portal
• We have a What’s App group
• Alison has developed leaflets and 150 have been distributed
• There has been an interview on High Peak Radio its in the Listen Again section and can be accessed via our website
• We have an article in the Buxton Advertiser linked through from our website
• We held our first sub group meeting. If you are interested in taking part then let us know.

Objectives for tonight

1. Generate as many objections/concerns as possible. The Planning Meeting (Development Control Committee) is scheduled for 3 rd December at 1.30 in Chapel Town Hall. We need to be urgent to get our views across.
2. Expand the sub group
3. Gather views
4. Agree three key themes which are:
   a) Car Parking and safety
   b) Improving local heritage and street scene
   c) Local people……Local say……Local needs
   Building on the concerns section from the last meeting
5. Many people in the room were disappointed that no HPBC officers or councillors had chosen to attend the meeting. Their view seems to be to let the Planning processes be worked through and then engage with us. This is counter to what we want, which is dialogue now. It was highlighted that there was disappointment that Terry Crawford had not been in touch as
   he has a Car Parking brief. The meeting wished to engage in forward planning with the Council to see how various initiatives and projects will compliment each other and add value. There was a strong desire
   for the Council to consult more widely.
6. The deeds on houses in Hollins Street highlight that in 1872 the Duke of Devonshire transferred the car park to a Mr Salt.
7. We wish to undertake some research into the current need for housing in Buxton, consideration of the supply and demand. There was talk of a new build at Burbage. To place this in the context of the Local Housing Plan and the pipeline of new builds.
8. Concerns were raised about property values decreasing, increased crime rates from condensing people into a small area.
9. Parking and traffic concerns about there being no clear views at the proposed new junction on Hollins Avenue. That there was talk of parking permits being offered to the new build residents and no offer to existing residents which seems unfair. Where is the fair proposed to go? On Trip Advisor many tourists have highlighted current challenges with Car Parking in Higher Buxton. One resident stated that Market Street had not been gritted for 40 years.
   

Next Steps

1. To clarify the terms upon which the Car Park was transferred by the Duke of Devonshire to Mr Salt. To write to the Duke of Devonshire to enquire about the covenant and transfer of land. Sue Gregory is a key contact at Chatsworth.
2. To understand the Council’s counter argument and give a clear and coherent message to them. To push for what we can achieve and press for a joint meeting with HPBC after 3 rd December planning meeting.
3. Geraldine highlighted that she had legal contacts at Cooper Sons Hartley and Williams.
4. To develop a poster to put up in local shops – Alison and Paula
5. To go to the next full council meeting if they are not prepared to come to us.
6. To link with Derbyshire County Council Highways Division to examine current traffic movement, the parking on Market Street and an impact assessment of making Market Street one way.
7. To clarify how we can have an input into the Planning Meeting on the 3 rd December and the assessment of Outline Planning Applications.
8. To promote with the Council joined up thinking and encourage an assessment of economic, environmental, social and design impact assessment.
9. To create a website post highlighting a checklist of skills we require
   Next meetings Sub meeting – 26th November 5.30 until 6.30 at London Road all welcome.
   Full group meeting – Wednesday 5th December at 6pm – At Layla’s Café & Bar, High Street, Buxton

Notes recorded by Kevin Skingsley