Dronfield Neighbourhood Plan V14c

DRONFIELD Neighbourhood Plan 2018 Draft Version 14c

Dronfield Town Council ii Contents Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan

Table of Contents ■ WHAT IS A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN? 5 TRANSPORT & ACCESS 25 4. PROTECTION OF IMPORTANT 41 COMMUNITY ASSETS HOW DOES A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN THE PLAN AIMS 26 5 FIT INTO THE PLANNING SYSTEM? BACKGROUND 26 5. LISTED BUILDINGS 42

HOW IS THE PLAN STRUCTURED? 5 Trafﬁc Management and Congestion 26 6. DRONFIELD CHARACTER BUILIDINGS

ABOUT DRONFIELD 6 Sustainable Transport 27 AND STRUCTURES OF LOCAL HERITAGE INTEREST IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA HISTORY OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 7 Cycling and Walking 27 Appendix 6 can be viewed online at THE PLAN’S AIMS & OBJECTIVES 8 Car Parking 28 www.dronﬁeld.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan

7. PROPOSED DRONFIELD CHARACTER COMMUNITY ASSETS 9 ECONOMY 29 BUILIDINGS AND STRUCTURES OF LOCAL OBJECTIVES 10 THE PLAN AIMS 30 HERITAGE INTEREST. 44 BACKGROUND 10 BACKGROUND 30 8. PROPOSED GREEN SPACES Health 10 Town Centre 30 OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE 49 Education 10 Shop Frontages in the Town Centre 31 9. EVIDENCE BASE 51 Services 10 Litter in the Town 32 Assets of Community Value 12 Shopping Hubs 32 GLOSSARY 51 Hot Food Takeaways 33 MAPS NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 13 Businesses and Employment 33 MAP 1 GREEN BELT 52 THE PLAN AIMS 14 MAP 2 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DATA 53 BACKGROUND 14 HERITAGE 35 MAP 3 PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK. 54 Green Belt 14 THE PLAN AIMS 35 MAP 4 TOWN CENTRE 55 Landscape Character 14 BACKGROUND 35 MAP 5 CONSERVATION AREAS 56 Green and Blue Infrastructure 16 Historic Buildings 35 MAP 6 LISTED BUILDINGS 57 Local Green Spaces 17 Dronﬁeld Character Buildings and MAP 7 PROPOSED LOCAL GREEN SPACES & Structures of Local Heritage Interest 36 Trees and Woodlands 18 LEA BROOK VALLEY GREEN CORRIDOR 58 Conservation Areas 38 MAP 8 DRONFIELD NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE 19 Design 39 PLAN AREA 59 THE PLAN AIMS 20 BACKGROUND 20 APPENDICES 41 Housing Allocation 20 1. COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SUMMARY OF RESPONSES Windfall Housing Development 20 Appendix 1 can be viewed online at Housing Mix. 22 www.dronﬁeld.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan Housing Affordability 23 2. SPECIALIST CONSULTEES 41 Infrastructure Needs 23 3. ASSETS OF COMMUNITY VALUE 41 Developer Contributions 24 Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Foreword iii

FOREWORD

would like to welcome you the Draft Any comments received during this stage will be Neighbourhood Plan for Dronfield Town. considered by the Steering Group, and the draft It reflects the hard work of the Dronfield Plan amended appropriately. ITown Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, and the commitment of the Town Council to make We expect that a final version of the Plan will be Dronfield a better place to live, work and visit. published in late 2018. It will then be ‘Submitted’ to North East Derbyshire where it will undergo A neighbourhood plan is a document written by a further six-week period of consultation prior to the community that sets out planning policies independent examination. If it successfully passes for an area. It is used to determine planning this stage, a referendum will be held in which all applications and other planning decisions residents in the town will be asked whether or affecting that area. Through it we will seek to not they support the adoption of the Plan. ensure that Dronfield gets the right amount and type of development and in the right place. I would like to thank everyone who attended the numerous Steering Group meetings and The Plan is now at the draft stage. This means consultation events during the preparation of the that the Steering Group and Town Council is Draft Plan as well as the funding bodies Locality satisfied that it has a sound draft Plan, and and Awards for All, without whose help, input and now invites residents, landowners, businesses, support, this Plan could not have been developed agencies and others to give their views on it. or reflect the views of the community. This is in accordance with rules and regulations covering the preparation of a neighbourhood plan. Councillor Angelique Foster Details on how to comment can be found at Chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan http:www.dronﬁeld.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan.html Steering Group 4 What is it? Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan What is it? 5 4 What is it? Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan What is it? 5

What is a Neighbourhood Plan? 1. A neighbourhood plan is a planning document. It is part of the Government’s approach to planning to THE PLAN give local people influence in how their area develops How does a 2005 Adopted North East Derbyshire 2 – for example, the location neighbourhood plan District Local Plan. A revised North East Derbyshire Local Plan, which will of new housing, shops ﬁt into the planning and employment related replace the saved policies of the 2005 development. system? Plan, is being developed; the evidence base and the policies contained within 2. The Dronfield 4. Although the Government’s this emerging District Local Plan has Neighbourhood Plan (“The intention is for local people to been considered in preparing the Plan”) provides a set of have a greater say in how their Dronfield Neighbourhood Plan. objectives for the future area develops, in preparing a • Not breach, and be otherwise of the town and sets out neighbourhood plan there are compatible with, European Union and certain defined planning regulations which must be taken into the European Convention on Human policies and proposals account. All neighbourhood plans Rights obligations; and to achieve these aims. It must meet the ’basic conditions’. • Not have a significant effect on also sets out a vision with These include: a European Site (as defined in the suggested plans for how • Take account of national policies Conservation of Habitats and Species

the town* may develop in and advice contained in guidance Regulations 20123) either alone or ways that meet identified issued by the Secretary of State, in in combination with other plans or local need and ensure particular, in the National Planning projects. Dronfield remains a great Policy Framework1 (more commonly place to live, work and visit. known as the NPPF). 5. Crucially, it is important to 3. It covers the whole of • Contribute to the achievement of understand that while a neighbour- Dronfield as shown on sustainable development. hood plan can provide for more Be in general conformity with the Map 8. • development than has been set out *The terms ‘Dronfield, ‘The Town’ and strategic policies of the development in an approved District Local Plan, (in Dronfield Parish as used interchangeable. plan for the District of North East this instance North East Derbyshire They all refer to the area covered by the parish of Dronfield unless specifically Derbyshire. In the case of Dronfield, Local Plan), for the District, it does not stated otherwise. these are the ‘saved’ policies from the allow it to plan for less development. How is the plan structured? 6. The Plan is divided into the • Policies and proposals to and do not form part of the following sections: support the overall aims in each formal approved Dronfield • ‘About Dronfield’: details topic area Neighbourhood Plan. how the Neighbourhood Plan specifically relates to Dronfield • ‘Delivering the Plan’: sets out 8. A large amount of background and how it has been developed some of the main ways in which information has helped in • ‘Dronfield Town the policies and proposals in the producing the plan. Neighbourhood Plan Themes Plan may be implemented. What is known as ‘the evidence and Policies’ set out by topic: base’ includes a large number • A brief summary of the key 7. There is also a series of of documents that have been findings from consultation with appendices, including a glossary used to prepare the plan. residents and stakeholders of terms explaining the more The main documents can be • The key objectives of the Plan technical terms the Plan refers found at : in each topic area to. The Appendices contain www.dronﬁeld.gov.uk/ • The brief introduction to the topic background information only neighbourhood-plan.html 6 The Area Dronfield:Dronfield: Neighbourhood bgfbgbgb Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan History and Objectives 7 gfbgbgb Neighbourhood Plan sdc- sxc- sdc-

About Dronﬁeld Ancient origins and a popular place to live

9. The town is situated within derivation of the name suggests have the largest privately owned North East Derbyshire District and that they perhaps also found open housing estate in Europe (“Gosforth comprises the three communities land which was infested by drones Valley”), when it was first built in of Dronfield, Dronfield Woodhouse and, for this reason, called the the 1970s. At the time of the 2011 and Coal Aston; it is surrounded place Dranfield, or, more familiarly, census, it had 9,388 dwellings and by large areas of open countryside Dronfield. Dronfield was recorded in a population of 21,261, of whom designated as Green Belt. It is the Domesday Book. 10,333 were male and 10,928 female. located in the valley of the River In total, 25.1% of the population was Drone, and lies between the town of 11. Evidence of the Town’s medieval aged 65 or over and 16.1% was Chesterfield and the city of Sheffield. origins can be found in the surviving under the age of 16. The majority The town covers an area of 3,457 cruck buildings, the parish church of the population is in good health, acres (13.99 km2) and is surrounded and the historic meandering educated and economically active. by the neighbouring villages and street pattern of the town centre. hamlets of Unstone, Holmesfield, Dronfield’s population increased 12. It is a popular place to live. In Barlow, Apperknowle, Hundall, dramatically in the post-war years 2017, CEBR (Centre for Economics Marsh Lane and Eckington. from 6,500 in 1945 to its current & Business Research) completed size of just over 21,000. This rise a report4 for Royal Mail which listed 10. Dronfield has a long- has been mainly as a consequence the top 10 places to live in the UK. documented history. The first of large-scale new house building, By analysing data on deprivation, settlers in this area were probably built principally to support the salaries and education amongst attracted by the rivers, streams and requirements of Sheffield. Dronfield other things, the report placed the woodlands. Indeed, the Old English Woodhouse once claimed to town at number 9. 6 The Area Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan History and Objectives 7 HISTORY OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 13. Preparation of the plan is Advice has also been being sponsored by Dronfield sought from several Town Council, led by the Dronfield specialist community Town Neighbourhood Plan stakeholders. Each was Steering Group, consisting of independent of the Town Town Councillors, representatives Council and the wider of several community groups Steering Group and neighbourhood planning consultants. In September 2016, community. A summary of the the town was officially designated results of the consultation can be as a neighbourhood area for the found in Appendix 1.* purposes of Section 61G of the Town and Country Planning Act 15. Advice has also been sought 1990. from several specialist community stakeholders. Each was 14. The Steering Group independent of the Town Council determined at the outset that and the wider Steering Group and, extensive engagement with the due to their specialist knowledge community and other bodies and and/or experience, able to give people with an interest in how the guidance and opinions on issues town develops would be part of of importance for the plan’s the plan’s preparation. Throughout development and test assumptions 2017, Dronfield Neighbourhood made by the Steering Group about Plan Steering Group carried out a the future of the town. A full list of number of community consultation specialist advisors who presented drop-in events to capture the to the Steering Group is included thoughts and feelings of the in Appendix 2. * Appendix 1 can be viewed online at www.dronﬁeld.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan Diagram showing relationships between the local authorities Derbyshire County Council Responsible for: education, transport, planning, fire and public safety, social care, libraries, waste management, trading standards

North East Derbyshire District Council Responsible for: rubbish collection, recycling, Council Tax collections, housing, planning applications

Dronﬁeld Town Council Responsible for: allotments, public clocks, bus shelters, community centres, play areas and play equipment, grants to help local organisations, consultation on neighbourhood planning w

8 History and Objectives Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Community 9

THE PLAN’S AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The Plan responds to these issues by putting forward a set of policies that will be applied through the planning process. It focuses on those areas that the evidence has identiﬁed as having the most pressing need for action and which the Plan can have the biggest impact.

16. A neighbourhood plan is primarily for use, and reference when the relevant authorities are making and guiding planning decisions. If a change is proposed within the town then North East Derbyshire District Council (NEDDC) must refer to the neighbourhood plan to ensure that the proposals are in keeping with its policies.

17. The plan looks at a wide range of issues, including: • Protecting and wherever possible enhancing Dronfield’s green and open spaces • Conserving Dronfield’s identity and celebrating the town’s heritage • Supporting improvements to the town centre • Providing good quality and suitable housing that meets the needs of the town • Sustaining the town’s infrastructure and community facilities policies that meet the require- East Derbyshire Local Plan. ments of the town they are not Rules governing the preparation 18. The Plan responds to these repeated here. It is important to of a neighbourhood plan require issues by putting forward a set note that when using the Plan that it should be in general of policies that will be applied to form a view on a proposed conformity with the strategic through the planning process. development all of the policies policies of the Local Plan It focuses on those areas that the contained in it must be considered (the adopted 2005 North East evidence has identified as having together when forming a view. Derbyshire Local Plan2 in this the most pressing need for action case). At the time of producing and which the Plan can have the 19. It covers the period from 2016 the Neighbourhood Plan, biggest impact. Where there are to 2033. This period had been NEDDC had prepared a draft existing national district planning selected to conform with the North Local Plan.5 w

8 History and Objectives Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Community 9 THE PLAN COMMUNITY

ronfield is already a successful community. DTo maintain its sense of place The Plan seeks to preserve and enhance existing assets and facilities and at the same time encourage new enterprise in response to Dronfield’s growth and changing needs. There are four main areas of Dronfield life covered in the Communities Section of The Plan: Health, Education, Services and Assets of Community Value. Health care is already under pressure and needs protection as well as development. Dronfield has a higher than average educational achievement record and The Plan supports the maintenance of high standards in all the town’s schools. Both in health and education, there is concern that large housing development could overburden existing facilities. The current infrastructure of services like fire, police and libraries are seen by the community as important to the overall wellbeing of the town. The Plan seeks to encourage their maintenance, some of which have been under threat in the past. The town is fortunate to have a wealth of community assets. The Plan seeks to protect them and discourage COMMUNITY activities which could deplete or harm them. Overall, Dronfield is a safe, clean and healthy town for the community as a whole. The Neighbourhood Plan seeks to What our maintain and enhance its reputation and facilities. community says:

There is a need for a greater range of facilities as a response to the Town’s changing needs

We are concerned about the recent loss of facilities, and the risk of further closures in the future.

Our community facilities are under strain. We are concerned about the impact of future developments on capacity. 10 Community Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Community 11 Themes and Policies

■ THE PLAN AIMS: above in English and Maths and COMMUNITY all schools achieving an Ofsted ASSETS • To maintain a strong rating of ‘Good’ or higher (School sense of community and Performance Tables9). ■ focus on the inclusion of Objectives: all its members by creating The plan seeks to support the To protect and enhance opportunites for new and maintenance of the high levels of existing community existing networks. educational achievement. facilities and services There is concern that increased • To enhance community and housing development in the town outdoor sports facilities. Background risks over-burdening the schools • To promote joint partnership and therefore negatively impacting 21. Dronfield benefits from a range between all stakeholders in levels of educational achievement. of community facilities, including a the community. Civic Hall, leisure centre, churches, Services doctors’ surgeries, primary schools • To retain Dronﬁeld as a safe, clean, healthy home for the and a secondary school. These entire community. 25. Community consultation community facilities are enjoyed by identified services such as police, its residents as well as the many • To discourage activities fire, post office, doctors and libraries visitors from outside the town. which may harm the quiet as being important. The town They make a significant contribution enjoyment of living (e.g. currently has a dedicated service to the wellbeing and distinctive pollution, heavy and unsafe trafﬁc and environmentally in each of these areas. character of the town and provide threatening industries) The Plan places a presumption in an important focal point for people • To support high levels of favour of retaining these facilities, to meet and socialise, as well educational achievement. meaning that their loss would be as allowing them to access key resisted, particularly as increased services. housing would place increased practices. Community consultation demands on them. 22. A sustainable future for tells us that this provision of health The Plan recognises that these Dronfield means ensuring existing care is already under pressure and facilities have been under threat in service levels are maintained and is highly valued by the community the past. new services are encouraged to who wish to see it protected and, meet the changing needs of the where possible, enhanced. 26. The Town Council has been community. There is also concern that increased advised that the town’s cemetery development of housing without is reaching capacity and has a Health increasing the capacity of health lifespan of around 20 more years. facilities has the potential to Thus, the Plan recognises that 23. Census7 data tells us that the overburden medical practices and there is a need to turn land into town has a significantly higher will negatively impact upon health new cemetery provision, subject population of over 65s: 25% provision. to normal planning considerations; compared to the national average in principle, it will support viable of 16%. Despite having an ageing Education proposals for this. population, the town has lower than average reports of poor health, 24. The town has one secondary 27. Local and national planning health problems and disability and school and a number of infant, junior policy advocates planning policies the town sits within a district of and primary schools and private that plan positively for the provision good healthy life expectancy (Public nurseries. It has recently lost its and use of community facilities and Health England, Marmot Indicators only SureStart centre. Levels of guards against the unnecessary 20158). The town is served by 4 educational attainment are higher loss of valued community facilities medical practices, several chemists, than the national average with 81% and services. dentists and complementary health of students achieving Grade C or 10 Community Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Community 11

28. Consultation has identified a Appendix 4 will not be supported, viability assessment that the current number of facilities which are vital except where: use is economically unviable and all to the community. These facilities reasonable efforts have been made have been listed in Appendix 4, a) It can be satisfactorily to let or sell the current use over a Protection of Important Community demonstrated to the NEDDC 12-month period. Assets and referred to in Policy C1. that the facility is no longer needed in the town, or that service could ■ POLICY C2: SUPPORTING ■ POLICY C1: PROTECTION be adequately provided in an NEW AND ENHANCED OF IMPORTANT COMMUNITY alternative way, or elsewhere in an COMMUNITY FACILITIES FACILITIES alternative location that is equally Development proposals that result accessible by public transport, walking Development proposals involving in the loss of, or have a significant and cycling or the provision of a new or enhanced adverse effect on, an important community facility will be supported community facility identified in b) It can be demonstrated through a where it can be demonstrated to 12 Natural Environment Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Natural Environment 13

North East Derbyshire District an ‘Asset of Community Value’ as ensures that the ‘Listing’ of an Asset Council, in discussion with the Town “a building or other land ... if its of Community Value is a material Council, that it meets a local need main use has recently been or is consideration (i.e. it must be taken (for example medical, educational, presently used to further the social into account) when a planning police and cemetery related wellbeing or social interests of the application is being considered that facilities) and is subject to transport, local community and could do so may affect the Listed Asset. To date, environmental, amenity and in the future”. The Localism Act11 one Asset, The Coach and Horses landscape considerations. states that “social interests” include public house has been designated cultural, recreational and sport- as an Asset of Community Value, in Assets of Community ing interests. Where an asset is 2016, by The Friends of the Coach Value ‘Listed’, the town or parish council & Horses group. or other community organisations 29. The registering of Community will be given the opportunity to bid to ■ POLICY C3: ASSETS OF Assets is a separate (non-planning) purchase the asset on behalf of the COMMUNITY VALUE legal process, initiated by a town local community if it comes up for or parish council or a community sale on the open market. Development proposals that group, but undertaken by NEDDC. support the longevity, appreciation The designation of a community 30. The inclusion of a specific policy and community value of an facility as an Asset of Community in a neighbourhood plan with regard Asset of Community Value will be Value provides the opportunity to to Assets of Community Value encouraged. Development proposals give it added protection from inap- provides the opportunity to give any for a change of use that would result propriate development. registered Asset added protection in the loss of an Asset of Community 11 The Localism Act 2011 defines from inappropriate development. It Value will not be supported. 12 Natural Environment Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Natural Environment 13 THE PLAN NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ronfield is fortunate to have surrounding the town; protect N ATURAL ENVIR ONMENT Dmany green spaces within the important views and vistas, and town, and is also surrounded by protect trees, woodlands and green space which separates it hedgerows. What our from other local authorities. Many of Green spaces within Dronfield are community says: the surrounding spaces are in The highly valued by the community and Green Belt – a specific designation also form networks and corridors Protection of the e xisting to check urban sprawl, prevent which perform multiple functions green belt boundary is a towns merging into one another ranging from informal recreation to top priority and there is no desire to see the Green and safeguarding the countryside wildlife havens. Belt boundary altered. generally. The Plan seeks to ensure that future The Neighbourhood Plan supports developments protect, and where the continued designation of possible enhance the town’s green the countryside surrounding the and blue (rivers, ponds and streams) town as Green Belt with a strong infrastructure. Studies prove the Protection of presumption against development town has a quality landscape that important local green spaces is vital. that would conflict with its aims. is highly sensitive to change and The Plan also seeks to protect irreplaceable. Wherever possible, it the rural character and historic must be protected. significance of the landscape

The Green Belt is important to mak e sure neighbouring areas do not encroac h on our to wn 14 Natural Environment Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Natural Environment 15 Themes and Policies ■ development that would conflict NATURAL THE PLAN AIMS: with the purposes of the Green ENVIRONMENT • Protect the current Belt or adversely affect its open designated Green Belt Background character in accordance with the NPPF. 31. Access to green fields, • Protect the rural character of the surrounding landscape Green Belt and rural countryside is Landscape character a key factor in making the town a • Retain and enhance green 34. The local landscape character desirable place to live. and blue spaces for ecology is extremely important to the local Green Belt community for its scenic beauty, • Preserve local green space wildlife and historic interest and Green belt for sport and recreation the contribution it makes the areas 32. The Sheffield and North • Protect trees, woodlands distinctiveness and sense of Derbyshire Green Belt, see Map and hedgerows of signiﬁcant place. One of the core principles 1, runs from the fringe of the Peak importance in the National Planning Policy District National Park in the west to Framework is that planning should the boundary with Bolsover District recognise the intrinsic character in the east. The primary purpose regard to their intended permanence and beauty of the countryside. of the Green Belt is to “prevent in the long term, so that they should Furthermore, strategic policies for coalescence of Chesterfield and be capable of enduring beyond the 1 the conservation and enhancement Sheffield and to maintain the plan period.” The NPPF (para 82) of the natural environment, including integrity of settlements in between.” provides the following elaboration landscape should include not only The Green Belt is a key element of on “exceptional circumstances”: designated landscapes but also the the landscape character of the town, “for example when planning for wider countryside. as highlighted in the NEDDC Green larger scale development such as Infrastructure Study12 (2012) “... new settlements and major urban 35. The landscape of the town is of the 4 main towns in the District are extensions.” 5 a high quality. The built-up area of set in open countryside and have The draft District Local Plan Dronfield is bordered to the north, clearly defined settlement boundar- published in February 2017 south and west by land identified as ies providing good accessibility to proposes the release of 5 significant Primary Areas of Multiple Sensitivity natural Green Space around them. areas of Green Belt adjoining the (AMES). These are the “most This is a key feature of the District Dronfield Settlement Boundary. sensitive areas of landscape, which and provides local distinctiveness”. “These have been selected on the basis that they would cause least are most likely to be negatively affected by change or development 33. It is for local authorities to harm to the strategic functions of and will attract a strong focus on define and maintain green belt land the Green Belt and could provide the protection (conservation) of their in their local areas. Although it is for at least 450 dwellings by 2033.” environmental assets.”24 intended that green belt land has a This is highly disputed by the local degree of permanence, it is possible community as evidenced by the 36. Natural England identifies a for a local planning authority to number of responses to the first number of landscape character conduct a review of green belt land consultation on the draft District areas. The western section of the and consider redefining boundaries Local Plan and the consultation town falls within the Derbyshire which add or take away green belt undertaken as part of the Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent land in order to meet local planning development of thre Neighbourhood Landscape Character Area,15 requirements. Paragraph 83 of Plan.. and wooded slopes and valley the NPPF1 states “... Green Belt ■ POLICY ENV1: GREEN BELT landscape type. This landscape boundaries should only be altered type is characterised by “a rising, in exceptional circumstances, The Plan supports the continued undulating landscape with many through the preparation or review designation of the countryside semi-natural woodlands, some of the Local Plan. At that time, surrounding the town as Green Belt. of ancient origin, along steep authorities should consider the Within the Green Belt, there will slopes and valley sides with Green Belt boundaries having be a strong presumption against densely scattered hedgerow and 14 Natural Environment Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Natural Environment 15

watercourse trees. Ancient semi- of its industrial past. The wealth 40. The studies undertaken and natural broadleaved woodland is of Listed Buildings, Conservation referenced in the above dialogue a prominent characteristic of the Areas, Historic Environment make it clear that the town Wooded Slopes and Valleys.” Records and ancient parts of the has a quality landscape that is The eastern section of the town Historic Landscape Characterisation highly sensitive to change and falls within the Nottinghamshire, pertain to this.” irreplaceable. It is critical, therefore, Derbyshire and Yorkshire that any future development Landscape Character Area, and 39. Other reports and studies respects and, as far as possible, Wooded Hills and Valleys landscape have highlighted the importance conserves and enhances the type. This area is characterised by of the landscape in the town distinctive character and sense “a broadly undulating upland with a and the surrounding area. The of place. strongly wooded character, defined NEDDC Green Infrastructure Plan17 by woodland, mixed farming and highlights the need for protection ■ POLICY ENV2: LANDSCAPE sparsely scattered settlement.” and enhancement of the district’s CHARACTER landscape character as an 37. The Historic Landscape integral part of planning for Development proposals should Character Assessment15 work new development. The NEDDC contribute to the protection, conducted by Derbyshire County Settlement Role and Function maintenance and enhancement of Council identified the landscape Study10 (2013) states, “Overall the character of the local landscape. around a small number of the evidence points to the relative Proposals should as appropriate: settlements, including Dronfield, sensitivity of the landscapes a) take every opportunity, through as historically sensitive on of the Peak Fringe to future design and materials, to reinforce account of their ancient enclosure, development growth. The character local character and a strong sense characterised by fossilised field of these landscapes remains of place; strips or irregular field patterns. distinctive, retains a high level b) incorporate landscaping and A Historic Environment Study16 of environmental quality (visual, boundary treatments local in commissioned by NEDDC to inform ecological and historic) and high character including the use of native the emerging Local Plan provides levels of relative tranquility at a tree and hedgerow species; a detailed review of landscape county scale. Significant growth of c) conserve important local historic character in North East Derbyshire. settlements within the Peak Fringe landscape features such as ancient The study highlighted a number of or of settlements immediately and irregular field enclosures, historic landscapes including: abutting the Peak Fringe could have ridge and furrow, stonewalls, • “Post 1650 enclosures with potentially adverse effects on these woodlands, mature trees and irregular fields”, a feature prevalent identified qualities.” historic hedgerows. outside the settlement boundary • “Enclosures of unknown date with irregular fields”, primarily to the north-west and containing a number of important sites of historic importance • “Industrial”, includes two centrally located sites • “Ancient enclosures and fossil strip systems”, found primarily to the north-east corner with a few to the north of the town • “Managed plantation/woodland”, the largest of which is Frith Wood which appears on maps from 1835.

38. The Historic Environment Study16 concluded that “The landscape of the constrained north outside the settlements, retains historic field patterns and historic woodlands that are characteristic 16 Natural Environment Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Natural Environment 17

Green and Blue functions, including providing 43. The work conducted by Infrastructure opportunities for informal recreation; Derbyshire County Council on a haven and routes and corridors Areas of Multiple Environmental 14 41. As well as landscape, the Plan for wildlife; a recreation area; Sensitivity identifies the town’s will seek to protect the town’s green and, overall, contributing to the green and blue infrastructure as and blue infrastructure. Green town’s settings; and contributing to supporting areas of ecological infrastructure is the whole network residents’ health and well-being. sensitivity and importance. of grasslands, woodlands, hedges, The NEDDC Green Infrastructure Whilst the town does not have any lanes, rivers, ponds, streams that Plan17 identifies green infrastructure statutory sites, it does have two together form a network across the as a way to potentially enhance sites which have been designated area. The rivers, ponds and streams tourism, by increasing linkages of national importance close to its are sometimes referred to as blue both within the district but also borders. These are: infrastructure. Individual elements sub-regionally. • The South Pennine Moors of green and blue infrastructure can Special Area of Conservation/ serve a useful purpose but, when 42. It is important that new Special Protection Area (SAC/SPA), linked together to form networks, development is supported by located approximately further combined benefits can be a network of Green and Blue 3 kilometres to the west of achieved. The network performs Infrastructure that not only the town boundary multiple reinforces landscape character but • The Moss Valley Woods, a Site can also deliver the multiple public of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) benefits that contribute to the which adjoins the northeastern quality of life and social boundary of the town and well-being. encompasses a high proportion of Ancient Woodland. The broader Moss Valley sits within the Green Belt and, in addition to Moss Valley Woods, incorporates two further separate SSSIs, providing an indication of its biodiversity value. The Moss Valley Biodiversity Study (DCC Countryside and Natural England, 200518) recommended further work be undertaken to create linkages across the whole landscape area.

44. Furthermore, the town encompasses a number of green and blue spaces which have been identified as being of local ecological importance. UK BAP priority habitats are significant in that they have been identified as being the most threatened and requiring conservation under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP19). The primary habitat objective for the Peak Fringe in the Lowland Derbyshire 16 Natural Environment Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Natural Environment 17

Biodiversity Action Plan (2011-2020) movement of wildlife, people and is the “maintenance, restoration and the provision of ecosystem services. expansion of woodland, grassland, Where appropriate and practicable, heathland and wetlands ...” proposals for development should UK BAP Priority Habitats in the seek to connect with this corridor, town include deciduous woodland, through for example rights of way. a small number of traditional orchards and good quality semi- ■ POLICY ENV4: ECOLOGY improved grasslands (non-priority). The Plan supports development proposals which enhance the 45. Of special importance is the biodiversity of the site or locality, Lea Brook Valley, which is a green especially where this will help corridor stretching from the wetlands deliver networks of biodiversity and of the Gosforth Valley, through green infrastructure and targets the centre of the town to the River identified in the Lowland Derbyshire Drone. (The river Drone rises in Biodiversity Action Plan. Batemoor, at the very southern edge of Sheffield.) It flows through Where significant impacts are Dronfield in a steep channel identified, appropriate mitigation or and joins the River Whitting at compensation measures will be Sheepbridge in Chesterfield. required. Such measures will be targeted to benefit local 46. The town has two significant conservation priorities as identified pockets of Ancient Woodland: in the Lowland Derbyshire Firth Wood (Ancient and Semi- Biodiversity Action Plan. Natural Woodland and Ancient Replanted Woodland) and School is also an issue, causing populations Local Green Spaces Wood/Hollins Spring Wood (Ancient to become both smaller and more and Semi-Natural Woodland). vulnerable. The water vole is 48. Green spaces within These woodlands are important for another priority species recorded Dronfield are highly valued by biodiversity conservation as well as in the town. Once common and the local community and provide cultural and historical significance. widespread throughout the UK, opportunities for sport, recreation This green and blue infrastructure they have suffered a long-term and community events. Some of supports a wide variety of wildlife, decline caused by loss of wetland these green spaces provide vital not only outside the built-up area, habitats. Water voles are found stepping stones for wildlife through but in the heart of the town. Wildlife in running water, standing water, the centre of the town. They are in the Lea Brook valley includes swamps and tall herb fen and mires. especially important given that the 2012 North East Derbyshire Green more than 127 species of wild 47. The Plan seeks to ensure that Infrastructure Study12 showed that flowers, at least 85 species of birds future development protects and, the town generally has an under (45 of these species nesting), 3 where possible, enhances green provision of such recreation areas species of dragonflies, 8 species of and blue infrastructure. Furthermore, relative to its population size. butterflies and 5 mammal species. where possible and appropriate, The NPPF1 enables a The great-crested newt, a UK BAP priority habitats and habitats suitable neighbourhood plan to protect and Lowland BAP priority species for priority species will be created special local green spaces from have been recorded at several within development schemes. locations in the town. development, where it meets certain specified criteria, such as where The main threat to the great-crested ■ POLICY ENV3: THE LEA the green space is in reasonably newt is the loss of breeding ponds BROOK VALLEY GREEN close proximity to the community, and associated terrestrial habitats, CORRIDOR mainly due to development, is demonstrably special to a local agricultural intensification and The Lea Brook Valley as shown community and not an extensive drainage. The newts are found on map 7, is defined as a Green tract of land. Those sites that in standing water, swamps, tall Corridor. Development proposals qualified under the criteria are outlined herb and fen mires and previously affecting this feature should seek to with justification in the accompanying developed land. Fragmentation of support and enhance its operation Local Green Spaces Report which both aquatic and terrestrial habitats as a multifunctional corridor for the forms part of the evidence base. 18 Natural Environment Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Housing & Infrastructure 19

■ POLICY ENV5: ancient semi-natural woodland, Promote linked extensions LOCAL GREEN SPACES • deciduous woodland and traditional to ancient woodland by natural The spaces listed below in orchards (UK BAP priority habitats). regeneration and planting Appendix 8 and illustrated in Woodlands are valued for their • Promote the use of indigenous the map 7 are designated as wildlife, landscape and recreational tree and shrub species Local Green Spaces on which uses and need to be sensitively • Re-establish and enhance development will only be supported managed and links between them, physical links between existing in very special circumstances un- such as hedgerows, need to be isolated woodland and hedgerows less it is consistent with the function maintained to allow animals and of the Local Green Space. plants to spread. The planting and 50. The plan seeks to protect and management guidelines for wooded enhance the woodland character of Trees and Woodlands slopes and valleys aim to: the town through the conservation • Promote small-medium scale and extension of trees and 49. Trees and woodlands are woodland planting hedgerows. It is important that defining features of the Dronfield • Conserve and restore all ancient new planting be of an appropriate landscape. They include areas of woodland sites species, as outlined in the planting and management guidelines produced by Derbyshire County Council20 and The Habitat Creation Guide for Lowland Derbyshire.21

■ ENV6: PROTECTION & ENHANCEMENT OF TREES AND WOODLANDS

Development proposals will be encouraged to increase tree coverage and retain existing trees and hedges by integrating them into the design of the development.

Where development proposals would damage or result in the loss of trees, hedges and woodlands of arboricultural, ecological and amenity value, they will not be permitted unless the harm is outweighed by the benefits of the development.

Development proposals which may adversely affect such trees and hedgerows of good value should be accompanied by an independent survey that establishes the health of any affected trees or hedgerows, and a management plan to demonstrate how they will be so maintained. Where trees are to be felled, equivalent replacement tree planting in the town will be sought. 18 Natural Environment Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Housing & Infrastructure 19 THE PLAN HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE ronfield needs a sustainable pressures that would be put on the HOUSING Dlevel of new housing based on town’s infrastructure. identifiable local needs and taking Taking into account this feedback, into account mix, type and density. development of Green Belt land is What our Legislation dictates that The Plan strongly discouraged in favour of community says: must conform to national and district building on brownfield sites. planning policies. By analysing local needs, The Our town is not a suitable The emerging Local Plan from North Plan supports the development and sustainable location East Derbyshire District Council of housing for the elderly, and for signiﬁcant house currently proposes a minimum of starter homes for the town’s next building 450 homes to be built in Dronfield generation. It is important that any between 2012 and 2032 and the housing growth is of the right type majority on green field sites to support the changing needs and currently in the Green Belt. priorities of the population. In a consultation with local The Plan also recognises there will Any house building should residents, it emerged that while not be opportunities for small scale be limited in number and opposed to sustainable development developments of less than 10 homes carefully controlled in line with recent historic trends, and that these “windfall” sites have there is deep concern about the the potential to provide a modest scale as proposed in the NEDDC source of new homes. Local Plan and the consequent

New homes should not be built on green belt land

New homes should be of a type and design that reﬂects the needs and aspirations of the town 20 Housing & Infrastructure Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Housing & Infrastructure 21 Themes and Policies ■ THE PLAN AIMS: since 2011, which suggests this HOUSING & is responsive to normal market INFRASTRUCTURE • To support a level of conditions of supply and demand. housing provision that meets local need Housing Allocations Background • To support the development The Plan does allocate land for 51. Legislation requires that a of housing for the elderly and 54. neighbourhood plan must be in starter homes housing. This is a matter dealt with general conformity with national through the emerging North East and district wide (i.e. North East • Prioritise the use of Derbyshire Local Plan. It does, brownﬁeld sites for housing Derbyshire) planning policies. however, support suitable and and other forms of sustainable housing growth in development 52. At the local level, the key Dronfield within the existing urban planning document, which the • To ensure all new area as defined by the Green Belt. Dronfield neighbourhood plan must development includes suitable It does not support housing take into account is the emerging infrastructure to address its allocations in the Green Belt. 5 needs and any new impact it North East Derbyshire Local Plan, may have which sets the agenda for housing Windfall Housing numbers and growth within Dronfield • To preserve its residential Development and the wider North East Derbyshire aspect district. The housing numbers 55. The National Planning Policy Framework describes ‘Windfall required by North East Derbyshire National planning policy1 is explicit Sites’ as “Sites which have not been currently propose a minimum of that, “Once established, Green Belt specifically identified as available 450 homes to be built in Dronfield boundaries should only be altered in the Local Plan process. They between the period of 2012 and in exceptional circumstances”. The normally comprise previously- 2032 and that the majority of this exceptional circumstances, which developed sites that have housing growth should take place national planning policy requires unexpectedly become available”. on greenfield sites currently in the for the alteration of green belt Green Belt. boundaries are not present. 56. In the past, such sites have • There are alternative suitable and made use of underused or 53. Consultation shows that the sustainable locations elsewhere redundant buildings and have made community, while not opposed in the District which could a significant contribution to the to limited, sustainable housing accommodate this housing growth town’s housing numbers. This is development, in line with recent for example, brownfield sites and a trend which is expected to historic trends, is deeply concerned vacant or under-utilised employment continue. Though these sites are about the scale of housing sites, which do not meet modern not identified, the relatively high land development proposed for the town business requirements. It is felt values in the town coupled with the as set out in the draft District Local that the District could do more 5 level of vacant and inappropriately Plan . The town is not considered to encourage Brownfield site located land and buildings, including to be a suitable and sustainable identification. some sites in employment use (see location for the scale of development • Major development will have an employment section), mean that proposed. Consultation suggests adverse impact on the distinctive windfall sites have the potential to that: character of the town, and Dronfield provide a modest source of housing lacks the services and infrastructure • In order to meet proposed and other forms of development. housing requirements, the District (much of which is already under Local Plan5 proposes all housing pressure) to support such growth. 57. Consultation shows that the • The draft Local Plan allocates a development should take place community is generally supportive of housing target of 450 new homes on greenfield sites, requiring the such windfall housing development, in Dronfield. However, only 70 re-designation of large areas of where it is within the built-up part of houses have been built in the town land presently in the Green Belt. Dronfield, otherwise suitable in scale 20 Housing & Infrastructure Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Housing & Infrastructure 21

location, harmonises with the impact including mitigation Dronfield. This means that ‘windfall existing character and help meet measures does not result in an housing development will not count need a local need. Further, that unacceptable impact on its own, in meeting the local housing target. development on greenfield sites is or in combination with other National planning policy enables strongly discouraged in favour of development proposals, or road and North East Derbyshire to make an building on brownfield sites. pedestrian safety allowance for windfall sites in the d) do not result in an unacceptable five-year supply, ■ POLICY HOU1: WINDFALL loss of amenity for neighbouring “if they have compelling evidence HOUSING DEVELOPMENT occupiers by reason of loss of that such sites have consistently privacy, loss of daylight, visual become available in the local area Development proposals for windfall intrusion or noise; and and will continue to provide a housing within the existing urban e) can be demonstrated that reliable source of supply”. area (the built-up area of the town development on brownfield land not covered by the Green Belt) will over greenfield land has been 59. We consider that there will be supported where in accordance prioritised. continue to be opportunities for with relevant policies in the Plan small scale ‘windfall’ developments. (especially D3) and relevant District 58. It is noted that NEDDC’s Local and national policies, and where it: Plan states that only commitments 60. Therefore, the Town Council a) is well integrated within adjoining compatible with the strategic will encourage NEDDC to count uses and the surrounding areas; approach set out in the Local Plan such developments toward the b) retains existing important natural will be counted towards meeting achievement of their total housing boundaries such as trees, hedges any local housing requirement requirement, thus providing an and streams; such as for alternative to building on Green c) provides for a safe vehicular and Belt land. pedestrian access to the site and that traffic generation and parking 22 Housing & Infrastructure Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Housing & Infrastructure 23

Housing Mix bedrooms) will grow significantly more smaller dwellings as well as 61. There is a need to encourage over the Plan period. Some of well-designed specialist housing. a wider range of house types to this need will be created by first- The provision of the smaller types of meet the existing and future needs time buyers trying to get onto the dwellings may also help to address of the residents of the town. It is property ladder, but perhaps more the relatively high number of important that any housing growth significantly by the growth in the properties that are under-occupied is of the right type to support the number of households of retirement because of the household reducing changing needs and priorities of the age. It also shows that there is a in size - for example, elderly population. relative under provision of such households continuing to occupy housing. large family housing. 62. As part of the development of At 26%, the proportion of the the Plan, a detailed examination of housing stock in the town (at the This may allow older people in the the available housing characteristics time of the 2011 Census) which town to downsize thus freeing up data from the 2011 Census, had one or two bedrooms was well larger properties for new families NEDDC, Rykneld Homes (who below the district (35%) and the and young people. manage NEDDC’s housing stock), national (40%) averages. It provides consultation findings and other evidence that there is a growing 65. The Plan is not seeking the sources has been undertaken. need for specialist housing, for construction of exclusively one This report22 can be found at example, suitable for elderly people. or two bedroomed and specialist http://www.dronfield.gov.uk/ housing (e.g. for disabled people) neighbourhood-plan.html. 64. This means that housing over the Plan period. It does, developments will have to change to however, require the prioritisation 63. This provides strong evidence provide in the supply and support of these that the need for smaller types and size of dwellings in the dwellings (one housing mix to create a more or two balanced demographic over time. 22 Housing & Infrastructure Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Housing & Infrastructure 23

66. Taking into account the 69. Local planning policies for the applicants with a strong local feedback from the community provision of affordable housing are connection to Dronfield town, i.e.: consultation and the need identified, set at the district level. There is • Has lived in Dronfield town for this Plan supports an appropriate a general requirement to provide more than 5 years; amount of sustainable housing 40% affordable units on-site when • Has close family living in which has demonstrable need and negotiating on residential and Dronfield town for more than 5 deliverability, and which is of an mixed-use schemes in the town of years; appropriate mix, type and density. 0.5ha and above and for schemes of 15 dwellings or more. There is a Infrastructure needs ■ POLICY HOU2: HOUSING MIX strong case for meeting local targets of housing and other for affordable housing provision, forms of development New housing development should and the Plan supports the provision provide for a mix of housing types, of suitable, affordable housing, 72. A major theme of the sizes and tenures to meet identified that clearly reflects and meets an consultation was that the additional housing need in Dronfield and North evidenced local housing need. infrastructure needs arising because East Derbyshire District. They will of housing and other forms of new be required to demonstrate how 70. The evidence gathered does not development must be addressed they have taken account of the most support the Plan developing its own and at the earliest opportunity. up to date published evidence on specific affordable housing policy housing needs in the town, having as regards the proportion of newly 73. The town continues to be the regard to other site characteristics, built dwellings to be affordable. It location for development, much viability and market considerations. does support local planning policies of it potentially large scale, and The provision of smaller dwellings and underline the importance that it that the infrastructure, whether (e.g. 2 bedrooms or less) and should be assertively implemented that be roads, schools, medical specialised housing suitable to within the Parish. facilities, public transport provision meet the needs of young families, or any of the range of needs new disabled, young people and older 71. Further, there is also a development can bring, are not residents should be prioritised within compelling case for affordable being addressed, and maintained, housing developments to meet a units to be prioritised for those in a timely, long-term or coordinated town housing need. individuals in housing need with a manner. It is imperative that local connection. Housing of this development provide suitable Housing Affordability nature will be prioritised for those infrastructure to cater for both with a local connection, and the immediate and further needs. 67. The Plan adopts the Town Council would seek input into Government’s definition of the Lettings Policy. In addition, the 74. Much of the development Affordable Housing as contained Plan wishes to promote the creation that has taken place has been in the National Planning Policy of integrated and sustainable piecemeal and inadequate Framework. This describes communities by having affordable consideration has not been affordability housing as, “social housing units spread throughout given to any infrastructure rented, affordable rented and the development rather than requirements arising and their future intermediate housing, provided to concentrated in one area. maintenance. This has resulted in eligible households whose needs poorer developments for everyone are not met by the market. Eligibility ■ POLICY HOU3: – developers, occupiers and the is determined with regard to local AFFORDABLE HOUSING wider community. incomes and local house prices3”. Where affordable housing is to be 75. To ensure this, proposals will 68. It remains a key housing issue provided as part of a development, be assessed against the criteria in for the town, and prices can be too it should be designed and delivered Policy HOU4, and other relevant high for those on average incomes. to be indistinguishable from market policies in the Plan. It provides According to government figures, housing and must be distributed further detail to accompany relevant the average house price in the town evenly through the development emerging planning policy in the was £219,453 in 2016; while this as a whole. In legal agreements Local Plan. figure is below the National average connected to planning consents (£282,672) it is well above the that deliver affordable housing, 76. All development should be district norm (£188,451). nomination rights will normally assessed for the impact it has on be expected to give priority to the local community and area; and 24 Housing & Infrastructure Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Transport & Access 25 all new development should provide made to link with existing walking be used to secure infrastructure suitable infrastructure to cater for and cycling routes; or funding from a developer. For both immediate and future needs, c).the need for any additional example, a planning obligation whether that be roads, schools, capacity in local services in might be used to secure a financial health or any other of the range of particular health and schools; contribution towards improving needs new development can bring. d). any recreational open space existing recreational facilities or They must also give consideration provision required in the proposed affordable housing. However, there to the maintenance implications of development should be central to are strict regulations governing the any proposals. the development, fully integrated circumstances in which planning and suitably overlooked by adjacent obligations can be sought and how ■ POLICY HOU4: properties; it can be spent. A new system is INFRASTRUCTURE FOR NEW e). where relevant, proposals also being introduced to be used HOUSING AND OTHER FORMS should include measures for future alongside the use of planning OF DEVELOPMENT maintenance of open spaces, hard obligations. This is known as the and soft landscaping and other Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Any identified additional public areas and facilities; and is set at 25% in areas where infrastructure needs arising as a f). the inclusion of appropriate and there is a neighbourhood plan. result of proposed new development adequate lighting; and At this time, NEDDC is still must be addressed before planning g). suitable capacity in local considering whether to introduce approval is granted. Approvals infrastructure including power CIL with Section 106 agreements. will be conditioned so that, where supply, sewerage and drainage. necessary, infrastructure is in place 78. Through the preparation of preferably prior to development Developer the Plan, the Town Council, in taking place, but, at a minimum, at Contributions conjunction with the community and appropriate times in the phasing other stakeholders, has identified a of the development. In particular, 77. Development can bring small number of priority areas they development proposals will be significant benefits to the local wish to secure funding for (either in assessed against the following: community, including new homes whole or in part) through the use of a). site access and the need for any and jobs. It can also have a planning obligations. Priority areas additional road capacity, car parking negative impact, for example, for funding are (in no particular and public transport provision; where additional demand is placed order): b). new infrastructure to ensure on facilities and services, which • Parks and recreational facilities the development is accessible by are already at or near capacity. • Footpaths foot, cycle and people with mobility Planning obligations (also known • Infrastructure impairment and that connections are as Section 106 agreements) may • Public transport • Community facilities

■ POLICY HOU5: DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS The Town Council will seek to prioritise the use of financial contributions, whether from the Community Infrastructure Levy or negotiated obligations, for improvements to, and enhancement of, the areas identified in paragraph 77. Developers are encouraged to engage with the Town Council prior to the preparation of any planning application to confirm these local priorities, ensuring that, where appropriate and viable, the facilities proposed to complement any development proposals reflect these priorities. 24 Housing & Infrastructure Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Transport & Access 25

TRANSPORT AND ACCESS What our THE PLAN community says:

There are problems with inconsiderate and TRANSPORT inadequate parking & ACCESS ronfield’s popularity as a place Transport issues were frequently There is already limited Dto live and its convenient referred to in the consultations with public transportaround location with accessibility to the issues such as the high number the town with a risk major road networks has meant a of HGVs in the town; road and that bus services will significant and growing amount pedestrian safety and the lack of decrease further of road traffic. The car provides safe parking high on the agenda. the principle mode of transport for The lack of a good public transport Dronfield residents, the majority of system was also cited as a major whom commute to work outside the barrier to its greater use. town. The Plan’s transport policies An increase in trafﬁc due The transport infrastructure of the seek to ensure that any new to new developments town is therefore struggling to cope development incorporates measures would be concerning on a largely historic street pattern to accommodate traffic and provide which is inadequate for modern sufficient safe and convenient needs. The Plan therefore aims to car parking. Any additional support a suitable transport network infrastructure needs arising to serve all users as well as guarding from new development must be High and growing against development which result in addressed. transport movements overburdening the existing network. are concerning, especially HGVs, pedestrian safety, air and noise quality. 26 Transport & Access Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Transport & Access 27

Themes and Policies ■ TRANSPORT THE PLAN AIMS: is insufficient to address and keep • To promote sustainable up with the town’s transport needs AND ACCESS transport network which and priorities. In addition, there Background serves all users as well as is a strong wish that any new guarding against development developments should ensure that any 79. Transport issues, such as the which results in overburdening transport impacts are identified and high number of HGVs within the the existing network. addressed at the earliest opportunity. town, road and pedestrian safety Consultation particularly identifies the and the lack of adequate parking To increase road safety. following areas likely to be negatively within the town have been identified • To improve and manage car impacted by further development: as significant during consultation, parking. • Conflict between pedestrians not only with residents, but also and vehicles along High Street and employers, visitors and other • To reduce vehicular Church Street interested parties as well as studies movements especially • Junction of Callywhite Lane, such as the Dronfield Regeneration by Heavy Good Vehicles. Green Lane and Chesterfield Road Framework, Dronfield 203523 Alleviate trafﬁc congestion • Junction of Stubley Lane and produced by NEDDC in 2013. and implement transport Stubley Hollow measures that support • Sheffield Road (Bowshaw) 80. The car provides the principal sustainable improvements to • Hallowes Lane mode of transport for residents the transport network. • Snape Hill Lane and visitors. According to the • To promote good mobility • Chesterfield Road 2011 Census,7 85% of households around the town, through a • Eckington Road had access to one or more cars, cohesive, well maintained In addition, speeding is an issue a rate that is far higher than the network of paths, community across the Town. comparative district (78%) and transport and safe roads. national (74%) averages. While the road connections especially to the ■ POLICY T&A 1: HIGHWAYS town provides some services and A61 and M1 motorway result in a facilities, these are limited. Many significant and growing amount of New developments which involve residents commute; NEDDC’s vehicular traffic. The town’s transport alterations to existing highways and Settlement Role & Function Study infrastructure is struggling to cope the provision of new highways must 201310 tells us that 70-80% of with the levels of vehicular traffic meet the following design criteria: people commute to work outside the that use it. The road network has a). to provide suitable measures to town and the clear majority travel to developed over many centuries accommodate all traffic; Sheffield, followed by Chesterfield. and is simply not designed for, nor b). to improve the safety and Almost 50% of those employed travel suited to, the amount of vehicular attractiveness of the street scene; and to work by car or van, which is far more traffic, including HGVs, using it. This c). to integrate appropriate traffic than the national average of 37%. is especially true of the roads and calming measures within the 81. The inadequacy of public transport footpaths in the older parts of the development; provision in the town is considered to town which are often narrow with d). deliver a high level of security be one of the main barriers preventing no or limited parking provision. At and safety by, for example, providing its greater use by residents. the same time, industrial units and adequate street lighting and good large supermarkets require goods visibility; Trafﬁc Management deliveries via HGV. Vehicle speeds e). high quality design through, for and Congestion are also perceived to be high. example, street furniture; and f). limit the need to cross the 82. The town’s popularity as a 83. While it is recognised that there carriageway and make routes place to live and visit, coupled with has been some investment in the accessible to wheelchair users, and its convenient location on the main transport infrastructure, there is other people with access problems highway network with good concern that this (while welcomed) or pushchairs. 26 Transport & Access Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Transport & Access 27

■ T&A2: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Traffic management measures that improve vehicular and road pedestrian safety will be encouraged, particularly where road safety issues have been identified locally, such as • Along High Street and Church Street; • Junction of Callywhite Lane, Green Lane and Chesterfield Road; • Junction of Stubley Lane and Stubley Hollow; • Sheffield Road (Bowshaw); • Hallowes Lane; • Snape Hill Lane; • Chesterfield Road; • Eckington Road; • Speeding in the town;

Development which would affect any of the areas highlighted below in terms of road and pedestrian safety should especially demonstrate appropriate safety improvements.

Sustainable Transport

84. The Transport Studies Report24 states that Dronfield has the highest potential for sustainable transport in the district, and the fact that it is the only town within North East Derbyshire to have a railway station places it at the top of the settlement hierarchy (Settlement Role & Function Study 201310). The town has limited public transport provision, including bus services and taxis.

85. Consultation suggests that sustainable transport methods. their design and layout or may public transport provision is viewed be required to contribute to such as, at best, barely adequate. A 87.The preservation or improvements through a planning particular concern is the adequacy enhancement of the town’s obligation. They should be able of the provision that connects the bridleways is also encouraged. to demonstrate how they link to outlying housing estates such as the existing cycle and pedestrian access in/to the Hallowes Estate ■ POLICY T&A3: CYCLING networks. and Coal Aston to the main urban AND WALKING centres. 2 local bus services (43a & Development proposals that result 44a) have recently ceased. Where appropriate with regard in the loss of, or have a significant to the scale and location of the adverse effect on, the existing Cycling and Walking proposal, development proposals network of footpaths, cycleways and will be required to take advantage bridleways will only be supported 86. Cycle hubs will be especially of opportunities to incorporate where it can be demonstrated that encouraged in convenient locations improvements to the network the public benefit of the development to facilitate the use of more of footpaths and cycleways into clearly outweighs the harm. 28 Transport & Access Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Economy 29

Car Parking The existing commuter parking pedestrians and restricts parking 88. Car parking was raised as an attached to the station is under for those using local shops and issue by many consultees. Parts pressure and, as a result, there is services (such as dentists etc.). of the town experience practical considerable overspill commuting and environmental problems due parking occurring in nearby 91. Derbyshire County Council has to insufficient parking provision residential area streets, such as developed important guidelines on exacerbated by the inadequate Lea Road and Princess Road, car parking provision as part of a width of the road. Most of the older causing unattractive street scenes development proposal. The Plan housing developments within the and exacerbating safety issues. supports this guidance. It also urges town have no facility for off-street In September 2017, Northern Rail the application of the highest levels of parking and, thus, many residents began charging for the use of the car parking provision as set out in the are forced to park on the road. station car park. This led to an guidelines, especially in those parts In the case of newer housing immediate and significant increase of the town where the general lack developments, which do have in the number of commuters of off-road parking spaces is having parking provision, residents may avoiding charges by parking on local the greatest negative impact on the choose to park on the road either for streets and/or in the town’s free car character and quality of life in an area. convenience or because they have parks. more cars per household than the 92. Furthermore, the Plan seeks parking available. The cul-de-sac 90. While some on-street parking to conserve existing car parking layout of many of these housing can help to calm traffic speeds, provision from development unless developments contributes to this inadequate off-street parking has there are strong grounds to justify issue. resulted in an environment in its loss. Appendix 4 lists a number which many parts of the town that of car parks which the Plan seeks to 89. Parking is a particular problem are dominated by cars. It restricts protect, including as an ‘Important around Dronfield Railway Station. traffic movement, results in unsafe Community Facility’. conditions for other road users and ■ POLICY T&A4: CAR PARKING

Development proposals should incorporate sufficient, safe and convenient car parking provision in accordance with agreed Derbyshire County Council standards. Generally, this provision should not be below the standards set by Derbyshire Council for new development. In particular, they must consider the following criteria when determining if the proposed parking provision is sufficient: • Existing provision; • Accessibility; • Type of development; and • Availability of public transport. Development proposals that result in the loss of car parking provision will only be supported where: a). it can be shown that the loss of parking will not have a severe adverse effect on parking and road safety in the nearby area; or b). adequate and convenient replacement car parking provision can be provided. 28 Transport & Access Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Economy 29

ECONOMY What our THE PLAN community says:

Economic development & employment growth is important but not if it ECONOMY involves large scale lthough the majority of Dronfield supported. The Plan recognises development Aresidents commute to Sheffield that the role of the town centre is and Chesterfield for work, there evolving in line the national trend remain a significant number of for changes to how people shop and businesses in the town providing use services. much needed jobs and services. The approach taken in The Plan The shopping centres The Plan therefore supports the allows owners and developers to are important but need development of businesses which grow and evolve in a way that is enhancement service the town and encourages the sympathetic to the role and historic enhancement and improvement of context of Dronfield. the shopping and services sector. Overall, The Plan aims to provide an In Dronfield town centre new environment that promotes new and shopping uses, along with social existing businesses. and community uses, will be ‘A wider variety of shops is needed 30 Economy Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Economy 31

Themes and Policies improved. Some respondents felt ■ THE PLAN AIMS: ECONOMY the town centre to be dull and in • To provide an environment need of a better selection of shops 93. The town provides around 7,200 that promotes new and general improvement. Many jobs, a total of 28% of the district’s and existing businesses. respondents also commented that total number of jobs (Settlement there were too many charity shops. Role & Function Study 2013). • To encourage the vitality The lack of a post office in the Dronfield is a commuter town with and viablility of dronﬁeld town centre and other town centre was also noted; also, 70-80% of the population travelling shopping areas. comments were received that the to Sheffield and Chesterfield and, market was “shrinking”, and that as such, this Plan supports the The area has seen some expansion the quality of shop provision was development of businesses which in recent years with the inclusion reducing. service a commuter town. of a Sainsbury’s supermarket and improvements to the historic core. 99. In the 2005 Local Plan2 a town 94. The town comprises a town However, the arcade section is now centre boundary was defined for centre and a number of smaller dated and has dwindling occupancy Dronfield town centre. The draft hubs serving the local community as rates and high rents. It has recently Local Plan5 proposed to carry well as two superstores. Within each lost a bank and hairdresser, and forward, unaltered, the defined town of the shopping hubs, there exists many units are now charity shops. centre boundary for Dronfield, until a variety of chain and independent The weekly market runs from one a time when it, “can be replaced shops and service provision. car park and the Civic Hall and and informed by the new evidence”. NEDDC’s commissioned Retail remains fairly popular, particularly In January 2017, NEDDC adopted Capacity Study 200826 confirms that with the town’s older population. a Regeneration Framework for the town has a lower proportion of Dronfield, Dronfield 2035.23 This comparison retailers as well as a Like many other similar town document identified, amongst smaller proportion of convenience 96. centres, it faces challenges.These other things, key opportunities retail units than the national include competition from other for improvement within the town average. The report states that, at nearby shopping centres such as centre and, more widely, including the time, there was a reasonable Sheffield and Chesterfield as well improvements to the Civic Centre range of retail services for a centre as the growth in non-traditional form through: of its size, with a hairdresser and of shops and shopping particularly • Improvement of the market offer travel agents, a good range of hot-food takeaways and on-line • Moving the Post Office to the banks and other financial services shopping. Civic Centre as well as numerous restaurants • Re-surfacing and considering the and takeaways. Also, that it was NEDDC’s Dronfield Town Centre planting of trees and shrubs performing below its potential in the 97. Health Check 201325 showed that • New street furniture and improved retail hierarchy, with a unit vacancy residents like facilities such as the lighting level of 15.8% which is notably Civic Hall and the leisure centre, but • A new canopy to the shopping higher than the national average are concerned about empty shops precinct (10.5%). and have mixed opinions about the • Increasing social use of the Civic Town Centre adequacy of parking. Square • Wholesale redevelopment of the 98. During the Plan consultation, shopping precinct 95. Dronfield town centre (see respondents were asked how Map 4) consists of a historic core they would describe the town 100. The suggested improvements stretching from the library to The centre. There were mixed views to the Civic Centre have been Forge and a 1960s shopping parade with a roughly 50/50 split between reviewed as part of the development with flats above, which includes the respondents who were positive and of the plan and are considered to be Civic Hall and sports centre and is those that considered it could be relevant. dominated by three large car parks. 30 Economy Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Economy 31

101. Within the defined Dronfield community and leisure facilities shop fronts can make to improving town centre, new shopping uses, (Use Class D2)) will be supported the appearance of the town centre along with social and community where (i) it can be demonstrated and the town more generally. uses, will be supported. In to North East Derbyshire District They also support a healthy local supporting such uses, the plan Council in consultation with the economy by improving the visual recognises that the role of town town council that it makes a positive appeal of the area. Shop frontages centres is changing, within a contribution to the viability and that are poorly designed and/or broader pattern of changes to vitality of the town centre, (ii) it does badly maintained detract from this how consumers shop and access not adversely affect the shopping visual appeal. services. The approach taken in the element within the immediate area of plan is a flexible one that will allow the site and (iii) it would not result in 103. They make a significant owners and developers to grow and a cluster of non-shop uses (generally contribution to the quality of the evolve in way that is sympathetic no more than three in a row). public realm and the town’s distinct to the role and historic context of In addition, identity and character. Dronfield. a). The residential use of the upper floors of properties within the town 104. Generally, the town centre ■ POLICY E1: MAINITAINING centre will be supported subject to has pleasant quality shop fronts, AND ENHANCING THE ROLE transport, environmental, parking but there has been concern that its AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF and amenity considerations; and character has been eroded by poor DRONFIELD TOWN CENTRE b). They should maintain, and and unsympathetic alterations to where possible, enhance its visual shop fronts, particularly in the town’s The Plan will support development and physical attractiveness. conservation area. proposals that maintain and enhance Dronfield town centre’s role Shop frontages in the 105. Where any proposal would in providing services to the town and town centre require a new shopfront, these will the wider area. To help ensure this be encouraged to be of good design within the defined Dronfield town 102. Studies and the consultation and enhance the character of the centre, see map 4 development specifically highlighted the role well- area. Particular attention should be proposals for the following uses will designed given to retaining be supported. and a). Shops (Use classes A1, A2, A3); and b). Development proposals for other uses appropriate to a town centre (defined as places to eat and drink (Use Class A4) and 32 Economy Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Economy 33 reinstating traditional shop 109. As a consequence, the the town centre; this is recognised frontages; security grilles, lighting; Plan seeks the provision of new but, for the purposes of this Plan, and retention of any heritage bins in all new shopping related, the area is referred to separately. features such as nameplates, office, leisure and other defined Most units are situated in buildings decorative stonework etc. developments in the town centre to of interest, and front the railway reflect that this type of development station. The road can be seen as an ■ POLICY E2: SHOP FRONTAGES is associated with, and the focus important visual front for the town. IN THE TOWN CENTRE for, litter. Improving the quality of signage and commercial frontages would have a Development proposals to alter, ■ POLICY E3: PROVISION OF positive impact on the appearance replace or introduce shop fronts in LITTER BINS IN NEW SHOPPING of this area. Parking is restricted, the town centre will be required to DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TOWN mostly on the road and further be of a high quality, contributing to CENTRE limited by commuters using the rail an overall improvement in terms of service and residents’ parking. urban design and architecture, by: Development proposals for new a). being visually attractive from all shops (Use Classes A1 to A5), non- Greendale & Pentland Road angles; residential institutions (Use Class 112. Both sites are purpose-built, b). enhancing streets and spaces D1) and Assemble and Leisure (Use and consist of shop units with some through quality design and Class D2) in the town centre should residential accommodation above. architecture; include the provision of a litter bin Each site provides both shops and c). promoting visual links between the on land within the premises; the service provision. While well used interior of the shop and the street; property will be responsible for and prized by the local community, d). being suitable in terms of crime its maintenance, emptying it on a they are a bit ‘tired’ and would prevention, community safety and regular basis and the area adjacent benefit from refurbishment. security; and to the premise will be kept clear, e). any lighting should be subtle and where appropriate. Where a litter Barnes Lane & appropriate. bin cannot be provided within Highﬁelds Road the curtilage of the premises, a 113. There are three to four units Litter in the town commuted sum will be sought embedded within housing estates centre towards the provision of a litter bin incorporating services such as within a nearby location. hairdressers, a nursery and shops 106. Litter in the town centre was such as a butcher and newsagent. highlighted as a major and growing Shopping Hubs concern. It is a source of considerable The Forge annoyance and concern for many 110. Outside the town centre, the 114. This is a ‘boutique shopping residents It is unsightly and can town has a network of smaller centre’ towards the lower end of attract pests and vermin. shopping hubs supplying the local the town centre; it is an extremely community with fast food outlets, popular shopping area which has 107. Although the management of small convenience stores and some regenerated the economy in this litter will, to a large extent, depend on service provision such as vets, area of the town. the actions such as enforcement and dentists and hairdressers. These awareness, beyond the scope of a provided a much need service close 115. In addition, to these shopping neighbourhood plan, it can still make to where people. These shops can hubs there are several other (many an important contribution here. be found scattered across the town stand-alone) to be found scattered and include several shopping hubs. across Dronfield. All are important 108. The current provision of bins These hubs comprise: for meeting the day-to-day needs of in the town centre is inadequate. the communities they serve. There is a general lack of provision. Chesterﬁeld Road While the Town Council and others 111. With a run of service provision ■ POLICY E4: SHOPPING HUBS have been active in providing more, and a small retail offer, Chesterfield AND OTHER LOCAL SHOPS requests for new litter bins outstrips Road is the main thoroughfare from 0UTSIDE DRONFIELD TOWN supply. Further, much of the Sheffield through the town and CENTRE provision is in poor condition. out to Chesterfield and lies within There is a serious risk without the town’s conservation area. This Development proposals that would further action the situation will get area is identified by the Dronfield result in the loss of a shopping worse. Action is required. 203523 document as being part of use outside the defined Dronfield 32 Economy Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Economy 33

town centre will not be supported clear link between increased body Business and unless it can be demonstrated that fat (obesity) and risk of medical Employment its continued use for shopping is conditions, including Type 2 no longer viable and the site has diabetes, cancer, heart and liver 121. The town is home to a wide been actively marketed for at least disease. range and growing number of six months for shopping purposes. businesses. There are numerous The development of local shops ■ POLICY E5: HOT FOOD small businesses, employing fewer to serve the day-to-day needs of TAKEAWAYS than ten people, as well as some the immediate community will be very large employers. The town supported subject to transport, Development proposals for hot food has a core industrial area which environmental, parking and amenity takeaways (Use Class A5) will be stretches along Callywhite Lane to considerations. supported where: the east of the town; in addition, a). it can be demonstrated to there are high end industrial Hot Food Takeaways NEDDC in consultation with the providers occupying space from Town Council that it makes a Wreakes Lane to Sheffield Road. 116. Hot food takeaways (Use Class positive contribution to the viability Further industrial space is provided A5) include shop types such as chip and vitality of the town centre, for Gunstones bakery operating shops, kebab shops, Indian and where appropriate; from Stubley Lane and Dunhams other takeaways, but not sandwich b). it would not adversely affect builder’s merchants on Snape Hill bars and restaurants and cafes. the shopping element within the Lane; both sites are surrounded immediate area of the site; by housing and are not considered 117. In recent years, there has been c). would not result in more than two to have an adequate transport an increase in the number of, and A5 units being located adjacent to connection. interest in the development of, hot each other; and food takeaways in the town centre d). will not negatively impact 122. The historical development of and more widely. upon the amenity of surrounding the town has meant that residential businesses or residents. and employment areas have 118. Whilst it is recognised that hot developed simultaneously, and food takeaways can contribute to In addition, it should include the many of the current businesses the mix of shopping uses and can provision of a litter bin on land within are situated within or adjacent to provide a popular service to local the premises; the property will be residential areas. This includes a communities as well as providing responsible for its maintenance, employment opportunities, the view emptying it on a regular basis is if their spread is not controlled, and the area adjacent to the they will detract from the retail premise will be kept clear, offer. They are displacing other where appropriate. shops to the detriment of the town Where a litter bin and residents. Clustering of hot cannot be provided food takeaways can lead to dead within the frontages during daytime hours. curtilage of the premises, a 119. The consultation also shows commuted the community is concerned about sum will some of the negative aspects be sought sometimes associated with towards these uses, including noise and the disturbance, antisocial behaviour provision and increased litter, especially if of a litter several of these uses are clustered bin within together. a nearby location. 120. They are also linked to the growing levels of obesity in the town and more widely. This is one of the greatest health challenges facing the Country. There is a 34 Economy Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Heritage & Design 35 growing and above average network. It also identifies that a ■ POLICY E1: EXISTING number of residents who work from key piece of land, the Dronfield EMPLOYMENT USES home. The vast majority of such Nature Park, would be under threat businesses can operate and prosper if proposals to improve connectivity Development proposals that in residential areas without issue. were to go ahead. Unless these result in the loss of, or have a There have been some concerns, factors can be resolved, the Plan significant adverse effect on, an such as noise, parking and traffic, would not support further expansion existing employment use will not with a small number of sites and to Callywhite Lane. be supported unless the use is buildings, notably ones which have ancillary to a residential use, or it not been designed for, nor can 124. NEDDC’s Local Plan5 has been demonstrated that the be adapted to, modern business safeguards ‘Priority Employment current use is not viable, or it can needs. The evidence of the adverse Sites’ against redevelopment or be shown to North East Derbyshire impact of employment uses near change of use to a non-employment District Council that it does not to residential uses is shown by use such as housing or retail. The meet the needs of modern business the complaints made to the Town Local Plan lists Callywhite Lane and that all reasonable steps have Council and NEDDC with regard to under this category. In addition, been taken to let or sell the site or Gunstones, for example. the Local Plan identifies sites on building for employment purposes Stubley Lane and Sheffield Road for a period of least 12 months. 123. To make sure the town as a Secondary Employment Areas continues to provide sustainable and places a number of conditions ■ POLICY E2: NEW SMALL- and accessible job opportunities, on reusing the land for anything SCALE EMPLOYMENT USES it is important to ensure the other than employment use. NPPF1 continued availability of a choice places no protection on employment Development proposals for new, or the of sites and premises.To help land being reserved for that purpose expansion of existing, suitable located achieve this, the Plan supports the if no longer required. This Plan small-scale employment uses will be retention of suitable employment supports the NPPF1 statement, supported where it will not generate sites and buildings. NEDDC’s draft and the Town Council will actively unacceptable noise, fumes or smells; Local Plan5 indicates a desire to seek alternative uses for brownfield will respect and is compatible with expand Callywhite Lane toward sites which it considers could be local character and uses; and would Chesterfield, providing a further 6 better used for another purpose, not be harmful to the living conditions hectares of industrial space. for example, housing and leisure, of neighbouring residents, or cause The consultation raises questions especially if this protects greenfield serious harm in terms of road safety or about the impact of further land. the free flow of traffic. development on the transport 34 Economy Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Heritage & Design 35 THE PLAN HERITAGE AND DESIGN ronfield has a long documented important smaller hamlets such as HERITAGE Dhistory, and evidence of the Stubley, Barnes and Summerwood. town’s medieval origins can still As well as designated heritage be found in the surviving cruck assets the town has many other non- What our buildings, the parish church, and designated assets that contribute community says: a number structures of historic to the rich and distinctive built importance on the High Street and environment. The Plan identifies The heritage of our town town centre. a schedule of buildings which are is very important The Plan aims to enhance and regarded as important in a local conserve Dronfield’s heritage and context and should be conserved and to create an environment which enhanced. is attractive to both residents and Policies in The Plan aim to ensure visitors. that the town’s historic sites and Our heritage creates a The town has three major buildings are respected, and strong sense of place and conservation and historic areas protected from inappropriate belonging – in Dronfield itself, Coal Aston and development. Dronfield Woodhouse, along with

The Civic Society & Heritage Trust make a valuable contribution to understanding your town’s history 36 Heritage & Design Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Heritage & Design 37 Themes and Policies ■ THE PLAN AIMS: “The quality of the streetscape HERITAGE and other public spaces do not • To enhance and conserve AND DESIGN the town’s built heritage match the quality of the historic buildings and need to be improved Background: • To create a high quality in key locations”. The Plan offers an What is a Heritage Asset? historic environment opportunity to build on and ultimately attractive to business, visitors deliver this vision for our town. 125. The Government defines a and residents heritage asset as • To ensure that any develop- Historic Buildings “A building, monument, site, place, ment is of a high quality and 130. Dronfield has a number of area or landscape identified as in keeping with the size and important listed buildings including having a degree of significance scale of the existing built a Grade I parish church. The meriting consideration in planning environment. town centre, including parts of decisions, because of its heritage “Dronfield Bottom”, was designated interest. Heritage asset includes des- saw the birth of Dronfield as a town a conservation area in 2000 but has ignated heritage assets and with the trappings of a local council, not been subject to further appraisal assets identified by the local planning Town Hall, School Board schools, a or evaluation since that time. authority (including local listing)” new grammar school, the Midland Commercial activities in the town are (Annex 2, NPPF, March 20121). Railway and station, a piped water quite widely distributed. The old town “These assets may include buildings supply and a cemetery. It was during centre is the location of a number of and structures, landscapes/ this period that the actual town of important public services including landscape features, areas of Dronfield developed as two distinct the library (housed in the grade II archaeological interest and historic settlements, one the historic core manor house) and a health centre as settlements.” between the parish church and well as a variety of shops, including Manor house and the other along supermarkets, public houses and a 126.There are three larger historic the turnpike road and railway, known café. Furthermore, it has significant settlements in the town, Dronfield, today as Dronfield Bottom. public venues including the Heritage Coal Aston and Dronfield Woodhouse Barn, the Peel Centre, the parish along with surviving examples of 128.The town developed quickly church and the Baptist church. The smaller hamlets such as Stubley, in the post-war years when its Heritage Barn, the refurbishment of Barnes and Summerwood. population increased more than the Blue Stoops and the conversion four-fold to over 20,000 people, of the Church Street Cruck Barn 127. Historically, the Dronfield area many of whom were housed in have added significantly to the was mainly agricultural until the the new estates built on the fields improvement of amenities, heritage 18th Century, although the wealth which formerly separated Dronfield and the local street scene and plans of a number of its more prominent from Coal Aston and Dronfield to re-configure the parish church residents, whose historic houses Woodhouse. The historic cores of to accommodate public events will survive today, derived from the lead these three settlements remain and further enhance the town centre. trade. Small-scale coal and iron are now conservation areas. working occurred before the 18th 131. Research and studies notably century but the major industrial 129. Dronfield 2035 A Vision for the by the late Professor David Hey have growth occurred in the 19th century Town,23 the report commissioned by increased our knowledge of important initially using the water power of NEDDC and published in 2016, set a buildings, and the continuing work the Drone which was the site of clear vision for Dronfield town centre of the Dronfield Heritage Trust will a number of mills, some used for which depends on a co-ordinated add to that knowledge. For example, grinding tools and culminating in the approach to project delivery by the Historic England dendro-datings of development of a number of coal public, business and community the Church Street Cruck Barns and mines and the opening of the Wilson organisations. It identified a range High Street Heritage barn indicate Cammell Rail works on Callywhite of potential improvements to the 15th-century dates. Similarly, a part Lane in 1873. The 1860s and ’70s public realm having observed that, of Dronfield Woodhouse Hall has 36 Heritage & Design Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Heritage & Design 37

been dated to the early 16th century 133. Although a conservation whilst the restoration of the Forge area, the town centre has adjacent to Dronfield parish church suffered degradation since its revealed timber-framing. Dronfield designation. This has been Bottom also has a number of in the form of inappropriate significant historic buildings including signage, the decay of Chiverton House, Rose Hill and the some buildings and the Victorian new Grammar School, now poor state of footpaths Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School. and the public realm generally. Some 132. The Church Street/High businesses have Street axis of the town centre also enhanced the street contains a significant element of scene with their residential properties, including sensitively designed important listed houses which shop fronts whilst contribute significantly to the street others demonstrate scene. Including Machin Court, a disregard for Fanshawe Bank and properties not conservation area immediately visible, the number of principles. residential properties is equal to or greater than the number of all 134. Dronfield other types of property. Despite Woodhouse and Coal these positive features, the old Aston also have important upper town centre suffers from a listed buildings including number of negative impacts. In Dronfield Woodhouse Hall and particular, it is a major through Aston End. The latter is cruck road for traffic which, alongside framed and dates from the 16th narrow and uneven pavements, Century. Both Coal Aston and makes for an uncomfortable and Dronfield Woodhouse were distinct ■ POLICY D1: sometimes dangerous experience settlements separated from LISTED BUILDINGS for pedestrians. Recent traffic Dronfield by fields until the 1960s surveys by the Safer Roads for and ’70s housing developments. Listed buildings are an important Dronfield campaign have, for the Like Dronfield, their early economy feature of the townscape and add first time, highlighted the high traffic was based on mixed farming but to the the attraction of the town. volumes through the town centre with early examples of coal mining Development proposals which and along “Dronfield Bottom”, much and metal working including edge support, conserve and enhance of it through traffic. tool production. Coal Aston sits their value and appreciation, such There is also considerable adjacent to important areas of as the best practice exhibited in the pedestrian traffic across the High ancient woodland in the Moss the recent restoration of the Cruck Street, especially between the Civic Valley. and Heritage Barns and the Blue Centre and the Barn, the library/ Stoops, will be encouraged. health centre and Sainsbury’s, 135. Alongside buildings, and Sainsbury’s and Gosforth/ walls, hedges and trees are an Dronﬁeld Character Stubley Lane where at busy important feature of all three Buildings and times pedestrians, especially the conservation areas contributing to Structures of Local elderly and infirm and those with the distinctive character of these Heritage Interest pushchairs, have difficulty crossing. areas. In Dronfield, for example, Similarly crossing at the bottom of coal measures sandstone walls 137. As well as designated Church Street is hazardous with the provide boundaries to a number heritage assets, such as the listed need to look three ways and deal of important buildings as well as buildings identified in Appendix 5, with turning vehicles. Church Street enclosing paths between buildings. the town has many other buildings and High Street are also well-used and structures that contribute by pupils, especially from Dronfield 136. The full schedule of listed to the rich and distinctive built Henry Fanshawe School. There is buildings can be found in environment. The Plan has taken no designated pedestrian crossing Appendix 5. the opportunity, using published on High Street or on Church Street. guidance from Historic England, 38 Heritage & Design Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Heritage & Design 39 to identify a schedule of buildings 138. The Dronfield list of Character account the character, context and and features which, although not Buildings and Structures of Local setting of the building or structure formally listed, are regarded as Heritage Interest is an iterative list including important views towards important in the local context and subject to continuous revision as or from the asset. Development should be conserved and enhanced. new assets are identified. It has will be required to be designed The importance or significance of been produced based on desk appropriately taking account of any asset will relate to its historical, research on current publications local styles, materials and details. architectural, archaeological or (Appendix 730-36) and field work by The loss of, or substantial harm, to artistic/aesthetic merit. A number local volunteers. Assets on the list a Dronfield Character Building and of the locally identified heritage are required to meet certain criteria Structure of Local Heriitage Interest assets are within the conservation in terms of their significance, listed will not be supported, unless areas. While this provides them with in Appendix 6*. exceptional circumstances can be some statutory protection, the Plan demonstrated. lists all important heritage assets ■ POLICY D2: DRONFIELD within and outside the conservation CHARACTER BUILDINGS AND Conservation Areas areas to underline their significance, STRUCTURES OF LOCAL especially in the light of current HERITAGE INTEREST 139. A conservation area is an levels of weak enforcement in the area of special architectural and existing conservation areas. The Plan identifies the heritage historic interest, the character or assets in Appendix 7 as Dronfield appearance of which it is desirable * Appendix 6 can be viewed online at www.dronﬁeld.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan Character Buildings and Structures to preserve or enhance. The 1967 of Local Heritage Interest. Civic Amenities Act empowered Development proposals local authorities to designate areas relating to these which they thought of special assets will be interest and character and worthy required to of protection. Dronfield has three take into conservation areas: Dronfield Town Centre and Dronfield Bottom first designated in 1971 and extended in 1980 and 1991; Coal Aston designated in 1983 and Dronfield Woodhouse designated in 1990 (see also map 8). All were subject to Character Statements by NEDDC: Dronfield in May 2000;27 Dronfield Woodhouse in November 200228 and Coal Aston in November 2003.29 These statements are important and detailed documents which provide a valuable inventory of the town’s most important historic assets and provide a policy framework for the planning authority to control development and to encourage owners to preserve the original character and details of their buildings.

140. There are several concerns about the state of the conservation areas. Owners and tenants often do not know they are in a conservation area which can lead to inappropriate development. The conservation 38 Heritage & Design Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Heritage & Design 39

area character statements (which give a summary of the history and development of each conservation area and what makes them special) are now out of date, and there is a need for a reappraisal of the conservation areas taking into account recent research as well as deterioration within the areas. In addition, as noted in the Vision 203523 study, there is a mismatch between the quality of historic buildings and that of the public realm, especially within Dronfield, with its uneven and unsafe pavements, heavy traffic, and the lack of safe crossings for pedestrians.

141 The District Council has a statutory responsibility for the appraisal and management of conservation areas in the town. Such responsibility requires the District Council to undertake a regular review of the areas, at least 143. every 10 years, as part of their The management, and ideally to produce built form of a management plan. It is recognised Dronfield boasts that conservation areas are subject an interesting mix of to change and that their boundaries architectural styles, much of becomes a prime as well as their management it historic. This adds to the town’s consideration in design proposals, should be kept under review. vibrancy and informs its distinctive for its economic value to residents The three Dronfield conservation character. as well as environmental benefits. areas, especially Dronfield, have been subject to considerable 144. It is important that new building 146. To ensure this new inappropriate development including benefits from high quality design so development will be assessed obtrusive signage, poor design of that it makes a positive contribution against the criteria in D3. This shop fronts and the use of non- to enhancing this distinctive is in line with national planning traditional materials such as UPVC character. It should take inspiration policy which promotes good quality windows. It is, therefore, requested from the rich heritage of Dronfield. design. Policy D3 also provides that NEDDC undertake a review of This includes ensuring that it would further detail to accompany the conservation areas and seek the not lead to a significant adverse emerging planning policy to promote views and co-operation of owners, impact on key heritage assets (both design housing quality in the residents, businesses, amenity nationally and locally designated). emerging Local Plan. groups and other organisations in conducting such a review. 145. In addition, the Plan ■ POLICY D3: GOOD DESIGN encourages the use of materials Design and design that promotes All development proposals must be sustainable development that is able to demonstrate good quality 142. In consultation many people in keeping with the character of design. They will not be supported valued the built environment the area. unless, where appropriate, the and expressed concern that it is It is crucial for its future success that town’s following good design protected from insensitively located Dronfield town embraces the need principles are satisfied, these are: or designed development. for sustainability and that it a). it should reflect and reinforce the distinctive natural and built 40 Heritage & Design Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 41 character and historic context of space within the site; siting; scale; renewable and low carbon energy environment in which it is situated, height; proportions and massing; technology, as appropriate; including any historic assets, routes orientation; architectural detailing; h). it should minimise the impact on and patterns of development. landscape, existing plants, trees and general amenity and give careful Contemporary and innovative other features and materials; consideration to noise, odour, materials and design will be d). established building light and loss of light to existing supported where they have due arrangements and forms such as properties; regard to the context into which they front gardens should be respected; i). appropriate and adequate external are introduced; e). it should provide safe lighting should be included. Light b). materials should be chosen environments that “design out pollution should be minimised to complement the design of the crime”, and generally meeting the wherever possible; development and add to the quality requirements of “secure by design”; j). where on the edge of settlements or character of the surrounding f). suitable external amenity space should improve access to the environment, wherever possible should be incorporated (in terms of countryside, enhance the local and appropriate, traditional building size and no negative impact on the landscape and protect important styles and materials including local public realm) for waste and recycling views in to and out of the site; and sandstones and gritstones and bins and containers and bicycle k). it takes full account of areas Derbyshire Stone Slate on roofs with parking to ensure a well maintained in Dronfield Town Centre and irregular forms should be retained landscape; Dronfield Bottom, Coal Aston and and used; g). it incorporates sustainable design Dronfield Woodhouse Conservation c). good use should be made of site and construction techniques to Areas or where their settings characteristics and surroundings, meet high standards for energy and would be affected, the relevant including: layout and use; and form water efficiency, including the use of Conservation Area Appraisal. 40 Heritage & Design Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 41

APPENDICES Dronfield Baptist Church, 1 Stubley Sindelfingen Park, Pentland Road, Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 1PE Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 8ZQ 1. Community Consultation (basketball courts) Summary of Responses St John The Baptist Church, Church Appendix 1 can be viewed St, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 1QB Hilltop Playground, Dronfield, online at: Derbyshire, S18 1UH www.dronfield.gov.uk/ The Oaks Community Church, 4 Lea (kick around football pitch) neighbourhood-plan Rd, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 1SB Marsh Avenue Playground, 2. Specialist Consultees St Pauls Methodist Church, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 2HA Green Lane (kick around football pitch) Representatives from: Rykneld Homes Holy Spirit Church, Stonelow Road Cemetery Road Playground, Hallam Land Management Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 1XY Dixon Dawson Architects Coal Aston Methodist Church, (mini football pitch) LSP Developments Eckington Road CPRE Hallowes Golf Course, Hallowes Derbyshire County Council St Philips Church, Holmesdale Road Lane, Dronfield Derbyshire, S18 1UR Transport Policy & Programmes Coal Aston Wesleyan Reform Church Gosforth Valley Playing Fields, Derbyshire Council Council Bubnell Road (off Stubley Drive), Planning Department • Healthcare facilities: Dronfield Woodhouse, Dronfield Civic Society Dronfield Medical Practice, High Derbyshire, S18 8QY Street, Dronfield Derbyshire S18 1PY 3. Assets of Community Coal Aston Bowls & Pavilion, Eck- Value Stubley Medical Centre, 7 Stubley ington Road, Coal Aston, The following is already designated Drive, Dronfield Derbyshire, S18 8QY as an Asset of Community Value: • Dronfield Cemetery, • Coach and Horses Pub, Sheffield Gosforth Valley Medical Practise, Cemetery Road, Dronfield, Rd, Dronfield, Derbyshire S18 2GD Gorsey Brigg, Dronfield, Derbyshire, Derbyshire, S18 1XY S18 8UE 4. Protection of Important • Pubs & clubs Community Assets Oakhill Medical Practice, Oakhill 3 Tuns, 135 Cemetery Rd, Dronfield • Police presence Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 2EJ S18 1XX • Fire Service • Post Office • Sports and leisure provision, The Jolly Farmer, Pentland Road, • Dronfield Library including indoor and outdoor space: Dronfield, S18 8ZQ Dronfield Sports Centre, Civic • Community centres & halls: Centre, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 1PD Hilltop Sports & Social Club, Gosforth Lodge, Cliffe Park, Longacre Rd, Dronfield S18 1UQ Callywhite Lane, S18 2XP Cliffe Park, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 2XP • Car parks The Peel Centre, High Street, (table tennis, mini golf, multi-use games Civic Centre, Dronfield, S18 1PD Dronfield Derbyshire, S18 1PX area with changing rooms, bowling green, 3 x tennis courts, basketball court) Church Street, Dronfield, S18 1QB Civic Hall, Civic Centre, Dronfield, Dronfield Woodhouse Recreation Derbyshire, S18 1PD Ground, Carr Lane, Dronfield S18 Dronfield Station, Chesterfield 8XB (football pitch, bowling green, Road, S18 8UH Coal Aston Community Hall, tennis court, basketball court, cricket Eckington Road, Dronfield, ground and pavilion) Gorsey Brigg Shops, Derbyshire, S18 3AX Stonelow Recreation Ground, Dronfield, S18 8ZQ Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 2EP • Places of worship and (cricket ground and pavilion with Greendale Shops, Stonelow Road, associated halls and spaces: practice netting area, football pitches Dronfield, S18 2LJ St Andrews Community Church, and changing rooms) Birches Lane, Coal Aston, S18 3AG Pentland Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 8ZQ 42 Appendices Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 43

Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, S18 2XP Former Cruck Barn at Gosforth Rose Hill and Attached Farm, Grade II, Stubley Lane, Dron- Boundary Walls, Grade II, Princess Soaper Lane, Dronfield, S18 1QB field, Derbyshire Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire

Dronfield Sports Centre, Farwater Gazebo to the South East Silkstone Farmhouse, Grade II, Lane, Dronfield S18 1PD Hallowes Golf Clubhouse, Stone Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire Grade II, Hallowes Lane, Dronfield, 5. Listed Buildings Derbyshire The Blue Stoops Inn, Grade II, High Street, Dronfield, Derbyshire 14 and 16, Eckington Road, Golf Club Locker Room to Hal- Grade II, 1 Forrester’s Lane, lowes Golf Clubhouse, Grade II, 1 The Cottage, Grade II, High Street, Dronfield, Derbyshire Highgate Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire Dronfield, Derbyshire

22-26, High Street, Grade II, 23 Hallowes Golf Clubhouse, Grade The DCC Library, Grade II, Dronfield High Street, Dronfield, Derbyshire II, 1 Highgate Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire The Green Dragon Inn, Grade 7, 7a, 7b, 8, 10 and 12, Church II, 24 Church Street, Dronfield, Street, Grade II, 8 Church Street, Manor Court, Grade II, 25 Gosforth Derbyshire Dronfield, Derbyshire Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire The Hall, Grade II, High Street, Aston End, Grade II,* 25 Cross Norwood Farmhouse, Grade Dronfield, Derbyshire Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire II, Eckington Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire The Manor Hotel, Grade II, High Boundary Wall Enclosing Gar- Street, Dronfield, Derbyshire dens to Properties to the North Outbuilding to the South East of Side of High Street to the West of Chiverton House, Grade II, Prin- The Manse, Grade II, 6 Lea Road, Item 4, Grade II, High Street, cess Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire Dronfield, Derbyshire Dronfield, Derbyshire Outbuildings to the South of The Monument, Grade II, High Building to the North East of the Chiverton House, Grade II, Street, Dronfield, Derbyshire Hall, Grade II,* 3 Chapel Yard, Dron- Chesterfield Road, Dronfield, field, Derbyshire Derbyshire The Old Grammar School, Grade II, Church Street, Dronfield, Chiverton House, Attached Pair of Cottages at Nether Derbyshire Boundary Walls Gatepiers and Birchitt, Grade II, B6057, Railings, Grade II,* Princess Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire The Old Vicarage, Grade II, Church Dronfield, Derbyshire Street, Dronfield, Derbyshire Premises Occupied by the Slinn Church of St John the Baptist, Computer Group, Grade II, Church The Red House, Grade II, 21 Grade I, 8 Church Street, Street, Dronfield, Derbyshire Church Street, Dronfield Dronfield, Derbyshire Quoit Green House, Grade II, Two Farm Buildings to East of Churchyard Cross, 20 Metres Hallowes Lane, Dronfield, Norwood Farmhouse, Grade II, South of the Church of St John Derbyshire Eckington Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire the Baptist, Grade II, 8 Church Street, Dronfield, Derbyshire Range of Outbuildings to the East Two Pairs of Gatepiers to the of Silkstone Farmhouse, Grade II, East of Premises Occupied by the Dronfield Methodist Church, Stone Close, Dronfield, Derbyshire Slinn Computer Group, Grade II, Grade II, High Street, Dronfield, 24 Church Street, Dronfield, Derbyshire Derbyshire Range of Outbuildings to the South West of Dronfield Wood- Upper Birchitt Farmhouse, Dronfield Woodhouse Hall house Hall, Grade II, Barley Mews, Grade II, Barnes Lane, Dronfield, Farmhouse and Attached Dronfield, Derbyshire, Derbyshire Boundary Walls, Grade II,* 183 Carr Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire Rookery Cottage, Grade II, High Vale House, Grade II, 8 Lea Road, Street, Dronfield, Derbyshire Dronfield, Derbyshire 42 Appendices Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 43

6. Dronﬁeld Character Buildings and structures of Local Heritage Interest Identiﬁcation Criteria

Appendix 6 can be viewed online at: www.dronfield.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan. 44 Appendices Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 45 7. Proposed Donﬁeld Character Buildings and Structures of Local Heritage Interest

Name/Type of Asset Location Brief Description

Houses 29-31 High Street Described as important buildings in the Dronfield Conservation Area Character Statement (No.28). Stone-built C20 houses are an attractive feature of the street scene.

Baptist Chapel 1873 Stubley Lane Inscribed ‘Baptist’ and ‘1873’ on façade. Unlike the Peel Centre ( former Free Methodist Church) the Baptist Chapel is not listed.

Victorian Stables Rear of the Library Former stables of the Manor House in the ownership of NEDDC and latterly used for storage. Contain stable stalls and attractive tiling. Currently has planning permission for conversion to housing.

Victorian House Corner of High Street Two storey stone house. Front gable with stone pediment – now offices of CFi and Gosforth Lane over first floor window. Impressive arched gateway. All formerly within the curtilage of the manor house.

Street furniture. Cast Within the grounds Manhole covers inscribed with the name ‘Margerrison, iron manhole covers of The Cottage, High Dronfield’. There are several such covers within the grounds Street of the Cottage. Margerrisons were Dronfield builders working from the late nineteenth century to around the 1950s. Their original yard was on the site of the Forge and they later moved to Green lane.

Street furniture Victoria Street on wall of – original cast iron the Victoria pub. street signs Stubley Lane on the Stubley Lane side of the Victoria pub. West Street, high of the wall of the first house.

C18 Century House Nos 3 and 4 Chapel Former Friends meeting house later used as a Methodist Yard ( High Street) chapel, hence Chapel Yard. (No. 37 in Character Statement list of important buildings)

Street Furniture. Stoops Yard, High Street Stoops Yard name plate mounted on the wall of the Blue Stoops at the entrance of this former yard occupied until Victorian cast iron the mid-20C by up to 8 cottages. Such yards were a feature Street Name of High Street from the mid 19C and at their peak housed several hundred people.

Town Hall, 1862/3 High Street No .39 in Character Statement. Built for the Local Board of Health following its formation in 1862 44 Appendices Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 45 Proposed Donﬁeld Character Buildings and Structures of Local Heritage Interest

Name/Type of Asset Location Brief Description Name/Type of Asset Location Brief Description Taylor’s Building High Street/Church No. 40 in the Character Statement. These two buildings 1877 Street along with the former Shentall’s shop below the Taylor building are a prominent feature of this part of the town and continue on their upper floors to provide accommodation for entertainment activities. They are both significant in marking Dronfield’ emergence as a town in the late C19.

Shop Fishers, High Street This has been a butcher’s shop since the early C18 and at least from 1878 has been in the hands of the Fisher family. Timbers reputedly date to the early C 18.

Street furniture. Soaper Lane .Wall An important reminder of the soap-making industry located Victorian cast iron –mounted top of the on the Drone. street names. Lane.

Wall and window of At the rear of Coffee Perhaps a remaining wall the former tithe barn now the site former barn. Central, High Street. of the Church Hall.

Ornamental Above steps to Parish Attractive wrought iron arch perhaps locally made. Ironwork Church, Church Street

Dr. Fletcher grave, Dronfield Parish Church, Recently restored by the Civic Society. Dr. Fletcher was a North Side of grave yard generous benefactor to the town including gifts of the Manor House (Library) and the Grange. He also donated the land for Dronfield’s first council houses, Fletcher Avenue.

The Forge Church Street and Lea Former foundry of W.H. Butler and sons who incorporated Road former cottages on Lea Road and a former shop on the corner of Church Street and Lea Road into their premises. Conversion to shops in 1998 revealed a timber box-framed building dating from 1526/7 adjacent to the Church Yard. Listed as important buildings, 51, 52 and 53 in the Character Statement.

Chapel The Oaks Christian Opened in 1861 replacing an earlier chapel of 1812 this was Centre, Lea Road Dronfield’s Independent Chapel. It contains some original interior features

Bank 24 Lea Road Currently the RBS bank. The building has an almost identical doorway as the Manse. Opened as Dronfield’s first bank in 1873 46 Appendices Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 47 Proposed Donﬁeld Character Buildings and Structures of Local Heritage Interest

Name/Type of Asset Location Brief Description

Victorian Cottages The Knott, Lea Road Attractive cottages in two groups.

Former hatter’s Brookside Cottage The probable home and workshop of Joseph Jenkinson, workshop and (formerly Bath Cottage) hatter. ( See ‘The Diary of Joseph Jenkinson of Dronfield cottage Fanshawe Bank 1833-43, Kathleen M. Battye, 1987)

Dronfield Junior School 1875 Neo-Gothic stone building with decorated mullions, gables School, Former School Lane, Dronfield and bell tower. Architects Flockton and Abbot of Sheffield. Cross Lanes Board

Council Houses, Fletcher Avenue Dronfield’s first council houses 1925. Named after Dr. 1925 Fletcher who was a councillor on the UDC at the time and a benefactor to the Town. Built following national legislation relating to housing the working classes.

Police Station Lea Road/Cross Lane Former Police station, now flats,

Dronfield Cemetery Cemetery Road Two mortuary chapels – Anglican and Independent. 1877 Architects Flockton and Abbot, Sheffield

Public House The White Swan An important historic coaching Inn on the Turnpike Roads. A range of buildings of various ages including a coach house. Mentioned in 1722 and used as a meeting place by political groups in the nineteenth century ( see Diary of Joseph Jenkinson

Victorian Houses 60-68 Chesterfield Road Mid C19 terrrace of 5 houses on ‘The Landing’. Adjacent two dwellings ( formerly a single house) between the terrace and the site of the old cinema is an earlier date, possibly C18.

Alley way or Jennell To the rear of the White An important remnant of Old Dronfield. Swan between Lea Road and The Landing.

Mid C19 House 105 Chesterfield Road Coal Measures sandstone, central doorway, flanked by sash windows. Iron railings to street side.

Dronfield Henry Sheffield Road Architects Flockton and Abbot. Elizabethan style with Dutch Fanshawe School gables and a bell tower. Mullion and transomed windows, 1867 one with stained glass. 46 Appendices Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 47 Proposed Donﬁeld Character Buildings and Structures of Local Heritage Interest

Name/Type of Asset Location Brief Description Name/Type of Asset Location Brief Description Victorian building Princess Buildings, 49- Named after Princess Alexandra and marked a stage in the 55 Chesterfield Road expansion of the Victorian town following the coming of the 1873 railway in 1870 and housed drapers, printers and high class grocers in Dronfield’s first purpose-built shops with some

Former Public Simply Chinese, c. 1677 with later additions. Altered when converted to House former Rock Tavern, Chinese restaurant. Chesterfield Road.

Stone Arch In Lucas Gardens, Lucas arch, all that remains of the former Lucas malleable Sheffield Road iron foundry established in 1790 and closed in 1971. Arch inscribed with brief history of the site.

St, John’s Former Local Board Note key stone date over the arch, 1873, initials H.S. refer Ambulance Brigade Office and stores to Henry Silcock who was a local sickle maker. Old fire Chesterfield Road. palces in the yard behind contain gravestone of Martha, wife of Henry Silcock, 1848.

Steps and cast iron Leading from Sheffield Historic footway. Iron handrails and posts probably rail Road to Holborn Avenue manufactured locally. ( see reference in ‘Derbyshire Detail and Character’, Joyce, Michell and Williams,1996)

Foundry Crucibles Wall adjacent to Steps foundries were often disposed of by using them as walling leading from Sheffield material. These probably came from one of the Lucas Road to Holborn Avenue. factories across the road. Crucibles used in

Former Dronfield Main Road, Dronfield Neo-Gothic. Architects Flockton and Abbot. Woodhouse Board Woodhouse School, now a nursing home.

Dronfield Freehold Hartington, Cecil, The Dronfield Freehold Land Society was formed around Land Society Egerton, Alexander and 1872 with the aim of developing 140 plots in the Hartington Estates 1876 - Fanshawe Roads. Road area and more on Scarsdale Road and Hallowes Scarsdale Road Lane. Freehold Land Societies were developed to enable working people to gain the vote attached to property rights.

K6 Telephone Boxes Two restored by The K6 was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott to Dronfield Civic Society. commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the coronation of King One at the junction George V in 1935. Some 60,000 examples were installed of Stone Road and across Britain, which is why the K6 has come to represent Eckington Road Coal the red Telephone Box. Over 11,000 K6s remain and they Aston and the other are the most visible examples of the eight kiosk types. at Junction of Oakhill Road and Falcon Road Dronfield. One unrestored on Holmesdale Road by the shops. 48 Appendices Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 49 Proposed Donﬁeld Character Buildings and Structures of Local Heritage Interest

Name/Type of Asset Location Brief Description

Mill Lane Nature Mill Lane Recently restored nature area and important industrial area and site of history site. Damstead works was one of six water powered Damstead Works. sites on the Drone in Dronfield. First recorded as Damstead in 1633 the nineteenth century works belonged to George Ward and Co. manufacturers of spindles and flyers. The concrete and stone housing for the beam engine is still in place. The works featured in the Sheffield outrages when gunpowder was dropped down the chimney in January 1856 resulting in an explosion.

Bull Close Colliery Bull Close Farm, Hill The only surviving C19 coke ovens in Dronfield ( on private site and coke Ovens Top, Dronfield land)

Frith Wood Callywhite Lane Ancient Woodland

Milestone. Rodmoor Road Gleadless to Calver Turnpike

Former Mason’s Cemetery Road Stone’s brewery public house in mock-Tudor style dating Arms – now The from the post-war period. (See similar styles of Stones Three Tuns (closed public houses at the former Blackamoor Inn on Snowden January 2018) Lane and the Hearts of Oak on Northern Common ( now demolished)

Example of Victorian Hope Terrace, Lea Housing in Dronfield Road. Also colloquially known as Curtain Row

Cliff Park Callywhite Lane Donated to the Town by J.G. Graves in 1934

Further details about the proposed Dronfield Character Buildings and Structures of Local Heritage Interest including justification can be found at http://www.dronfield.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan.html 48 Appendices Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 49 8. Proposed Local Green Spaces of particular importance

Name/Type of Asset Location Brief Description 1.Cliffe Park, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 2XP

2. SindelfingenPark,PentlandRoad,Dronfield,Derbyshire,S188ZQ

3. HilltopPlayground,Dronfield,Derbyshire,S181UH

4. MarshAvenuePlayground,Dronfield,Derbyshire,S182HA

5. CemeteryRoadPlayground,Dronfield,Derbyshire,S181XY

6. MoonpennyWayPlayground,Dronfield,Derbyshire,S181SA

7. MoonpennyFields,Dronfield,Derbyshire,S181SA

8. Birches Fold Playground, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 3AG

9. DronfieldWoodhouseRecreationGround,CarrLane,DronfieldS188XB

10. Lundy Road Playground, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 1UY

11. Stonelow Recreation Ground, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 2EP

12. Jubilee Park, Green Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 2FH

13. Dronfield Nature Park, Chesterfield Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire,

14. Leabrook Valley, off Gosforth Drive, Dronfield, Derbyshire

15. Well dressing site, Carr Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire

16. Dronfield Junior School Fields, Dronfield, Derbyshire

17. Gosforth Valley Playing Fields, Bubnell Road (off Stubley Drive), Dronfield Woodhouse, Derbyshire, S18 8QY

18. Radbourne Common (off Pentland Road), Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 8ZQ

19. The Green, Longacre Road

20. The Green on Burns Drive

21. The Green and path network along Shakespeare Crescent

22. The Green on top of Poplar Close

23. The Green at the junction Hallowes Drive/Hazel Close

24. School Wood, off Barlow Lees Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire

25. Hollins Spring Wood, off Barlow Lees Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire

26. Long Acre Wood, off Barlow Lees Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire

27. Frith Wood, off Stonelow Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire

28. Woods adjacent Sindelfingen Park, Pentland Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 8ZQ 50 Appendices Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 51 8. Proposed Local Green Spaces of particular importance (continued)

29. Mill Lane Environmental Corridor, Dronfield

30. Lea Brook Valley Green Corridor, Dronfield, Derbyshire

31.Open space behind Coal Aston Village Hall, Coal Aston Playing Fields

32.Small garden at bottom of Green Lane

33.Green area behind co-op and civic centre car park and Moonpenny

34.Well Dressing Site at Coal Aston

35.Railway Station Gardens

36.The Green, Quoit Green

37.Land to rear of 33-47 Gosforth Drive.

38. ‘The Alma site’

39. ‘The Ridding’ north east of Frithwood and Meadowland (Derbyshire WildlifeTrust)

40. Greenacre at end of Buckingham Close, off Wentworth Road DronfieldWoodhouse

41. Greenacre at end of Belton Close, Dronfield Woodhouse

42. The woods and path along the bridle path from Hill Top to the foot bridge at side of golf course Appendices Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Appendices 51

9. Evidence Base 1. DCLG National Planning Policy Framework, 2012 2. 2005 North East Derbyshire District Local Plan 3. ConservationofHabitats&SpeciesRegulation2012 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1927/contents/made 4. 2017 CEBR Royal Mail report 5. NEDDC Draft Local Plan 2017 6. Consultation results report 7. 2011Census 8. Public Health Marmot Indicators 2015 9. SchoolPerformanceTables 10.Settlement role & function study 2013 11.Localism Act 2011 12.Green Belt Infrastructure Study 2012 13.NEDDC Green Belt Functionality Study � Final Expanded Report 2014 14.Areas of Multiple Environmental Sensitivity 2013,Technical Support Document 1,Derbyshire County Council 15.The Landscape Character of Derbyshire, Derbyshire County Council 2013 16.Historic Environment Study, The Constrained North, November 2012 Final Draft 17.NEDDC Green Infrastructure Plan 18.Moss Valley Biodiversity Study (DCC Countryside and Natural England, 2005 19.UK Biodiversity Action Plan 20.Landscape Character Descriptions, Derbyshire County Council 2015 21.The Habitat Creation Guide for Lowland Derbyshire 22.Housing Needs Report, North East District Council 23.Dronfield 2035: A Vision for the Town 24.Transport Studies report NEDDC 25.NEDDC Town Centre Health Check 2013 26.Retail Capacity Study 2008 27.NEDDC, Dronfield Conservation Area Character Statement, May 2000 28.NEDDC, Dronfield Woodhouse Conservation Area Character Statement,November 2002 29.NEDDC, Coal Aston Conservation Area Character Statement, November 2003 30.The Old Dronfield Society, Explore Dronfield, Heritage Trail No.1, Dronfield Old Town, 2016 31.The Old Dronfield Society, Heritage Trail No. 2, The Drone Valley, 2016 32.David Hey, Medieval and Tudor Dronfield, Books at the Barn, 2015 33.David Hey, The Houses of the Dronfield Lead Merchants, Books at the Barn, 2015 34.Barry Joyce, Gordon Michell, Mike Williams, Derbyshire Detail and Character, Alan Sutton, 1996 35.Dronfield Civic Society, Dronfield Conservation Area, 2017 36.Clare Hartwell and Nicholas Pevsner, Derbyshire, Pevsner Architectural Guides, Buildings of England, Second edition, 2016 37.Dronfield Housing Need and Characteristics Report, AndrewTowlertonAssociates, 2018.

GLOSSARY The following abbreviations have been used within this neighbourhood plan: • NEDDC - North East Derbyshire District Council • NPPF - National Planning Policy Framework 52 Map 1: Green Belt Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield CP Legend Green Belt Areas OS 25,000 SCR Green Belt | Map Centre (Easting/Northing): 434815 / 378548 | Scale: 1:17890 | © Crown copyright and database right. All rights reserved (00009999) 2017 reserved All rights right. database and 434815 / 378548 | Crown copyright Scale: 1:17890 | Centre (Easting/Northing): Date Created: 18-7-2017 | © Map Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Map 2: Trafﬁ c Accident Data 53 Dronfield CP Traffic Accident Data | Map Centre (Easting/Northing): 435079 / 378476 | Scale: 1:17890 | © Crown copyright and database right. All rights reserved (00009999) 2017 reserved All rights right. database and 435079 / 378476 | Crown copyright Scale: 1:17890 | Centre (Easting/Northing): Date Created: 18-7-2017 | © Map 54 Map 3: Public Transport Network Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Map 4: Town Centre 55 Dronfield CP stop_type_ Bus/ coach stop stop_type_ Rail Legend Public Transport Railway Stations Public Transport | Map Centre (Easting/Northing): 434815 / 378548 | Scale: 1:19648 | © Crown copyright and database right. All rights reserved (00009999) 2017 reserved All rights right. database and 434815 / 378548 | Crown copyright Scale: 1:19648 | Centre (Easting/Northing): Date Created: 18-7-2017 | © Map 54 Map 3: Public Transport Network Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Map 4: Town Centre 55 Dronfield CP | Map Centre (Easting/Northing): 435079 / 378476 | Scale: 1:7156 | © Crown copyright and database right. All rights reserved (00009999) 2017 reserved All rights right. database and 435079 / 378476 | Crown copyright Scale: 1:7156 | Centre (Easting/Northing): Date Created: 18-7-2017 | © Map 56 Map 5: Conservation Areas Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Map 6: Listed Buildings 57 Dronfield CP Legend Conservation Areas Parishes OS 25,000 SCR Conservation Areas | Map Centre (Easting/Northing): 434510 / 378525 | Scale: 1:26487 | © Crown copyright and database right. All rights reserved (00009999) 2018 © Contains Ordnance Survey Data : Crown copyright and database right 2018 right database and Survey Data : Crown copyright Contains Ordnance (00009999) 2018 © reserved All rights right. database and 434510 / 378525 | Crown copyright Scale: 1:26487 | Centre (Easting/Northing): Date Created: 2-7-2018 | © Map 56 Map 5: Conservation Areas Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Map 6: Listed Buildings 57 58 Map 7: Proposed Local Green Spaces and Lea Brook Valley Green Corridor Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Dronfield: Neighbourhood Plan Map 8: Dronﬁeld Neighbourhood Plan Area 59