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Protesters fight back.....



"Published on Thursday 26 February 2004 10:48

A RESIDENTS' action group has slammed the tactics of school bosses who want permission for a housing development in the grounds of St Elphin's.

Darley Residents Action Group (DRAG) say the cash-strapped school is playing the sympathy card to gain support for a controversial planning application.

The St Elphin's principal and administrators say the school will close if permission for a housing development in the school grounds is refused at next Monday's crunch planning meeting.

But the action group, which represents over 100 households in Darley Dale, say planning guidelines and the Local Plan should never be overlooked.

John Shipman, from the action group, said: "The local and national plans are not just produced as a desk exercise. They must be consistently applied and this application contravenes many of them, both locally and nationally.

"St Elphin's believes the rules should be different because it is a school but all planning applicants can claim some unique aspect – other applicants also have compelling reasons.

"We think the applicants are cynically attempting to play on the sympathy vote to push through this planning application which relates to thewhole 44-acre site.

"The school is no longer a viable business. Just accept the fact, don't prolong the agony."

At the previous meeting of Derbyshire Dales District Council's planning committee on February 3, councillors decided they needed more time to consider the application. Over 200 of the school's supporters gathered at the council's offices in a silent candle-lit vigil.

Principal Dr Deborah Mouat said: "We always knew our plans did not comply fully with the strict application of the Local Plan but councillors have been informed they need to weigh this up with the benefits of retaining the school.

"Nothing has changed since the last meeting. The future of our school is now in the hands of the district council. Everybody is hoping for a positive decision, so that we can give our pupils, parents and staff the good news is here to stay."

School bosses fear that closure would cause the St Elphin's premises to fall into a derelict state.

They also believe current students would find it difficult to find new schools in the area.

But the residents' action group say there would be no shortage of businesses who could use the school buildings.

And they have also contacted local schools to ask if they have places available. At least 12 of the 16 state senior schools in the area can take more students, as can all the primary schools.

By Will Kilner

 

Reprinted by kind permission of Matlock Mercury

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