Handy Hints for Objecting
Your Voice Matters
Considering an Objection?
If you are contemplating whether to submit an objection to the application, but have not yet done so, now is the time to act. Your input is important and can influence the outcome.
Already Submitted an Objection?
Even if you have already lodged an objection, you are welcome to submit additional objections. Multiple objections from individuals are permitted and encouraged if you have more points to raise.
Why Every Objection Counts
The application process is moving quickly, and every single objection submitted makes a difference. Do not underestimate the value of your contribution—each objection strengthens the collective voice of the local community.
Make Your Voice Heard
Please do not feel discouraged or think your objection will not matter. By submitting an objection, you ensure your concerns are considered. A higher number of objections demonstrates the level of opposition and can have a real impact on the final decision.
Things to include in your objection letter
-
Your Details: Begin your letter by providing your name and address at the top. Do not include your contact information.
-
Date: Record the date on which you are submitting your letter, ensuring it is clearly visible.
-
Planning Application Reference: 26/00020/FUL
-
Introduction: Clearly state your intention to OBJECT to the proposed development and explain your connection to the area, such as being a resident or business owner.
-
Grounds for Objection: Outline your specific objections, referring to relevant planning policies and local regulations if you know them. Support your claims with factual evidence—such as photographs or expert opinions—and focus on valid planning reasons - not "I don't like it".
Tips for Writing Your Letter
-
Be Clear and Concise: Use straightforward language and avoid jargon, making your points easy to understand.
-
Personalise Your Letter: Refrain from using template letters. Instead, share your unique perspective and experiences related to the proposed development.
-
Gather Supporting Evidence: If possible, collect relevant documents, photographs, or studies that reinforce your objections. This evidence can significantly strengthen your case.
-
Submit on Time: ASAP we don't yet know the planning committee date.
Some ideas from us
Here are some pointers that may be of help
-
Unacceptable impact and damage to the character of the area
-
1,829 extra cars per day (plus nearly 50 HGV deliveries a week) on local roads will lead to a fundamental change to the character of local roads.
-
The local jobs it will generate will be far outweighed by the adverse effect on the local area (there are 200 staff accommodation rooms going to be built) and jobs will obviously only be given to local people if they match the job criteria. (see quote below)
-
The development's sheer bulk and massing are dominant and overwhelming , especially in open countryside (see quote below)
-
Damage to the skyline because of the visual impact of such a tall building
-
Loss of identity to Whitwell Common, a small rural settlement in open countryside
-
The application is contrary to policy SS9 in the Local Plan as the development does not respect the form, scale or character of the landscape
-
The application is contrary to policy SC2 as it does not protect and enhance the character of the local landscape and the wider countryside or the distinctiveness, character and setting of the rural settlement that is Whitwell Common. The development must be sympathetic to local character, history, and the surrounding environment, ensuring a strong sense of place.
-
The development would introduce visually intrusive and uncharacteristic features into an open, rural landscape creating adverse effects on the landscape's character and visual amenity
-
The scale, density and bulk of the Proposed Development is excessive for its plot and should be considered as overdevelopment when weighed against Clowne Garden Village.
-
The new resort would be uncharacteristic of the local area and the magnitude of impact to the landscape surrounding the site would be Large Adverse (i.e. severe, negative impact).
A positive decision on this planning application will set a precedent for future developments that are not sustainable and will result in the area becoming industrialised and urbanised.
Evidence of this is within the Urban Design Comments of the planning application:
'it will be a new feature that changes the landscape character of the surrounding small rural farms and THE PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.'
and within the application itself
- 'Acting as a positive catalyst for future investment and development '
Economic Statement 4.20
"Food and Beverage (F&B): The majority of F&B expenditure is expected to take place on site. To reflect the likelihood that a small proportion of guests will choose to dine off site, a 5% adjustment is applied to estimated local spend.
Entertainment (day and night): Entertainment will largely be provided on site, some of which will be included within the hotel room package.
Shopping: It is assumed that 10% of shopping expenditure will take place off site, recognising the availability of local shopping options in the vicinity of the Site. ● Travel and Other: No additional off-site expenditure is assumed under this category."
Economic Statement 5.51
In the construction phase, the Proposed Development would respond directly to this need by creating an average of 240 onsite construction phase jobs, at least 70 of which might be taken by Bolsover residents.
Urban Design Consultation
5.Pre-Application Discussions
"Early discussion revolved around the scale and massing of the building. At seven storeys it was considered high. It was suggested that a lower more rural typology would fit better within the context, however, the applicant has been quite clear from the outset that for their proposal to be logistically feasible they need seven storeys for this site.
.......
It is comparable in size to buildings such as County Hall in Matlock, East Mill in Belper and Chesterfield Town Hall. It is not on the scale of a ‘country house’ such as Southgate House in the nearby conservation area.
For massing it is similar in size to the Great Bear Warehouse and some of the other larger warehouse buildings in Bolsover District, albeit much more architectural in character."
National Planning Policy Framework states:
Paragraph 135
Decisions should ensure developments are:c) sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting.
Paragraph 187-b)
recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside
Bolsover DC Leisure-Open Space, Access & Biodiversity Comments
"The mix of facilities/ attractions to be provided on site would suggest that visitors are unlikely to use GWL as a base for wider exploration of the area."
Derbyshire County Council Economic Development Comments
"It is also questioned whether some of the spend levels in the wider economy could be achieved by both visitors and staff. From experience, developments such as this tend to seek to retain visitors on site for the duration of their stays, spending within it rather than exploring the wider area.......
Staff Accommodation block
Further information on the use of and need for the staff accommodation block would be helpful. There is a significant amount of space and it would seem to indicate, in the absence of further information, that staff will be required to stay on site. The rooms, from the plans, indicate people will be paired up suggesting they will be staying long term. An explanation of the need for this would be welcomed. If staff are to remain on site, then the calculations used to suggest that there will be significant funds put back into the local economy may need to be revised. It is acknowledged within the Economic Statement that the pay rates will not be high, limiting the opportunity for spend in the local area.."
Jeffery Kenyon
Head of Economic Development
Derbyshire County Council