Ashbourne
Five of the six Ashbourne councillors have proposed the change of zoning for this 3 acre site to allow for a proper designated entry point into the proposed Ashbourne 80 acre public park. This will enable the provision of a very accessible entry point, close to the village, schools and sport grounds; provide ample parking, small playground and enable the provision of a small education centre/coffee dock to benefit all. It will also enable the Park to be secured at night. This area while zoned residential for many years, has been a subject of discussion across many groups. The land was given free gratis to the Parish, by a local farmer [Redacted_Personal Information] for the extension of the old graveyard that is on this site and to build a parochial house. Efforts to engage with the church on what was happening over the years went unanswered. The community at large is appalled that almost by stealth the land was sold privately to a developer who put up a planning sign two days before the draft MCC CDP was put out for consultation. Regardless of this MCC is responsible to ensure that the towns it services of which Ashbourne is one of the largest is provided with green public spaces to meet the needs of all its citizens. Furthermore, the role of the Council is to be strategic in the approval of planning permission for new housing developments to ensure it does not hamper progress of the public park that people have begged for as long as I have lived here;over forty years. In line with good governance and proper oversight and with an understanding of the need for housing the five Councillors have identifed a larger tract of land which will be zoned residential and allow the building of twice the amount of houses. Therefore, i wish to support that Amendement Number 8 is agreed and approved.