Date: 02/11/2009
High Peak Borough Council is unveiling the final draft of the Buxton Design and Place Making Strategy this week and is asking for comments before the document is adopted as formal planning policy.
The strategy has been put together by the public and follows an innovative programme of workshops held during the spring at which people and groups with an interest in Buxton were invited to have their say.
The strategy is very much the creation of Councillor Tony Kemp, High Peak Borough Council's Lead Councillor for Regeneration, who explained the need for the strategy: "The council is putting this strategy together in response to the growing pressure for development in Buxton. We are all very proud of Buxton's unique architectural and cultural heritage, and recognise the need to protect its character while, at the same time, allowing it to grow and prosper. It is therefore vital that we all agree now what the common vision for Buxton should be and how we would like the town to change over the coming years".
The process of preparing the document has been an interesting experiment in consultation, and Councillor Kemp has been delighted with the public's response: "Approximately 350 people took part in one or more of the workshops held earlier this year. This was a great response and indicates the importance attached to Buxton by residents and visitors alike".
Over the summer, the council's consultants, Gillespies and Locum, have been putting together the final draft of the document to reflect the ideas and issues discussed at the workshops. The document is available for inspection at Buxton Town Hall and Library or online at www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/design/BuxtonDesign.asp. Comments should be made by Friday 27 November.