NEDDC Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation on the Strategic Approach to the Location of Development and Refined Sites (March 2026)

Summary of submission (see attachment):

1. Introduction
This section outlines the purpose of the representations submitted by Fisher German on behalf of the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance. The focus is on two sites: Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth (site ref. 45201), and Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley (site ref. 45205). Both sites were submitted during the 2025 Call for Sites and have been considered in previous and current consultations. The document notes that the Lower Pilsley site is not included in the refined schedule but remains available and is considered a logical option for future growth. The introduction also references the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Standard Method, which have significantly increased the district’s local housing need from 224 to 605 dwellings per annum. The Board emphasizes the importance of prioritizing non-Green Belt land for development, given the expected need for Green Belt release to meet housing targets, but stresses that non-Green Belt land should be used first where possible.

2. Representations
45201 – Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth
This section provides detailed commentary on the suitability of the site for future housing allocation. The site is agricultural land adjacent to the settlement boundary of Wingerworth, a Level 2 settlement with good sustainability. Access is feasible from Swathwick Lane, and the site is not constrained by flood risk (Flood Zone 1), heritage assets, or conservation areas. The Wingerworth Parish Neighbourhood Plan identifies important views from the site, and the Board proposes a sensitive masterplan to address visual impacts. The site could accommodate around 27 dwellings, with a mix of house types, affordable housing, green space, and biodiversity net gain. Landscape and visual impact assessments are planned to address moderate landscape impact concerns. Expert highways input demonstrates that access requirements can be met, with visibility splays and road safety standards satisfied. Surface water flood risk is minimal and can be mitigated through a Sustainable Urban Drainage Strategy.

Additional Site – Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley/North Wingfield (45205)
Although not included in the refined schedule due to its location within a Local Settlement Gap, the Board reiterates the site’s availability and suitability for future growth. The site is agricultural land accessed from Seanor Lane, physically attached to Lower Pilsley and close to North Wingfield. The Board argues that development would not result in settlement coalescence, as a landscape gap would remain. The site is unconstrained by flood risk or heritage assets and could accommodate around 21 dwellings. The Board emphasizes the importance of supporting growth in Level 3 settlements like Lower Pilsley and Level 2 settlements like North Wingfield, in line with NPPF guidance.

Green Belt
The Board notes that a significant proportion of the district is designated Green Belt. The NPPF allows for Green Belt release in exceptional circumstances to meet housing needs, but non-Green Belt land should be prioritized. Both promoted sites are not affected by Green Belt constraints, making them logical options for sustainable development.

Summary
The Board confirms both sites are available and suitable for allocation, with Lower Pilsley awaiting further review of Local Settlement Gaps. The Wingerworth site is included in the refined schedule and is considered a logical, proportionate extension to the settlement, with all constraints capable of being addressed.

Development Needs – Housing
The Board supports planning for at least the Standard Method housing need (605 dwellings per annum) and argues for potentially exceeding this figure, given regional growth ambitions and increased affordable housing requirements. The NPPF requires strategic policies to be informed by local housing need assessments, and the Board contends that North East Derbyshire does not have insurmountable constraints that would justify planning for less than the Standard Method figure. The Board also supports planning for above the minimum, considering economic growth ambitions in Sheffield and Chesterfield, and the need for affordable housing (356 affordable dwellings per annum).

Mix of Scale and Type of Housing Sites
The Board supports the Council’s approach to include a range of site sizes and types in the Local Plan, which will help boost housing delivery and maintain a robust five-year housing land supply. The Board’s sites are relatively small and can contribute to immediate housing supply.

Development Needs – Employment
The Board recommends that the Council plan for employment land requirements at the upper end of the 15–31 hectare range, as recommended in the Employment Needs Assessment. This approach aligns with local economic growth ambitions and ensures sufficient labour supply from new housing. The Board argues that not adopting this approach would constrain economic growth and contradict NPPF objectives.

Spatial Distribution of Development
The Board supports the Council’s approach to prioritize development locations based on settlement sustainability. Priority 1 locations should include the edge of Chesterfield/Sheffield, new settlements, strategic sites, and Level 1 settlements (main towns). The Board agrees with the cascade approach, allowing smaller settlements to accommodate proportionate growth. The Board previously opposed focusing growth solely around Sheffield and Chesterfield, and supports the current broader approach.

Settlement Hierarchy
The Board agrees with grouping settlements by sustainability and role, which should inform spatial distribution. Wingerworth is identified as the most sustainable settlement outside the four principal towns and should accommodate proportionate growth. The Board highlights specific housing market needs in Wingerworth, including smaller homes, affordable and private rented options, and demand for family homes and self/custom-build plots.

Strategic Sites and New Settlements
The Board does not object to strategic sites and new settlements in principle but expresses reservations about the Duckmanton Moor site due to its scale, lack of connection to existing settlements, and ecological constraints. The Board argues that the site’s woodland area limits developable land and may undermine viability, and that the scale of growth is unsustainable for the area.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Addendum March 2026
The Board notes the SA Addendum assesses 271 alternative sites for residential use. It challenges the negative rating applied to the Langer Lane site regarding ancient woodland proximity, arguing the site is sufficiently distant from designated areas and does not warrant a negative rating.

Conclusion
The Board confirms both sites at Wingerworth and Lower Pilsley remain available and suitable for allocation. The Wingerworth site is sustainably located, strongly related to services, and all constraints are addressable. Neither site is affected by Green Belt designation. The Board welcomes ongoing engagement with the Council and emphasizes the suitability of its sites for logical, sustainable growth.

Summary of submission (see attachment):

1. Introduction
This section outlines the purpose of the representations submitted by Fisher German on behalf of the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance. The focus is on two sites: Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth (site ref. 45201), and Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley (site ref. 45205). Both sites were submitted during the 2025 Call for Sites and have been considered in previous and current consultations. The document notes that the Lower Pilsley site is not included in the refined schedule but remains available and is considered a logical option for future growth. The introduction also references the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Standard Method, which have significantly increased the district’s local housing need from 224 to 605 dwellings per annum. The Board emphasizes the importance of prioritizing non-Green Belt land for development, given the expected need for Green Belt release to meet housing targets, but stresses that non-Green Belt land should be used first where possible.

2. Representations
45201 – Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth
This section provides detailed commentary on the suitability of the site for future housing allocation. The site is agricultural land adjacent to the settlement boundary of Wingerworth, a Level 2 settlement with good sustainability. Access is feasible from Swathwick Lane, and the site is not constrained by flood risk (Flood Zone 1), heritage assets, or conservation areas. The Wingerworth Parish Neighbourhood Plan identifies important views from the site, and the Board proposes a sensitive masterplan to address visual impacts. The site could accommodate around 27 dwellings, with a mix of house types, affordable housing, green space, and biodiversity net gain. Landscape and visual impact assessments are planned to address moderate landscape impact concerns. Expert highways input demonstrates that access requirements can be met, with visibility splays and road safety standards satisfied. Surface water flood risk is minimal and can be mitigated through a Sustainable Urban Drainage Strategy.

Additional Site – Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley/North Wingfield (45205)
Although not included in the refined schedule due to its location within a Local Settlement Gap, the Board reiterates the site’s availability and suitability for future growth. The site is agricultural land accessed from Seanor Lane, physically attached to Lower Pilsley and close to North Wingfield. The Board argues that development would not result in settlement coalescence, as a landscape gap would remain. The site is unconstrained by flood risk or heritage assets and could accommodate around 21 dwellings. The Board emphasizes the importance of supporting growth in Level 3 settlements like Lower Pilsley and Level 2 settlements like North Wingfield, in line with NPPF guidance.

Green Belt
The Board notes that a significant proportion of the district is designated Green Belt. The NPPF allows for Green Belt release in exceptional circumstances to meet housing needs, but non-Green Belt land should be prioritized. Both promoted sites are not affected by Green Belt constraints, making them logical options for sustainable development.

Summary
The Board confirms both sites are available and suitable for allocation, with Lower Pilsley awaiting further review of Local Settlement Gaps. The Wingerworth site is included in the refined schedule and is considered a logical, proportionate extension to the settlement, with all constraints capable of being addressed.

Development Needs – Housing
The Board supports planning for at least the Standard Method housing need (605 dwellings per annum) and argues for potentially exceeding this figure, given regional growth ambitions and increased affordable housing requirements. The NPPF requires strategic policies to be informed by local housing need assessments, and the Board contends that North East Derbyshire does not have insurmountable constraints that would justify planning for less than the Standard Method figure. The Board also supports planning for above the minimum, considering economic growth ambitions in Sheffield and Chesterfield, and the need for affordable housing (356 affordable dwellings per annum).

Mix of Scale and Type of Housing Sites
The Board supports the Council’s approach to include a range of site sizes and types in the Local Plan, which will help boost housing delivery and maintain a robust five-year housing land supply. The Board’s sites are relatively small and can contribute to immediate housing supply.

Development Needs – Employment
The Board recommends that the Council plan for employment land requirements at the upper end of the 15–31 hectare range, as recommended in the Employment Needs Assessment. This approach aligns with local economic growth ambitions and ensures sufficient labour supply from new housing. The Board argues that not adopting this approach would constrain economic growth and contradict NPPF objectives.

Spatial Distribution of Development
The Board supports the Council’s approach to prioritize development locations based on settlement sustainability. Priority 1 locations should include the edge of Chesterfield/Sheffield, new settlements, strategic sites, and Level 1 settlements (main towns). The Board agrees with the cascade approach, allowing smaller settlements to accommodate proportionate growth. The Board previously opposed focusing growth solely around Sheffield and Chesterfield, and supports the current broader approach.

Settlement Hierarchy
The Board agrees with grouping settlements by sustainability and role, which should inform spatial distribution. Wingerworth is identified as the most sustainable settlement outside the four principal towns and should accommodate proportionate growth. The Board highlights specific housing market needs in Wingerworth, including smaller homes, affordable and private rented options, and demand for family homes and self/custom-build plots.

Strategic Sites and New Settlements
The Board does not object to strategic sites and new settlements in principle but expresses reservations about the Duckmanton Moor site due to its scale, lack of connection to existing settlements, and ecological constraints. The Board argues that the site’s woodland area limits developable land and may undermine viability, and that the scale of growth is unsustainable for the area.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Addendum March 2026
The Board notes the SA Addendum assesses 271 alternative sites for residential use. It challenges the negative rating applied to the Langer Lane site regarding ancient woodland proximity, arguing the site is sufficiently distant from designated areas and does not warrant a negative rating.

Conclusion
The Board confirms both sites at Wingerworth and Lower Pilsley remain available and suitable for allocation. The Wingerworth site is sustainably located, strongly related to services, and all constraints are addressable. Neither site is affected by Green Belt designation. The Board welcomes ongoing engagement with the Council and emphasizes the suitability of its sites for logical, sustainable growth.

Summary of submission (see attachment):

1. Introduction
This section outlines the purpose of the representations submitted by Fisher German on behalf of the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance. The focus is on two sites: Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth (site ref. 45201), and Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley (site ref. 45205). Both sites were submitted during the 2025 Call for Sites and have been considered in previous and current consultations. The document notes that the Lower Pilsley site is not included in the refined schedule but remains available and is considered a logical option for future growth. The introduction also references the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Standard Method, which have significantly increased the district’s local housing need from 224 to 605 dwellings per annum. The Board emphasizes the importance of prioritizing non-Green Belt land for development, given the expected need for Green Belt release to meet housing targets, but stresses that non-Green Belt land should be used first where possible.

2. Representations
45201 – Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth
This section provides detailed commentary on the suitability of the site for future housing allocation. The site is agricultural land adjacent to the settlement boundary of Wingerworth, a Level 2 settlement with good sustainability. Access is feasible from Swathwick Lane, and the site is not constrained by flood risk (Flood Zone 1), heritage assets, or conservation areas. The Wingerworth Parish Neighbourhood Plan identifies important views from the site, and the Board proposes a sensitive masterplan to address visual impacts. The site could accommodate around 27 dwellings, with a mix of house types, affordable housing, green space, and biodiversity net gain. Landscape and visual impact assessments are planned to address moderate landscape impact concerns. Expert highways input demonstrates that access requirements can be met, with visibility splays and road safety standards satisfied. Surface water flood risk is minimal and can be mitigated through a Sustainable Urban Drainage Strategy.

Additional Site – Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley/North Wingfield (45205)
Although not included in the refined schedule due to its location within a Local Settlement Gap, the Board reiterates the site’s availability and suitability for future growth. The site is agricultural land accessed from Seanor Lane, physically attached to Lower Pilsley and close to North Wingfield. The Board argues that development would not result in settlement coalescence, as a landscape gap would remain. The site is unconstrained by flood risk or heritage assets and could accommodate around 21 dwellings. The Board emphasizes the importance of supporting growth in Level 3 settlements like Lower Pilsley and Level 2 settlements like North Wingfield, in line with NPPF guidance.

Green Belt
The Board notes that a significant proportion of the district is designated Green Belt. The NPPF allows for Green Belt release in exceptional circumstances to meet housing needs, but non-Green Belt land should be prioritized. Both promoted sites are not affected by Green Belt constraints, making them logical options for sustainable development.

Summary
The Board confirms both sites are available and suitable for allocation, with Lower Pilsley awaiting further review of Local Settlement Gaps. The Wingerworth site is included in the refined schedule and is considered a logical, proportionate extension to the settlement, with all constraints capable of being addressed.

Development Needs – Housing
The Board supports planning for at least the Standard Method housing need (605 dwellings per annum) and argues for potentially exceeding this figure, given regional growth ambitions and increased affordable housing requirements. The NPPF requires strategic policies to be informed by local housing need assessments, and the Board contends that North East Derbyshire does not have insurmountable constraints that would justify planning for less than the Standard Method figure. The Board also supports planning for above the minimum, considering economic growth ambitions in Sheffield and Chesterfield, and the need for affordable housing (356 affordable dwellings per annum).

Mix of Scale and Type of Housing Sites
The Board supports the Council’s approach to include a range of site sizes and types in the Local Plan, which will help boost housing delivery and maintain a robust five-year housing land supply. The Board’s sites are relatively small and can contribute to immediate housing supply.

Development Needs – Employment
The Board recommends that the Council plan for employment land requirements at the upper end of the 15–31 hectare range, as recommended in the Employment Needs Assessment. This approach aligns with local economic growth ambitions and ensures sufficient labour supply from new housing. The Board argues that not adopting this approach would constrain economic growth and contradict NPPF objectives.

Spatial Distribution of Development
The Board supports the Council’s approach to prioritize development locations based on settlement sustainability. Priority 1 locations should include the edge of Chesterfield/Sheffield, new settlements, strategic sites, and Level 1 settlements (main towns). The Board agrees with the cascade approach, allowing smaller settlements to accommodate proportionate growth. The Board previously opposed focusing growth solely around Sheffield and Chesterfield, and supports the current broader approach.

Settlement Hierarchy
The Board agrees with grouping settlements by sustainability and role, which should inform spatial distribution. Wingerworth is identified as the most sustainable settlement outside the four principal towns and should accommodate proportionate growth. The Board highlights specific housing market needs in Wingerworth, including smaller homes, affordable and private rented options, and demand for family homes and self/custom-build plots.

Strategic Sites and New Settlements
The Board does not object to strategic sites and new settlements in principle but expresses reservations about the Duckmanton Moor site due to its scale, lack of connection to existing settlements, and ecological constraints. The Board argues that the site’s woodland area limits developable land and may undermine viability, and that the scale of growth is unsustainable for the area.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Addendum March 2026
The Board notes the SA Addendum assesses 271 alternative sites for residential use. It challenges the negative rating applied to the Langer Lane site regarding ancient woodland proximity, arguing the site is sufficiently distant from designated areas and does not warrant a negative rating.

Conclusion
The Board confirms both sites at Wingerworth and Lower Pilsley remain available and suitable for allocation. The Wingerworth site is sustainably located, strongly related to services, and all constraints are addressable. Neither site is affected by Green Belt designation. The Board welcomes ongoing engagement with the Council and emphasizes the suitability of its sites for logical, sustainable growth.

Summary of submission (see attachment):

1. Introduction
This section outlines the purpose of the representations submitted by Fisher German on behalf of the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance. The focus is on two sites: Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth (site ref. 45201), and Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley (site ref. 45205). Both sites were submitted during the 2025 Call for Sites and have been considered in previous and current consultations. The document notes that the Lower Pilsley site is not included in the refined schedule but remains available and is considered a logical option for future growth. The introduction also references the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Standard Method, which have significantly increased the district’s local housing need from 224 to 605 dwellings per annum. The Board emphasizes the importance of prioritizing non-Green Belt land for development, given the expected need for Green Belt release to meet housing targets, but stresses that non-Green Belt land should be used first where possible.

2. Representations
45201 – Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth
This section provides detailed commentary on the suitability of the site for future housing allocation. The site is agricultural land adjacent to the settlement boundary of Wingerworth, a Level 2 settlement with good sustainability. Access is feasible from Swathwick Lane, and the site is not constrained by flood risk (Flood Zone 1), heritage assets, or conservation areas. The Wingerworth Parish Neighbourhood Plan identifies important views from the site, and the Board proposes a sensitive masterplan to address visual impacts. The site could accommodate around 27 dwellings, with a mix of house types, affordable housing, green space, and biodiversity net gain. Landscape and visual impact assessments are planned to address moderate landscape impact concerns. Expert highways input demonstrates that access requirements can be met, with visibility splays and road safety standards satisfied. Surface water flood risk is minimal and can be mitigated through a Sustainable Urban Drainage Strategy.

Additional Site – Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley/North Wingfield (45205)
Although not included in the refined schedule due to its location within a Local Settlement Gap, the Board reiterates the site’s availability and suitability for future growth. The site is agricultural land accessed from Seanor Lane, physically attached to Lower Pilsley and close to North Wingfield. The Board argues that development would not result in settlement coalescence, as a landscape gap would remain. The site is unconstrained by flood risk or heritage assets and could accommodate around 21 dwellings. The Board emphasizes the importance of supporting growth in Level 3 settlements like Lower Pilsley and Level 2 settlements like North Wingfield, in line with NPPF guidance.

Green Belt
The Board notes that a significant proportion of the district is designated Green Belt. The NPPF allows for Green Belt release in exceptional circumstances to meet housing needs, but non-Green Belt land should be prioritized. Both promoted sites are not affected by Green Belt constraints, making them logical options for sustainable development.

Summary
The Board confirms both sites are available and suitable for allocation, with Lower Pilsley awaiting further review of Local Settlement Gaps. The Wingerworth site is included in the refined schedule and is considered a logical, proportionate extension to the settlement, with all constraints capable of being addressed.

Development Needs – Housing
The Board supports planning for at least the Standard Method housing need (605 dwellings per annum) and argues for potentially exceeding this figure, given regional growth ambitions and increased affordable housing requirements. The NPPF requires strategic policies to be informed by local housing need assessments, and the Board contends that North East Derbyshire does not have insurmountable constraints that would justify planning for less than the Standard Method figure. The Board also supports planning for above the minimum, considering economic growth ambitions in Sheffield and Chesterfield, and the need for affordable housing (356 affordable dwellings per annum).

Mix of Scale and Type of Housing Sites
The Board supports the Council’s approach to include a range of site sizes and types in the Local Plan, which will help boost housing delivery and maintain a robust five-year housing land supply. The Board’s sites are relatively small and can contribute to immediate housing supply.

Development Needs – Employment
The Board recommends that the Council plan for employment land requirements at the upper end of the 15–31 hectare range, as recommended in the Employment Needs Assessment. This approach aligns with local economic growth ambitions and ensures sufficient labour supply from new housing. The Board argues that not adopting this approach would constrain economic growth and contradict NPPF objectives.

Spatial Distribution of Development
The Board supports the Council’s approach to prioritize development locations based on settlement sustainability. Priority 1 locations should include the edge of Chesterfield/Sheffield, new settlements, strategic sites, and Level 1 settlements (main towns). The Board agrees with the cascade approach, allowing smaller settlements to accommodate proportionate growth. The Board previously opposed focusing growth solely around Sheffield and Chesterfield, and supports the current broader approach.

Settlement Hierarchy
The Board agrees with grouping settlements by sustainability and role, which should inform spatial distribution. Wingerworth is identified as the most sustainable settlement outside the four principal towns and should accommodate proportionate growth. The Board highlights specific housing market needs in Wingerworth, including smaller homes, affordable and private rented options, and demand for family homes and self/custom-build plots.

Strategic Sites and New Settlements
The Board does not object to strategic sites and new settlements in principle but expresses reservations about the Duckmanton Moor site due to its scale, lack of connection to existing settlements, and ecological constraints. The Board argues that the site’s woodland area limits developable land and may undermine viability, and that the scale of growth is unsustainable for the area.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Addendum March 2026
The Board notes the SA Addendum assesses 271 alternative sites for residential use. It challenges the negative rating applied to the Langer Lane site regarding ancient woodland proximity, arguing the site is sufficiently distant from designated areas and does not warrant a negative rating.

Conclusion
The Board confirms both sites at Wingerworth and Lower Pilsley remain available and suitable for allocation. The Wingerworth site is sustainably located, strongly related to services, and all constraints are addressable. Neither site is affected by Green Belt designation. The Board welcomes ongoing engagement with the Council and emphasizes the suitability of its sites for logical, sustainable growth.

Summary of submission (see attachment):

1. Introduction
This section outlines the purpose of the representations submitted by Fisher German on behalf of the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance. The focus is on two sites: Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth (site ref. 45201), and Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley (site ref. 45205). Both sites were submitted during the 2025 Call for Sites and have been considered in previous and current consultations. The document notes that the Lower Pilsley site is not included in the refined schedule but remains available and is considered a logical option for future growth. The introduction also references the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Standard Method, which have significantly increased the district’s local housing need from 224 to 605 dwellings per annum. The Board emphasizes the importance of prioritizing non-Green Belt land for development, given the expected need for Green Belt release to meet housing targets, but stresses that non-Green Belt land should be used first where possible.

2. Representations
45201 – Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth
This section provides detailed commentary on the suitability of the site for future housing allocation. The site is agricultural land adjacent to the settlement boundary of Wingerworth, a Level 2 settlement with good sustainability. Access is feasible from Swathwick Lane, and the site is not constrained by flood risk (Flood Zone 1), heritage assets, or conservation areas. The Wingerworth Parish Neighbourhood Plan identifies important views from the site, and the Board proposes a sensitive masterplan to address visual impacts. The site could accommodate around 27 dwellings, with a mix of house types, affordable housing, green space, and biodiversity net gain. Landscape and visual impact assessments are planned to address moderate landscape impact concerns. Expert highways input demonstrates that access requirements can be met, with visibility splays and road safety standards satisfied. Surface water flood risk is minimal and can be mitigated through a Sustainable Urban Drainage Strategy.

Additional Site – Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley/North Wingfield (45205)
Although not included in the refined schedule due to its location within a Local Settlement Gap, the Board reiterates the site’s availability and suitability for future growth. The site is agricultural land accessed from Seanor Lane, physically attached to Lower Pilsley and close to North Wingfield. The Board argues that development would not result in settlement coalescence, as a landscape gap would remain. The site is unconstrained by flood risk or heritage assets and could accommodate around 21 dwellings. The Board emphasizes the importance of supporting growth in Level 3 settlements like Lower Pilsley and Level 2 settlements like North Wingfield, in line with NPPF guidance.

Green Belt
The Board notes that a significant proportion of the district is designated Green Belt. The NPPF allows for Green Belt release in exceptional circumstances to meet housing needs, but non-Green Belt land should be prioritized. Both promoted sites are not affected by Green Belt constraints, making them logical options for sustainable development.

Summary
The Board confirms both sites are available and suitable for allocation, with Lower Pilsley awaiting further review of Local Settlement Gaps. The Wingerworth site is included in the refined schedule and is considered a logical, proportionate extension to the settlement, with all constraints capable of being addressed.

Development Needs – Housing
The Board supports planning for at least the Standard Method housing need (605 dwellings per annum) and argues for potentially exceeding this figure, given regional growth ambitions and increased affordable housing requirements. The NPPF requires strategic policies to be informed by local housing need assessments, and the Board contends that North East Derbyshire does not have insurmountable constraints that would justify planning for less than the Standard Method figure. The Board also supports planning for above the minimum, considering economic growth ambitions in Sheffield and Chesterfield, and the need for affordable housing (356 affordable dwellings per annum).

Mix of Scale and Type of Housing Sites
The Board supports the Council’s approach to include a range of site sizes and types in the Local Plan, which will help boost housing delivery and maintain a robust five-year housing land supply. The Board’s sites are relatively small and can contribute to immediate housing supply.

Development Needs – Employment
The Board recommends that the Council plan for employment land requirements at the upper end of the 15–31 hectare range, as recommended in the Employment Needs Assessment. This approach aligns with local economic growth ambitions and ensures sufficient labour supply from new housing. The Board argues that not adopting this approach would constrain economic growth and contradict NPPF objectives.

Spatial Distribution of Development
The Board supports the Council’s approach to prioritize development locations based on settlement sustainability. Priority 1 locations should include the edge of Chesterfield/Sheffield, new settlements, strategic sites, and Level 1 settlements (main towns). The Board agrees with the cascade approach, allowing smaller settlements to accommodate proportionate growth. The Board previously opposed focusing growth solely around Sheffield and Chesterfield, and supports the current broader approach.

Settlement Hierarchy
The Board agrees with grouping settlements by sustainability and role, which should inform spatial distribution. Wingerworth is identified as the most sustainable settlement outside the four principal towns and should accommodate proportionate growth. The Board highlights specific housing market needs in Wingerworth, including smaller homes, affordable and private rented options, and demand for family homes and self/custom-build plots.

Strategic Sites and New Settlements
The Board does not object to strategic sites and new settlements in principle but expresses reservations about the Duckmanton Moor site due to its scale, lack of connection to existing settlements, and ecological constraints. The Board argues that the site’s woodland area limits developable land and may undermine viability, and that the scale of growth is unsustainable for the area.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Addendum March 2026
The Board notes the SA Addendum assesses 271 alternative sites for residential use. It challenges the negative rating applied to the Langer Lane site regarding ancient woodland proximity, arguing the site is sufficiently distant from designated areas and does not warrant a negative rating.

Conclusion
The Board confirms both sites at Wingerworth and Lower Pilsley remain available and suitable for allocation. The Wingerworth site is sustainably located, strongly related to services, and all constraints are addressable. Neither site is affected by Green Belt designation. The Board welcomes ongoing engagement with the Council and emphasizes the suitability of its sites for logical, sustainable growth.

Summary of submission (see attachment):

1. Introduction
This section outlines the purpose of the representations submitted by Fisher German on behalf of the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance. The focus is on two sites: Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth (site ref. 45201), and Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley (site ref. 45205). Both sites were submitted during the 2025 Call for Sites and have been considered in previous and current consultations. The document notes that the Lower Pilsley site is not included in the refined schedule but remains available and is considered a logical option for future growth. The introduction also references the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Standard Method, which have significantly increased the district’s local housing need from 224 to 605 dwellings per annum. The Board emphasizes the importance of prioritizing non-Green Belt land for development, given the expected need for Green Belt release to meet housing targets, but stresses that non-Green Belt land should be used first where possible.

2. Representations
45201 – Land West of Langer Lane, Wingerworth
This section provides detailed commentary on the suitability of the site for future housing allocation. The site is agricultural land adjacent to the settlement boundary of Wingerworth, a Level 2 settlement with good sustainability. Access is feasible from Swathwick Lane, and the site is not constrained by flood risk (Flood Zone 1), heritage assets, or conservation areas. The Wingerworth Parish Neighbourhood Plan identifies important views from the site, and the Board proposes a sensitive masterplan to address visual impacts. The site could accommodate around 27 dwellings, with a mix of house types, affordable housing, green space, and biodiversity net gain. Landscape and visual impact assessments are planned to address moderate landscape impact concerns. Expert highways input demonstrates that access requirements can be met, with visibility splays and road safety standards satisfied. Surface water flood risk is minimal and can be mitigated through a Sustainable Urban Drainage Strategy.

Additional Site – Land Northeast of Park House Road, Lower Pilsley/North Wingfield (45205)
Although not included in the refined schedule due to its location within a Local Settlement Gap, the Board reiterates the site’s availability and suitability for future growth. The site is agricultural land accessed from Seanor Lane, physically attached to Lower Pilsley and close to North Wingfield. The Board argues that development would not result in settlement coalescence, as a landscape gap would remain. The site is unconstrained by flood risk or heritage assets and could accommodate around 21 dwellings. The Board emphasizes the importance of supporting growth in Level 3 settlements like Lower Pilsley and Level 2 settlements like North Wingfield, in line with NPPF guidance.

Green Belt
The Board notes that a significant proportion of the district is designated Green Belt. The NPPF allows for Green Belt release in exceptional circumstances to meet housing needs, but non-Green Belt land should be prioritized. Both promoted sites are not affected by Green Belt constraints, making them logical options for sustainable development.

Summary
The Board confirms both sites are available and suitable for allocation, with Lower Pilsley awaiting further review of Local Settlement Gaps. The Wingerworth site is included in the refined schedule and is considered a logical, proportionate extension to the settlement, with all constraints capable of being addressed.

Development Needs – Housing
The Board supports planning for at least the Standard Method housing need (605 dwellings per annum) and argues for potentially exceeding this figure, given regional growth ambitions and increased affordable housing requirements. The NPPF requires strategic policies to be informed by local housing need assessments, and the Board contends that North East Derbyshire does not have insurmountable constraints that would justify planning for less than the Standard Method figure. The Board also supports planning for above the minimum, considering economic growth ambitions in Sheffield and Chesterfield, and the need for affordable housing (356 affordable dwellings per annum).

Mix of Scale and Type of Housing Sites
The Board supports the Council’s approach to include a range of site sizes and types in the Local Plan, which will help boost housing delivery and maintain a robust five-year housing land supply. The Board’s sites are relatively small and can contribute to immediate housing supply.

Development Needs – Employment
The Board recommends that the Council plan for employment land requirements at the upper end of the 15–31 hectare range, as recommended in the Employment Needs Assessment. This approach aligns with local economic growth ambitions and ensures sufficient labour supply from new housing. The Board argues that not adopting this approach would constrain economic growth and contradict NPPF objectives.

Spatial Distribution of Development
The Board supports the Council’s approach to prioritize development locations based on settlement sustainability. Priority 1 locations should include the edge of Chesterfield/Sheffield, new settlements, strategic sites, and Level 1 settlements (main towns). The Board agrees with the cascade approach, allowing smaller settlements to accommodate proportionate growth. The Board previously opposed focusing growth solely around Sheffield and Chesterfield, and supports the current broader approach.

Settlement Hierarchy
The Board agrees with grouping settlements by sustainability and role, which should inform spatial distribution. Wingerworth is identified as the most sustainable settlement outside the four principal towns and should accommodate proportionate growth. The Board highlights specific housing market needs in Wingerworth, including smaller homes, affordable and private rented options, and demand for family homes and self/custom-build plots.

Strategic Sites and New Settlements
The Board does not object to strategic sites and new settlements in principle but expresses reservations about the Duckmanton Moor site due to its scale, lack of connection to existing settlements, and ecological constraints. The Board argues that the site’s woodland area limits developable land and may undermine viability, and that the scale of growth is unsustainable for the area.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Addendum March 2026
The Board notes the SA Addendum assesses 271 alternative sites for residential use. It challenges the negative rating applied to the Langer Lane site regarding ancient woodland proximity, arguing the site is sufficiently distant from designated areas and does not warrant a negative rating.

Conclusion
The Board confirms both sites at Wingerworth and Lower Pilsley remain available and suitable for allocation. The Wingerworth site is sustainably located, strongly related to services, and all constraints are addressable. Neither site is affected by Green Belt designation. The Board welcomes ongoing engagement with the Council and emphasizes the suitability of its sites for logical, sustainable growth.