The deadline for responses to Amber Valley Council's consultation on the proposed Ripley Gateway Scheme  is 18th August 2011.  Make sure you have your say before that date!

What is it all about?

The scheme, being proposed by the council in conjunction with developer Clowes Westerman, aims to transform the Nottingham Road area of Ripley, bringing enhanced leisure facilities, housing and a new eco-store.

The main features of the development will include

• A new access road with a re-located roundabout providing the first phase of a new A610 link road between Ripley and Langley Mill
• Relocating and enhancing the existing park and playing fields to adjacent land
• A residential development of the land currently earmarked for industrial use - this would replace the existing planning permission for an industrial park
• An 'eco' superstore that is compatible with its surroundings and expects to bring 300 new jobs to the area.

As part of the relocation of the park and playing fields, the proposals include a considerable re-development of those facilities including:

• Clubhouse and changing facilities
• carpark
• skatepark
• childrens play area
• cricket square
• junior pitches
• adult pitch (2 mini-soccer pitches)

but what isn't as well known is the fact that the developer is also looking at the development of other sports facilities in the town as part of this overall project, including the Pit Top area on Peasehill Road, where they would provide training pitches, a clubhouse and a covered spectator area for local clubs such as Ripley Town FC.  

The current recreation ground

The current recreation ground was apparantly provided by the Miners Welfare and is one of the few remaining pieces of green land in Ripley itself.  It is well used by dog walkers and horse riders as well as children just out having fun in the open air instead of indoors playing on computer games. Will the new facilities cater for all this? Where will we be able to send our children to play safely on a large expanse of public grass area?  Is that more important than 300 jobs and top notch formal sports facilities?

But what do you think?  The council need to hear your views as the people who live and work in Ripley or visit the town.

How can I tell the council what I think?

The full plans can be seen at the Ripley Leisure Centre reception and at 15 High St, Ripley.  Whilst both the consultation meetings about this development have already been held, there is still time to submit your response to this consultation by either goiing on line to www.ripleygateway.co.uk or filling in one of the questionnaires you can pick up at the leisure centre.  There's even a postbox in reception to save you having to post the form back to the council.

So far over 100 people have submitted their responses, add your voice before the 18th August deadline, for it to be considered in drafting the consultation report to be considered by the council on 28th September 2011.