Dark Lane Action

NEWS

02.03.08 - DARK LANE WALKABOUT!

If you haven’t walked along Dark Lane recently, now’s the time to enjoy the better weather. You can start at Woods Lane, opposite the Admiral Rodney on Main Street, go up the Lane and turn left just before the entrance to the Riding School. This is Dark Lane which continues behind the Nursing Home, then turn right at the corner of St Wilfrid's School Field, through a narrow gate.

Dark Lane continues up the rise, past footpaths on the left to Renals Way (near Keenwell Pond). The path then slits into two, one way is on lower ground in a little valley (Dumble) and then up a steep bank. The other way is by taking a left fork where the path follows the edge of the bushes and trees on the top of the Dumble bank. The paths eventually meet further up the hill and continue by the edge of the field up to Spindle Lane and Foxwood. From here you can either turn right and keep going until you come to Georges Hill or turn left towards Bonner Hill, passing another path on the left back to the village. Alternatively you can turn right for a short distance before turning left at the edge of Foxwood, this path takes you down towards Woodborough.

18.11.07 - DARK LANE CAMPAIGN – A BRIEF HISTORY: PART 2

The revision of the latest Gedling BC Local Plan was followed by a Public Inquiry, as a result the Dark Lane area, at the request of a developer, was removed from the Greenbelt. This was followed, in 2005, by an outline planning application for the construction of over 100 dwellings, including blocks of flats. The Preservation Society held a Public Meeting at the Village Hall and from that the Dark Lane Action Group was formed.

Since then local residents have been encouraged to submit comments and a Petition was presented to Gedling Council. Over 600 signatures were obtained in support of the Petition, the main areas of concern being access to the site from Main Street and Renals Way, demolition of characteristic village buildings, size and type of the proposed dwellings and aggravation of the existing drainage problems in Calverton. Other areas of concern are the effect on the immediate area of Dark Lane and Keenwell particularly with regard to wildlife and the threat to the habitat of rare or uncommon species, such as great crested newt and White-letter Hairstreak Butterfly. In addition provision of community services, such as medical, educational and social, are likely to be affected. For more details about the Petition see the separate section on this website.

Earlier this year the Conservation Areas in Calverton were combined into one Area running along most of Main Street. This means that barns and sheds where access is proposed to the Dark Lane development now have some extra protection.

A decision about the application is still pending until Gedling BC publishes a Design Brief for the development on the site, as a result it is likely that the current planning application will be revised. This should mean that local residents and others will be able to submit comments.

As well as Gedling BC, the Preservation Society, in association with the Dark Lane Action Group, maintains contact with other official organisations and interested parties including Notts. CC, Severn-Trent, Government Office East Midlands and Paddy Tipping MP.

11.10.07 - DARK LANE CAMPAIGN, A BRIEF HISTORY

Concerns by local residents about the development of the Dark Lane area were first raised over 25 years ago. In 1981 an application was make to build houses in the fields next to the Riding School, this was refused as the site was within the Greenbelt. However there was still the possibility of some kind of development and so apprehension amongst residents remained. A few years later the threat to Dark Lane was featured in a TV programme which included scenes of the area and the opinions of several people who lived in Calverton.

More recently the Gedling BC Local Plan was revised and following a Public Inquiry the Dark Lane area, at the request of a developer, was removed from the Greenbelt. This resulted in the present application for the construction of dwellings, including blocks of flats, to be submitted in 2005. A decision has been pending since then until Gedling BC publishes a Design Brief for the development on the site.

Thus the Preservation Society, in association with the Dark Lane Action Group, continues to be vigilant and welcomes support from anyone who is concerned about the environment in Calverton.

03.09.07 - MORE RAIN ANYONE?

Drainage in Calverton continues to be a problem (Bonner Lane, Main Street, The Nook, Georges Lane, West End, Mansfield Lane to name a few locations!) despite Severn-Trent assuring otherwise. Surely more building such as that planned for the Dark Lane area will only add to the difficulties.

Indeed you may remember Mansfield Lane was closed for four weeks in July so that an “overflow” tank could be installed under the road. This has been necessary because of the new residential and commercial development near Flatts Lane. Just before the barriers were taken down and the road reopened there was some heavy rain for about an hour which resulted in the new “overflow” tank itself overflowing through the inspection cover and bubbling on to Mansfield Lane causing a flood!

Let’s hope the work carried out near “The Holes” will prevent the stream running along Main Street in future.

On a similar theme, Sara C. of the Action Group writes:-

Well, it has begun to rain again. A few days of lovely warm sunshine and back comes the rain. You'd think we'd be used to it here in Blighty, it's not as if it's unusual, but hasn't this year's weather been more extreme that you can remember? If anyone can remember floods like this year, please get in touch. It would be interesting to hear what has gone on in our village so future generations can be part of its history. An older lady I worked for many years ago once said to us when her home in a village similar to ours was flooded for the second time in a year 'Something is changing because this house has been here years and they wouldn't have built houses where floods are'.

I think she was very wise.

I hope also we might learn from the past, though I think it is unlikely. Profit and 'progress' seem to be the principle considerations when it comes to building. Doesn't seem much like progress when we can't even fit in with our weather, despite our apparent British obsession with it.

Stay dry.
Sara Covington sj.covington@btinternet.com

08.08.07 - SUMMER……WHAT SUMMER!!!!

Despite being told by GBC Planning Department before Easter that the Development Brief would be published “in a few weeks” it still hasn’t appeared. Perhaps this is due to recent legislation which has meant that the next Local Plan which was also due to be published about now for discussion has had to be revised and is unlikely to be available before Spring 2008.

Meanwhile Sara C. of the Action Group writes:-

Well it looks like summer is here at last. Where did all the rain a few weeks ago come from? If you were flooded, I hope it was easily dealt with. We were lucky this time - our neighbours weren't and just avoided muddy water making its way through their homes uninvited. Main Street seemed to just keep flowing, despite some dry days. It just goes to show that what happens in one part of the village can affect any one of us.

Of course, I can't imagine that a mini-housing estate on Dark Lane is going to help all this, but then, I'm just a concerned resident. No building qualifications at all. I'm just trying to work out what the future might hold if another field where water drains at nature's pace gets covered in concrete.

Swimming lessons anyone?

For more information about the Dark Lane campaign, the web site (nearly 1500 visitors) is a useful resource. Go to: www.darklaneaction.com. Please be sure to post details about your experiences of the floods on the web site. We'd be very interested.

Thank you!
Sara Covington - sj.covington@btinternet.com
or 965 3027.

02.07.07 - ONE YEAR AFTER!!

It doesn’t seem a year since “The Battle of Keenwell”!! when several hundred residents showed their displeasure as workmen tried to clear the ground. There’s now no sign of all the huffing, puffing, strimming & chopping by “you-know-who”.

Isn’t nature wonderful?!!!!!

Keenwell June 2007 - nature's playground

DARK LANE UPDATE

Mention is made below about the GBC Development Brief for the Dark Lane area. Meanwhile the Village Green and Public Footpath applications regarding the Keenwell area are still being considered by Notts C.C.

The Dark Lane website, darklaneaction.com, continues to be popular and has now had over 1200 visitors.

The Action Group would like to thank everyone who has expressed support during the past year, especially those who have contributed to the Appeal Fund. Whilst it is not possible, due to lack of funds, to seek the services of a specialist lawyer, it is expected that further advice will be required from planning consultants to continue the campaign.

		DARK LANE APPEAL 2006/07

	INCOME	£	EXPENDITURE	£
1/4/2006	B/F	1787.34
April_06	Donations	40.00
May-06	"	100.00
Jun-06	"	293.00
Sep-06	"	45.00
Oct-06	"	150.00
Dec-06			Consultant's Fees	250.00
31/3/2007			C/F	2165.34
		2415.34		2415.34

22.05.07 - We Shall Overcome!

Spring is here again, April showers in May, - was that week in March all we get for Summer? I hope the Village Get Together had good weather. It just shows how much really goes on in our village - one of the reasons I like living here. There really is something for everyone...

Thank you to everyone who voted for myself and Peter in the Parish Council Elections. It was a good experience, and we were delighted with the number of votes we both received. We attended the counting at Carlton Leisure Centre, which included the Borough Council count for the Gedling area. We missed the press, who were keen to be there as Gedling is always an interesting mix, apparently, so we didn't get our pictures in the paper.

With regard to the Dark Lane area detailed new plans are still awaited. There are still issues to be addressed with respect to road access onto Main Street, drainage and the barns within the new conservation area which has been extended to include more of Main Street which may impact the development, depending on the shiny new plans. Please be assured we will continue to put forward the views of Dark Lane supporters and do everything we can to keep the area for all of us in the future. We Shall Overcome!

Sara Covington, 965 3027 sj.covington@btinternet.com

19.03.07 - CONSERVATION AREA ENLARGED – THANKS TO GEDLING BC!

As previously mentioned in the ECHO, during the last year or so, GBC have been carrying out an appraisal of the Conservation Areas in Calverton. These Areas, Burnor Pool, Labray and Windles Square, were established 20 to 30 years ago as “character areas” containing the majority of buildings of historical interest in the village. Richard Schofield and his colleagues in the Planning Department have produced a thorough and comprehensive final Report which includes the main recommendation that the three Areas be linked along Main Street to form one, reflecting the “linear village” nature of Calverton.

This Report was presented to Gedling BC Cabinet at the beginning of February and apart from a comment as to why a monkey puzzle tree should have a Preservation Order, was unanimously approved by those present.

Details of the legal aspects of the Report appear elsewhere in the ECHO (P?) but mention is made that consent must be obtained from GBC to demolish any building in the Area, 6 weeks notice must be given for any works to be carried out on trees, special publicity should be given to planning applications and the Secretary of State as well as GBC are required to take into account the desirability of preserving and enhancing the character or appearance of the Area.

For those that are interested the Conservation Area Appraisal and accompanying maps may be found on GBCs website at:-

http://www.gedling.gov.uk/index/pe-home/pe-lp-home/pe-lp-conservation.htm

SPRING REALLY HAS SPRUNG UP DARK LANE!!!

During the last few weeks the original Keenwell Spring has sprung and has been running down the Lane towards the gate.

The Spring season will soon be with us, and seems to come earlier than it used to. I thought that was because I was getting older, but it seems it's actually true. One of the symptoms of 'climate change' we hear so much about. Whilst it's nice to think that winters will be shorter and heating bills lower, (perhaps), it seems the environment and the wildlife who depend on it need all the help they can get.

One helpful solution is to preserve as much green space as we can, and in our over crowded corner of Europe, that usually means sharing to get the most out of what remains. As concerned villagers, we feel that Dark Lane is an ideal spot for sharing with people and wildlife. We prefer it to being covered in concrete and tarmac when houses remain unsold in our area. Many people in Calverton do too.

Some people take drastic action to protect their environment and preserve it from development. I was speaking to someone this week who is part of a campaigning family. One of their family members was dragged from a large tree by an army helicopter, armed officers and a whole array of police and resuce vehicles - to get one person from their place in a tree!!! All to make way for a bypass in the South East of England. Though personally, I'm not one for heights, I'm sure we'll think of something, should the need arise. Ideas on a postcard to sj.covington@btinternet.com. Watch this space....

Yours, Sara C. (965 3027)

19.02.2007 - SAVE THE PLANET - WALK UP DARK LANE!

It looks like winter is here at last, with a spell of colder weather making Dark Lane look stunning again. It seems strange to think that our winters are getting milder, according to those who know, due to 'global warming'. To reverse this trend in changing weather patterns, it seems we need to take better care of our earth and its resources and pay more attention to the processes it undergoes when things are changing around us.

One way to reduce our 'carbon footprint' is to walk more, so get along to Dark Lane and practice. (Let me know if you spot the ghosts). It really is nice this time of year. Another way is apparently, to plant more trees and preserve green open spaces which eat up the carbon dioxide and put oxygen back.

I'm not sure where covering Dark Lane with concrete fits in to this, but what do I know, I'm just a confused member of the public? I'd love to know where all these trees and green open spaces will be located, because, once they are gone, it seems they never return. Perhaps we'll all need a few dozen pot plants to make up for the trees ripped down and burnt to build flats in Dark Lane? Now I am beginning to sound cynical, so I will change the subject:

Parish Council Elections - watch this space.

Have you visited the Dark Lane web site recently? It seems many of you have, so thanks for reading and keeping the Dark Lane issue current. Even Google knows about it now!

www.darklaneaction.com
Yours, Sara Covington.
0115 965 3027 sj.covington@btinternet.com

22.01.07 - Welcome to 2007!

Welcome to 2007 everyone! Hope you had a restful time over the holidays. If you didn't, wander down to Dark Lane for a walk in the fresh air, You're sure to feel much better afterwards. You can have a look at the new bridge which marks the 'real' footpath. Very smart it is too. (See photos below)

I have been reading in the news recently about some Scottish residents being arrested for being part of a peaceful protest over the Trident nuclear missile site at Faslane. Protesters have been sent to prison over the issue. Apparently, our government wants to build newer bombs and site them at the Naval Base. Local people and other protesters have chained themselves to the railings and stopped traffic entering and leaving the site.

One story made particularly interesting reading - it goes like this.

An elderly lady was arrested and placed in a cell at her local police station for obstructing workers at the nuclear site. Officers at the station allowed her to have books, pens and paper to help her while away her time alone in a 6 x 10 cell awaiting judgement on what was to be done with her. Only 1 book is usually allowed, apparently, but some local officers quietly agreed with the lady's views and treated her accordingly. As part of law enforcement, the officers were duty bound to arrest this lady and see she was held until charged. It was not feasible for them to join in the protest, unless they really wanted to be jobless as a start to 2007.

I think this story is great, as it just goes to show that there are people in every walk of life who hold strong views on many issues, some publicly, some behind the scenes. And whilst the keeping of Dark Lane isn't really on the same scale as having a weapon of mass destruction on your doorstep, I can see some similarities.

A very good 2007 to everyone.

Sara 965 3027 sj.covington@btinternet.com

CALVERTON CONSERVATION AREA

Due to a crowded agenda in December, the Calverton Conservation Area Report will now be presented to the GBC Cabinet for approval in January. The delay has made it possible to suggest further additions to the buildings of significant interest including 144 Main Street (formerly the “Forest Tavern” – a coaching inn), the “Admiral Rodney” and the Forge buildings opposite, the barns and sheds at 115 Main Street and the remains of the Roeite Chapel on Woods Lane.

Click here to see the proposal

20.12.06 - Christmas Greetings From The Dark Lane Action Group!

In the run up to the festive season I always find it relaxing to walk out in the open, even if it's windy, rainy, dark or cold. My nearest footpath is Dark Lane and I never tire of seeing it change with the seasons. I'm sure I'm not alone in this, and the value of Dark Lane to those of us who share it with the wildlife can't be measured in money amounts. That's why we continue to do all we can to protect it for all of us, now and in the future.

The campaign is progressing, with objections to the village green application being carefully thought over and suitable responses sent. This application is an important part of keeping Dark Lane for us all, though not the only issue we need to highlight. Some of the others are: drains, (big issue here if you are one of those who experience flooding in your property), access roads and traffic in and out of the proposed development, wildlife, (bats and butterflies, newts and other residents), public access, conservation... there's quite a list. This is why we continue to fight for Dark Lane. We believe there is a chance, this time, that people and their right to open space in their local environment is more important than building for profit.

Please continue to support us with your donations, and visit the web site: www.darklaneaction.com to let us know your comments. You can use the internet for free at our local library, so no excuses not to log on and talk to us!

Perhaps when it's all over we can meet at Dark Lane for a glass of sloe gin, made from Dark Lane sloes....all welcome!

Sara C. http://webmail.ntlworld.com/agent/MobNewMsg?to=sj.covington@btinternet.comTel: 965 3027.

CALVERTON CONSERVATION AREA

Earlier in the year mention was made in the Echo about an appraisal of the Conservation Areas in Calverton. These Areas, Burnor Pool, Labray and Windles Square, were established 20 to 30 years ago as “character areas” containing the majority of buildings of historical interest in the village. In response to comments from various organisations and individuals, Gedling BC have now issued the final draft Report. The main recommendation is that the three Areas be linked along Main Street to form one, reflecting the “linear village” nature of Calverton. This means that the barns and sheds opposite the petrol station where it is planned to make an access for the Dark Lane development would become part of the Conservation Area. The Report is due to be presented to the GBC Cabinet for approval during December and come into force in the New Year.

Barns on Main Street above should soon be part of the conservation area.

14.11.06 - Are Langridges hopes of a development SINCking?

I think it really is Autumn now. The mornings are darker and the dampness is around more often. The leaves are finally falling off the trees and soon no-one will need to mow the lawn. Dark Lane is as lovely as ever. It always amazes me how there is always something to see and do up there.

The Village Green application is still in progress, and a lot of hard work has gone on in the background to make this as effective as possible in securing the area for future generations. Thank you if you have given further information.

Some other news on the campaign is that part of the site is undergoing a request to make it a SINC (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation) site, which means an application is submitted to the council so they are aware of its special nature when looking at potential planning applications. And Dark Lane is certainly special, with Great Crested Newts and a Hairstreak butterfly population being observed there. And that’s not including the bats, birds and other residents.

Click here to go to the downloads section to download a map of the SINC

It strikes me that Dark Lane is doing well for wildlife and people, sharing the facilities and providing much-needed recreation and open space for Calverton residents without disturbing the wildlife going about their business of eating, drinking, raising youngsters and keeping the balance of nature finely tuned.

Why spoil it with a housing estate?

Check our website for details: www.darklaneaction.com or contact me.

DARKLANEACTION.COM

Have you visited the website yet? Why not sign the Guest Book or send a comment?

Several hundred visits have been made already, these are some of the comments which have been left:-

“We have supported Dark Lane staying as Green Belt throughout this whole disgraceful process. Pity our elected representatives don't think they should reflect their electors’ views!”

“Save Dark Lane!”

“The whole development should be scrapped!”

“Keep Dark Lane how it is!”

“I fully support the campaign. It's time people stood up to these idiots who think that building on greenbelt is OK, even when there's no demand for more housing in the area and certainly the vast majority of the village would prefer the Dark Lane just the way it is - as open countryside to be enjoyed by all, as it has been for many years. It would be better turning it into a village green. Good luck!”

“Great website! I totally agree with you............The Dark Lane development will do nothing but ruin the environment and put wildlife at risk.”

Thanks to everyone for their support.

17.10.06 - Sloe Gin anyone?

DARK LANE REPORT

Autumn time again. Don't the months fly by.  Lovely time to be in Dark Lane.

Here's the latest on the campaign to save it from developments:

First, we have a shiny new web site dedicated to the cause. Have a look on http://www.darklaneaction.com/

You can see pictures, read about the latest happenings, and contact us directly. It's still under development,

so you can make suggestions and comments.

On the village green application, we are in the process of gathering more detailed information from those

who have memories of Dark Lane and how it has been used. It is a challenge, as we have to prove our point

in a legal sense. We will be speaking to people

individually, to ask if they have time for more detailed discussion. If we don't get round to you in time, and you

have something to say, please get in touch via the contact details below or via the website. Many thanks to

our webmaster Steve for the work he has put in.

Either way, enjoy Dark Lane this Autumn, the blackberries are especially good this year.

If anyone has a recipe for sloe gin, I hear that's excellent on a winter evening too!

 Sara. sj.covington@btinternet.com

01.09.06 - Now where did I put that footpath?

I'm wondering what happened to the summer. Hot sun, glorious blue skies every day. The rain. Monsoons in fact. I hope you weren't caught out in it while walking up the footpath. Have you noticed that the trees and bushes have been trimmed along the site of what is officially the footpath, to the south site of the Keenwell? This was done by the council to help clarify issues regarding where the footpath is supposed to be.

Or perhaps you just walk along the path worn by hundreds of feet, as you have always done?

This is part of the conflict about Dark Lane and the surrounding area. The conflict between housing development for profit and the loss of a shared, public amenity. A public amenity for use by all residents and their families, and an excellent place for wildlife. Where the two meet, we can learn a lot.

So, continue to enjoy Dark Lane. The autumn will soon be here - there are blackberries for pies, rosehips for syrup and sloes for...gin, isn't it?

The campaign continues!

If you need any information, or can help with the campaign, please email:

mail@darklaneaction.com

15.08.06 - Is it all a big mistake?

Last month it was a news item on TV! This month its a photo and report in the Evening Post as a result of Dark Lane/Keenwell being featured in a Parliamentary debate about Common Land and Village Greens when our MP, Paddy Tipping, spoke about the local situation. (Another MP was amazed that Planning permission from over 30 years ago was still valid!)

However, Paddy gained assurances from Barry Gardiner (Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) that planning consent does not automatically overturn the application for a Village Green. Indeed, due to the circumstances, it seems that the application probably has priority.

Paddy’s reply to this was "Hurrah!"

The Bill duly completed its passage through the Commons and will return to the Lords and then gain Royal Assent.

Paddy has since met the Dark Lane Action Group (DLAG) to discuss future action. He continues to give it his full support and advice, for which we are extremely grateful.

At a recent DLAG meeting with the GBC Deputy Leader and Planning representatives, the reference in the Draft Dark Lane Planning Brief about dwellings up to 4 storeys high was described as "a mistake"!!

One wonders what other mistakes GBC might have made, perhaps the whole Dark Lane episode itself?

21.06.2006 - Bulldozers Rule?

Did you see it on the telly? Renals Way was a hive of activity Monday morning 2 weeks ago as Langridge Homes decided they had had enough and they were going to reclaim their right to build on their own land at the end of Renals Way, right by the Keenwell and the pond where the Great Crested Newts live.

Chaffinches are nesting and bats are trying to get some sleep in the oak trees. All were disturbed by the presence of about a dozen workers with strimmers and one large digger. If you wander over and have a look at the site, you will see that, apart from a few blue marks, not much has changed. If you leave it a couple of weeks, the plants will have grown back.

The digger went away unused after an hour or so, police vans and Central TV turned up as the number of protesters increased during the day. At one point there were up to 200 people there altogether. All waiting to see what the builder would do with the tiny patch of land at the end of Renals Way.

So what you really want to know is, what was it all about? Who knows. It could be called sour grapes due to the village green application, an exercise in reclaiming a builder's right to build wherever and whenever they choose, a demonstration that bulldozers rule? I really can't say. Answers on a postcard please. What we can say is that Dark Lane still matters and people still care. And that the locals will turn out to protect an area which, in reality, belongs to more than those few who have a piece of paper saying they own it.

(Thanks to all those who have donated further funds for the campaign. Please get in touch if you need more information.)