Planning

Dore Recreation Ground & Newfield Lane (again). You will recall that Dore to Door reported that proposals to develop a piece of land overlooking the Recreation Ground on the Newfield Lane side, with a three storey block of six flats was granted planning consent and that the developer, encouraged by this, applied for a further similar block.

Sad to say, planning consent has now been granted for the second block, although the society again put in a strong objection to the proposals.

Nab Farm. No response has yet been received from the Council to the objections and concerns about the gas meter boxes, boiler flues and overflow pipes that project over the pavement from the Nab Farm buildings and look so unsightly.

18 Gilleyfield Avenue. There has been no decision on the planning application for four houses on this site in place of the existing bungalow. This proposal which, entails the removal of trees the and opening of an access onto the bend of Savage Lane, will probably be considered by the Planning Board in August.

The developer has refused to modify the plans, which are considered to show a serious overdevelopment of the site, and a loss of amenity. It is hoped that the application will be refused.

Improvements. The Dore Village Society keeps a watchful eye on planning matters, and objects where necessary, and presses the Council to refuse or modify proposals for unacceptable developments.
The Society also aims to be positive in encouraging good developments, restoration and improvement schemes. As part of that aspect of the work the Society has in mind the issuing of Certificates for good works each year. The proposals are being developed and we will say more in the next issue.

David Heslop

Chairman's Report

5 April 2000 - 31 December 2000

(Presented to the Dore Village Society AGM on Thursday 24 May. It covers a 9 month period, following the change in financial year agreed at the Special General Meeting on 30 November 2000).

This was a period of significant change for the Society, with the implications of the move into new expanded accommodation prompting a review of objectives and funding. Despite the upheavals of the move, much was achieved and hopefully sound foundations laid for the future.

Planning: The failure of the local government planning process to take adequate account of local wishes and needs, or to address the broader impact of further development on existing services, remains a major concern to the Society. During the period the future of Abbeydale Hall was finally resolved with permission granted, against the recommendation of planning officers, to convert the hall into flats, along with the building of new apartment blocks in the grounds. The re-building at Nab Farm caused considerable debate over planning details, some of which are still to be resolved. Other developments which absorbed the Society's time were: new houses at 105 Dore Road, reduced from 4 to 3; a reduction to 2 dwellings on a site at the corner of Brinkburn Vale Road; a new dwelling in back gardens facing Parkers Lane; and the erection of another telecom mast at Abbeydale Sports Club. Most worrying has been the proposed development of land to the rear ofNewfield Lane with blocks of flats directly overlooking the recreation ground. Our campaign over missing and damaged road signs has now had some success.

Publications: Dore to Door remains popular and effective in publicising the work of the society, covering local issues and reporting information on the history of the area. A smaller format Christmas Card featuring a snowman and the King Ecgbert Stone sold well, although a reprint of the Dore Ducks card also proved popular. Plans for a new publication on the history of streets within Dore are progressing.

Events: Public meetings during the year followed a history theme covering Transport in Sheffield and life on local waterways. Plans are now advanced for a members programme including more meetings, visits and regular guided walks. Dore Show proved to be its usual success despite last minute concerns over whether the building would be ready.

Traffic &Transport: Pressure to tackle some of the local traffic issues has led to new parking restrictions at local black spots, while we still await improved crossing facilities in front of the Causeway Head Road and the results from efforts to deal with the difficulties created by parking at the bottom of Dore Road.

Dore Recreation Ground: The new playground now has a surrounding fence, damage caused at the Gala has been repaired, the through footpath has been re-surfacedand work on landscaping the area is in hand, working with the Council and Sheffield Wildlife trust.
Environment: The Society discusses local environmental issues at each committee meeting and is active in support of Friends of Ecclesall Woods.

Dore Collection: Work on the collection was hampered by the building work at the Old School, but the promise of more space means we should see marked progress in the forthcoming year.

Dore Old School: Apart from a few teething problems, work on extending our rooms in the Old School is complete, providing more storage and working space for the Society. Our rooms are open from 10 - 12 noon on the first Saturday of every month with members of the committee available to discuss local issues or talk about the work of the Society.

Internet: The Dore web site, www.dorevillage.co.uk has expanded to include its own search engine and more historical information. It has attracted viewers, comment and new information from all around the UK and overseas.

People: Over 650 people joined the Society during 2000, a record number. Although we receive widespread support from within the ommunity and from past residents, we could still do with more volunteers to work on different projects such as the Dore Collection or environmental issues.

Finally I wish to place on record my appreciation for their help to my fellow members of the committee, helpers at the Dore Show; deliverers of Dore to Door; advertisers; and all those active supporters and members ? wherever they may live.

John Baker, Chairman

Go to Dore to Door Past Issues