Having this plan on Elvaston Castle I
have come to the conclusion that the consideration of
park-users are not important. To build a road from
London Road, through to Golden Gate, and up through
the gardens, will spoil the peace and tranquility of
a large portion of the castle grounds, not to mention
the wildlife which is in abundance in this area.
Greater-spotted and green woodpeckers, squirrels,
rabbits, the odd pheasant or two, sparrowhawks,
kestrels, two species of owls, flocks of goldcrests
and long-tailed tits are often seen. The nature
reserve is another mute point. It is to be taken over
so that the residents of the proposed hotel can play
golf. There are already sufficient golf courses in
the Derby area for anyone wishing to play. What about
the people who visit the castle on a daily basis?
Also what about the families bringing their children
for a day out in safety? Not everyone can afford
hotel restaurant prices. Neither do I see, in the
proposed plans, a replacement for the lovely cafe
which is so popular. The developers are going to take
away our freedom of use of a very public place which
belongs to the people of Derby. Previous councils
have allowed the castle to deteriorate. If they had
done their job in the first place the castle would
not be the issue it is today. Highgate Sactuary is
not the answer. Valerie Smith
