Latest news with #DarrenAbbott
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Village estate could be blocked as developer refuses to build affordable homes
Homes in a Derbyshire village that had been granted permission by councillors are now set to be rejected because the developer will not agree to build any affordable houses or pay for improvements. Woodall Homes will not agree to build 17 affordable homes and pay £63,000 in improvements to nearby health facilities, parks and allotments as part of a 57-home development surrounding Jacksons Ley in Middleton by Wirksworth. Derbyshire Dales district councillors approved the plans in November 2023 with officials to seal the required infrastructure payments and affordable homes via a legal agreement – as is common practice with many housing developments. However, 19 months later, council officials have said: 'Work progressed on preparing the legal agreement to secure the planning obligations but ultimately stalled due to an unwillingness of all the parties to sign the legal agreement.' As a result, having previously urged councillors to approve the plans, they are now advising them to change their mind and reject the scheme at a meeting on Tuesday, July 8, due to the lack of affordable homes and necessary financial contributions. The plans, which had seen 13 objections from residents, along with opposition from Middleton Parish Council, had required £51,300 for improvements at nearby medical centres, £8,327.70 for parks and £3,368.70 for allotments. READ MORE: Rainbow bench that had nothing to do with Pride painted black by vandals READ MORE: Huge event at Carsington Water cancelled due to 'potentially dangerous' conditions Council officers wrote: 'Collectively the planning obligations which were being sought helped to mitigate the impact of the 57 dwellings. Without the legal agreement no affordable homes will be provided and the financial contributions towards health care, parks and gardens and allotments would be lost. 'This makes the development unacceptable in planning terms and contrary to the development plan. In the absence of a completed legal agreement, the only course of action is to refuse the application.' The proposed new 57-home development would encircle the new-build Jacksons Ley development, which was only approved at appeal. During the November 2023 planning meeting, Darren Abbott, on behalf of Woodall Homes, said the firm aimed to replicate its successful schemes in Darley Dale, Matlock and Tansley. He said the plot 'straddles' the settlement boundary and part of the site is allocated for 45 homes, representing a 'logical and sustainable development'. Mr Abbott said the firm had reduced the number of homes planned on-site from 75 to 57 due to the concerns of consultees and residents, saying the scheme would 'create an attractive gateway into the village'. He said the site would cater for first-time buyers, 'downsizers' and people with mobility requirements – particularly through the inclusion of seven bungalows. Cllr Peter Slack had said: 'It is squashing houses and gardens in a small area. It is not a way people should be living. They should have a reasonable garden. Cars are going to be on pavements, it is all squashed in. It is a very, very poor design altogether.'
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hallmark Sets 2nd NFL Countdown to Christmas Movie With ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story'
It looks like Hallmark and the NFL are very happy together, because they just announced a second Countdown to Christmas movie partnership — this time, called 'Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.' Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin shared the news in a video message with 'Today' on Thursday, months after the companies' first collaboration 'Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story' aired in late 2024. 'Hallmark Channel and the NFL have selected the Buffalo Bills in the 2025 Countdown to Christmas movie draft,' the pro athlete teased. 'We're so excited to celebrate our team, our fans — and shout out to Bills Mafia — and our shared love for football and Hallmark Christmas movies. Go Bills.' Production is set to begin later this year and will film entirely in and around Buffalo, New York, including at the team's Highmark Stadium. The cast will be revealed at a later date. Skydance Sports also serves as an executive producer on the project. 'The incredible success of last year's partnership with the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs far exceeded our expectations,' Hallmark's chief brand officer Darren Abbott said in a statement. 'We are thrilled to team up with the Bills this year for a new holiday movie filled with heart, family and the classic Hallmark storytelling that our fans know and love, all set against the special community the Bills franchise has nurtured throughout its storied history.' 'We were honored to be approached by Skydance Sports to participate in this amazing project that will showcase two powerful brands – Hallmark and the Buffalo Bills,' the Bills' chief operating officer Pete Guelli added. 'This is just another example of how the Bills brand and our amazing fan base continues to grow across the sports and entertainment landscape. This is an incredible opportunity to feature Western New York and Bills Mafia on the Hallmark platform. It is a privilege to be part of this project, and we hope this film will be a hit during the holiday season!' 'Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story' premiered Nov. 30 on the Hallmark Channel. It starred Hunter King, Tyler Hynes, Ed Begley Jr., Megyn Price, Diedrich Bader, Christine Ebersole and Richard Riehle and featured a cameo from Donna Kelce, as well as multiple Kansas City Chiefs players. The post Hallmark Sets 2nd NFL Countdown to Christmas Movie With 'Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story' appeared first on TheWrap.
