Dorothy reports from Derby (on Friday 11 December):

They signed the contract today ahead of the planning application hearing next Thursday in order to put pressure on wavering Cllrs to grant permission…

The local paper has an independent planning expert saying:

If the planning committee is seen to be fettered by the council’s decision to sign the contract then they would not be doing their job properly

There will be a vigil outside the Derby Council House, Corporation St on 17th December 5pm where they are to decide the application at 6pm – All welcome, wrap up warm – the River Derwent next to council house makes the whole area cold…