Deputy leader of Reform-run Derbyshire County Council, Stephen Reed, has criticised the decision and said the local government reorganisation (LGR) risked creating an unfair settlement for residents in the north of the county.
He said: “This outcome is not in the best interests of the people of Derbyshire. It leaves the new northern unitary authority at risk of becoming the poor cousin to the south.
“We believe this decision goes against the government’s own criteria and fails to deliver the savings, efficiencies and stability that local government reorganisation was meant to provide.
“This looks like political gerrymandering. Steve Reed MP [Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government] has chosen options put forward by Labour-run councils across the East Midlands, based on protecting political control rather than doing what is right for local people.”
Under the plans, the northern council would have a population of 539,000, whereas the southern council would have 538,000 residents.
Parts of Amber Valley in the northern council will include: Aldercar and Langley Mill, Alderwasley, Alfreton, Ashleyhay, Codnor, Crich, Dethick, Lea and Holloway, Hazelwood, Heanor and Loscoe, Idridgehay and Alton, Ironville, Pentrich, Ripley, Ravensdale Park, Shottle and Postern, Somercotes, South Wingfield, Swanwick, Turnditch, Weston Underwood and Windley.
Meanwhile, areas currently in Amber Valley, which are set to join the southern council, include: Belper, Denby, Duffield, Holbrook, Horsley, Horsley Woodhouse, Kedleston, Kilburn, Kirk Langley, Mackworth, Mapperley, Quarndon, Shipley and Smalley.