Planning chief dies suddenly

Futuristic: District Council Development Chief Dave Brooks pictured by the new swimming pool at Arc Leisure Matlock.

Dave Brooks, who retired two years ago as Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Director of Planning and Development Services, was responsible for overseeing the major redevelopment of Bakewell town centre as well as overseeing the building of leisure centres in Ashbourne, Bakewell, Wirksworth and Matlock.

He signed off in August 2011 with the opening of the authority’s £12-million flagship Arc Leisure Matlock and was introduced to Lord Sebastian Coe when the facility was unveiled.

Mr Brooks also led the revamping of a series of parks linking Matlock and Matlock Bath and, in recent times, the re-paving and creation of new pedestrianised areas in Matlock town centre.

Long-time colleague David Wheatcroft, who retired last year as the district council’s chief executive, said: “I worked with Dave throughout his career in local government and he had remarkable talent and a tenaciousness to see high quality projects through from start to finish.

“He leaves behind a significant legacy in the Derbyshire Dales in the many landmark developments he made happen.”

A funeral service will take place this Friday at 2.30pm at the Crooked Spire, in Chesterfield.