Derby is the third-largest city in the East Midlands with a population of almost 249,000 people and around 105,000 homes. It lies on the River Derwent to the north of the Trent Valley and south of the Peak District.
Derby is the third-largest regional centre in the East Midlands, with links to nearby Nottingham and Leicester as part of the ‘3 Cities’ sub region.
The city provides jobs and services for a wide area outside its boundaries and has close connections with communities in the adjoining districts of South Derbyshire, Amber Valley and Erewash. Major employers include Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and, just outside of the city, Toyota.
The city has a rich variety of open spaces ranging from the green wedges which link the city core with the surrounding countryside, the wildlife sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest to the city, district and neighbourhood parks.
Derby is historically an important city highlighted by its inclusion in the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site.
Derby was also an important railway settlement and its legacy can still be found around the city, most notably at the Friar Gate Goods Yard and the former Chaddesden Sidings.
Derby has numerous challenges it must meet over the plan period.
These challenges include:
- providing high quality affordable homes
- providing a range of employment opportunities to enable Derby to compete regionally, nationally and internationally
- protecting and enhancing its natural and built environment
- addressing the effect of climate change