Peak Park’s Local Plan Review

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Summary

We ask that the founding principle underpinning Local Plan policies is the need to address the climate and ecological emergencies. Download summary

Introduction

This submission is the work of a wider group of people than those living in Hope Valley or members of HVCA. The need to bring CO2 levels down and to enable biodiversity to recover must be fundamental to the new Local Plan. 

Sustainable Travel

The two areas in which the PDNPA could influence travel and transport are planning and development, and visitor management.

We ask that the PDNPA work with transport authorities to deliver sustainable transport alternatives.

1. Make cycling and walking to local services safer and more attractive. 
2. Campaign for a single transport authority that sets timetables, fares and ticketing. 
3. Improve the management of visitor traffic.
4. Ensure that permission for new development is conditional on sustainable access.

Nature and land management

It is important that the Local Plan takes account of the Nature Recovery Strategy (soon to be a requirement on all local authorities). 

We ask that the PDNPA produce Supplementary Planning Guidance on biodiversity enhancement to guide and inform developers.

1. Identify and target areas and engage with landowners and communities to enhance biodiversity.
2. Make carbon sequestration an explicit objective of land management policies. 
3. Protect the relatively wild areas of moorland and semi-natural vegetation. Phase out moorland burning.
4. Make genuine biodiversity gain a condition of any planning application approval. 

Sustainable buildings

We need to reduce energy demand to a level where it can be met completely from renewable resources. 

We ask that the PDNPA produce a revised Design Guide to be a key driver in helping people to make changes that are sensitive to the National Park landscape.  

1. Clarify planning policy in relation to retrofit.
2. Permit rendered buildings to be insulated on the outside. 
3. Encourage the creation of a “One-Stop Shop” retrofit service.
4. Help develop local Retrofit Co-coordinators and installers.

Renewable energy

Consultation with stakeholders and residents and visitors should layout clearly the options in the light of the demands imposed by the climate emergency. HVCA are currently embarking on a renewables feasibility study that will estimate the demand for electricity by 2030, describe the options for generation and engage with stakeholders and the general public. 

We ask that the PDNPA consider the options for installing large-scale renewables in the Park taking into consideration the importance of landscape sensitivity. 

1. The Local Plan should reconsider the options for large-scale renewables in areas like Hope Valley. 
2. Examine all aspects of good design to minimise the impact on the landscape.
3. Give clear guidance on all aspects of renewables including solar tiles, solar panels, heat pumps and smaller wind turbines on farms. 

Tourism and local business

We need a mix of uses and although settlements usually form the basis of policy there are opportunities for reusing buildings elsewhere in the Park, so long as quality/character is maintained.  

We ask that the PDNPA consider broadening tourism and local business policies to allow some development, perhaps linked to enhancing biodiversity and people’s enjoyment of the special qualities of the area, in areas away from settlements.

1.    Develop policies both to protect existing business and to encourage new.

2.    Take a flexible approach to the reuse of the existing built area within the Park.

3.    Encourage visitors to stay longer and be actively involved in cherishing the Park.