Iron Age roundhouse to be created in national park

The roundhouse, similar to one previously built at Heeley City Farm in Sheffield, draws on research by archaeologists from Sheffield University.

It will be constructed in authentic Iron Age style, with a timber frame, clay walls and a heather or wildflower turf roof.

A planning application for the roundhouse, which was made by the Nightingale activity centre in Great Hucklow, has now been approved by the Peak District National Park Authority.

Prior to making their decision, members were told that the location was far enough away from the nearest houses not to have a “significant impact on their amenities”, and it would look like a garden building, not out of place against a backdrop of trees, hedges and dry stone walls.

Planning committee chairman Coun Lesley Roberts said: “This is an unusual application but a modest one, which will add to the centre’s facilities and help our aim of widening understanding and enjoyment of the area.

“We are, however, granting only temporary planning permission for three years so that we can see how it weathers in and address any problems that may arise in that time.”

Seven members of the public, as well as the local parish council, had objected to the planning application claiming it would bring about “increased pressure” from visitors and also constituted inappropriate development.

Meanwhile, councillors have also given the nod to plans for “camping pods” near Crowden, which will be the first of their kind in the Peak District national park.

Ten such pods, which are shaped like tents but made of insulated wood and steel, will be created at Crowden campsite close to the Pennine Ways.

Coun Roberts added: “The proposed pods would create relatively little intrusion on the landscape compared to caravans.

“They appear more akin to tents, though many modern tents can be much larger than the proposed pods and often more intrusive because of their bright colours.

“We want to encourage more recreation for people from all backgrounds in the national park and the pods would support that – particularly as they would provide economical accommodation close to the Pennine Way.”