Last chance to have a say on Peak planning strategy

RESIDENTS, businesses and interest groups have been urged to take a last chance to give their views on a proposed new planning strategy for the Peak District National Park.

The National Park Authority has launched a final six-week public consultation on the core strategy for its Local Development Framework, which will guide future development from 2011 to 2026.

The Local Development Framework will be the masterplan against which all planning decisions are made. The authority said it will be important to everyone living or working in the national park, as well as to visitors.

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Brian Taylor, policy planning manager, said: "The core strategy is a forward-looking document with policies to help us respond positively to the constant changes in society, the economy and this protected landscape.

"Its central focus is on the original purposes of national parks and the need for open space, contact with nature and an appreciation of our heritage, because these remain vital elements of a modern society.

"At the same time it addresses the needs of local residents, landowners and businesses, who all share a vital role in managing this special area."

Authority chair Narendra Bajaria said: "As a planning authority, we want to manage development so as to conserve and enhance the valued characteristics of the national park, now and for future generations.

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"We want to strengthen our commitment to create sustainable communities and care for the natural beauty and environment, while responding to the new challenges of climate change, dwindling natural resources and rising energy costs."

The strategy contains commitments to promote excellence in building design, and innovative approaches for what the authority called "locally-needed affordable homes".

It also seeks to retain shops, services and community facilities, to encourage small-scale business development and sustainable buildings and transport, and to support farmers and land managers to look after the landscape

The core strategy has already gone through several consultations with the public. Following this final consultation, it will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in December.