Peak planners give go-ahead to eco-friendly homes in village

The decision has been welcomed by countryside campaigners from the charity Friends of the Peak District, who spoke at the committee meeting.

The houses will be built into the side of Bradford Dale, on the edge of the village, and screened from view by the slope of the Dale and by trees.

Eco-friendly design features will include solar heating, photo voltaic cells, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting.

Controversy was raised over the planning application as those applying to build the houses already live in the village – and the National Park Authority’s planning policies state that new houses can only be built for, and occupied by, local people in need of housing.

John King, planning officer from Friends of the Peak District, said: “We know this is potentially a tricky one, but actually it means that four local needs dwellings will be added to Youlgrave’s housing stock.

“The applicants already live in Youlgrave and they want to move into the new houses. But they are willing to sign a legal undertaking to say that the two new houses - and the two houses that they are moving from – will comply with the national park authority’s local occupancy rules.

“So building these two new houses will reap four properties ring-fenced for local people in the future.”

There were no objections to the planning application from neighbours, and it was also supported by the local parish council.

Mr King added: “We think this is a great scheme. The applicants have lived in the village for over 10 years and are respected members of the local community.

“The houses have brilliant green design features, and they won’t have any significant impact on the landscape.

“But best of all, it means more houses for local people.”