Public invited to have say on park planning

A surgery has been organised by the Peak District National Park Authority, to take place on Tuesday, March 29 at Cliff College, near Calver, in which residents will be able to speak to senior planning managers and John Herbert, the chairman of the authority’s planning committee.

People can book 20-minute private appointments to discuss specific planning cases by calling 01629 816200 or emailing [email protected] before Friday, March 25.

The sessions will be held between 4 and 8pm in the Chatsworth Room at Cliff College, off the A623 Baslow Road.

The move is part of work to respond to a residents’ survey carried out by the Peak District National Park Authority, which found local people wanted more events about planning issues and also to see more authority members in the community.

Mr Herbert said: “We have listened to the views of residents and are responding to them.

“This event is an opportunity for any national park resident to have a 20-minute private appointment talking about a planning issue that concerns them and for us to also learn lessons from past planning cases.

“Anyone who is unable to make the event but wants to discuss a planning concern or get advice before making an application can phone, email or come and see one of our planning officers any weekday between 9.15am and 12.45pm at our offices at Aldern House in Bakewell.”

Over the coming months, the authority plans to organise more events for the public that involve its members.

A spokesman added: “The authority has run regular planning surgeries around the national park for many years. The event on March 29 will enable the public to talk about previous cases as well, with the authority keen to hear how planning can be used to improve life in communities.”