Making Decisions
Although the Authority has been given the task of looking after the National Park it does so to an agenda set out by central government. It works in partnership with other organisations and individuals.
It is a complicated job and to help everyone understand how and why decisions are made, we produce - working with our partners - three key documents:
The Management Plan
The
Structure Plan
The Local Plan
The documents are put together after a great deal of consultation with local people and organisations with interests in the Park.
However, general policies cannot deal with every situation that arises and sometimes there are conflicts between policies, say, for example when conservation clashes with a development proposal.
In all cases, members are advised by officers who draw up reports which contain all the relevant information and include reference to the policies that are laid down in the key documents. These reports are generally available for everyone to read. The only exceptions are those that contain certain financial information and confidential staff matters.
Speaking at National Park Authority Meetings
Anyone who wishes can talk about the issues being discussed at Authority meetings, making their points directly to members. The aim is to open up the democratic process so that the public can contribute more to decision making.
You are welcome to ask a question, make a statement or hand in a petition on any item on the agenda. All you need to do is make a request, which we receive at least two working days before the meeting. Contact Democratic Services by telephone on 01629 816362 or 01629 816382 or email democraticservices@peakdistrict.gov.uk You may also write or fax your request (see contact details on left).
You will then be invited to address the meeting for up to three minutes and you may be asked questions.
What to expect when you attend a Planning Committee meeting
More information on speaking at public meetings
Lobbying members
If you have any general concerns about the work of the Peak District
National Park Authority, members can be contacted directly.
Contact details
of members
Key documents
The Management Plan sets a vision and lays down objectives for the National Park - not just the Authority. It is a kind of 'overview' for the sustainable development of the National Park, balancing social, economic and environmental issues
The Structure Plan sets out to define planning policies, as to how land should be used and what kind of development should be allowed.
Structure
Plan 
(770KB)
The Local Plan looks at land use and development in greater detail.
