Looking after

How we work to look after the National Park, conservation, ranger services, biodiversity and policies.

Paul Ancell

Paul Ancell

I am vice chair of the planning committee, member of the strategic advisory group and the appeals panel.

Contact me

If you want to contact me about the work of the Peak District National Park Authority you can do so in the following ways:

Telephone:  01625 613995

Email:  paul.ancell@peakdistrict.gov.uk

Address: 18 Marlborough Drive, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2JX

About Me

For the whole of my working life I was employed in local government, initially as a town planner and latterly in senior management roles. I retired in 2009 from the position of Chief Executive with Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council, following the reorganisation of local government in Cheshire.

I have worked in many parts of the Country, but between 1984 and 2002 I was employed by High Peak and Macclesfield Borough Councils. Being constituent authorities of the Park, this enabled me to develop a working knowledge of the Peak District and the National Park Authority.

Since 2009 I have been a non-executive Director of the Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust.

What the national park means to me

I was brought up in Nottingham but have lived within walking distance of the National Park boundary since 1984 – little wonder therefore that the Peak District plays a very important part in my life, both professionally and personally.

Given my professional background, I have a particular interest in planning matters, conservation and landscape.

I am however also very much aware that the Peak District, perhaps more so than another UK national park, is a diverse living community and home to a relatively large number of residents.

Balancing the needs of that community with the protection and enhancement of our special environment is a great challenge.

Add in the large number of visitors who are welcomed into the Park from our urban neighbours, and the challenge becomes even greater – but that is what my role as a Member is all about, and why I enjoy it so much.

Above all it is the sense of making a small contribution to such a wonderfully rich and diverse environment that makes it an honour to serve the Authority.

Membership of outside bodies

In a professional capacity I am:

  • A non-executive director of the Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust.

In a personal capacity I am a member of the following:

  • Royal Town Planning Institute
  • National Trust