Public urged to have their say in future Peak District National Park plans

Those who live, work in and visit the Peak District National Park are being asked for their views on planning policy and policy directions as part of the second formal consultation on the Local Plan Review.

The National Park Authority’s Policy & Communities team will seek views on new policy for house building and business development, as well as protecting green spaces and the environment.

The team will be available for in-person conversations at two events to be held at the National Park headquarters, Aldern House, Bakewell.

The consultation starts today (3 November) and runs until 21 December 2025.

Following the consultation, the team will finalise the preparation of the Draft Local Plan, which will shape future development in the National Park to 2045, so it is important you have your say.

Ken Smith, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority said: "The new Local Plan must balance lots of needs - like supporting local communities, tackling climate change, protecting nature, and staying true to what makes the National Park so special. That's why hearing from as many people as possible is so important. Whether you're responding as an individual, a business, a community group or organisation - every voice matters.

"Even if there’s just one issue you care about, we want to hear from you. We're at a key stage. This Preferred Approach sets out strategic objectives, including for new housing, and draft policies that will guide what kind of development can happen and where up to 2045. It covers everything from minerals and farming to transport, tourism, and protecting our landscapes, heritage and wildlife. This is your National Park - help shape its future."

The consultation document will be online and accessed via an interactive portal as well being available as a downloadable pdf. Visit our Local Plan Preferred Approach Consultation webpage for more information.

Paper copies of the consultation document will be in local libraries; at the National Park Authority headquarters; at constituent local authorities' offices; and with all Peak District National Park parish councils.

People are invited to attend one of the drop-in consultation events that will be held at the Peak District National Park Authority Headquarters, Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell on Tuesday 11 November and Wednesday 26 November 2025. These events will all take place between 10am and 6.30pm in the Authority Board Room. Parish and Town Councils/Meetings are encouraged to host their own events too.

Adele Metcalfe, Policy and Communities team manager for the Peak District National Park Authority, is responsible for carrying out the consultation. She said: "The new Local Plan will identify where development can and cannot take place in the National Park for the next 20 years, so we’re expecting it to be of interest to everyone that lives and works in, visits or does business in the National Park, as well as those that care for it."

The Peak District National Park Authority is required to carry out the public consultation in accordance with Part 2 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 as amended and Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012).