Residents raise protection for wildlife, parking and development issues at National Park Authority 'Meet the CEO' event at Hathersage

The latest in a regular series of 'Meet the CEO' events with the Peak District National Park Authority’s Phil Mulligan has taken place with attendees sharing their views in Hathersage (Tuesday 30 April).

The third of the monthly sessions at venues around the Peak District saw people bring their feedback to the village's Memorial Hall with a chance to speak with Mr Mulligan in person.

The next event will take place at Bakewell Quakers Hall on the 23 May, from 2-4pm.

Among the topics discussed in Hathersage were the role of the National Park Authority, work with partners and the guiding, coordinating purpose of the National Park Management Plan, and the organisation’s own responsibilities and powers.

Moorland restoration, support for farmers in national parks, nature recovery, rewilding, grouse moor management, and wildlife crime were also raised by those in attendance.

Speaking after the event, Phil Mulligan said: "I would like to give my thanks to everyone who took the time to come along to the third 'Meet the CEO' event, and engaged in the session, at times with honest, frank and robust views. However, this is why I want to travel across the National Park and address these concerns face-to-face.

"There were many issues raised which we are already acutely aware of as an Authority, but also some more personal and local concerns that I was pleased to be able to hear about first-hand.

“It’s also a valuable opportunity to be able to explain where matters are not part of our remit and jurisdiction, but are in fact determined by national legislation. We may not always agree with these positions, but that is what we are duty-bound to be led by.

"Impacts on issues such as sustainable transport, parking levels and campervan use involve a multi-agency approach with our colleagues in local authorities and in many cases these discussions are already ongoing. Where local and national policy allows us to relieve these pressures through the planning and development process we will aim to do so.

"I'm also pleased to say that we have uplifted the resources within our planning service by around 25% to above the national average, which has resulted in us achieving approval of over 80% of planning applications, and being able to re-open the pre-application advice service.

"We continue to engage with visitors face-to-face in the National Park, and encourage people to observe the Countryside Code whilst enjoying rural areas – in particular to keep dogs on leads to protect farm animals and wildlife from disturbance.

"I very much welcome the opportunity to hear directly from local communities through these ‘Meet the CEO’ events and look forward to the next one in Bakewell.

View the upcoming dates for Meet the CEO events and a round-up of the issues raised.