Peak District Local Plan

What is a local plan?

A Local Plan is a statutory document used to guide new development and determine planning applications. It essentially ensures that any new development is co-ordinated, reflects the goals of local communities and the National Park purposes:

• To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; and
• To promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks

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. The new plan will cover the following topics:

• Our Spatial Strategy
• Landscape, Biodiversity and Nature Recovery
• Cultural Heritage and the Built Environment
• Climate Change and Sustainable Building
• Recreation and Tourism
• Housing
• Shops, Services and Community Facilities
• Bakewell Town
• Business
• Farming
• Travel and Transport
• Utilities
• Minerals and Waste

Why is it being reviewed?

Government guidance states that succinct and up-to-date plans should provide a positive vision for the future of each area and a framework for addressing housing needs and other economic, social and environmental priorities.

Therefore, it is important that the Local Plan is kept up-to-date and consistent with National Planning Policy.

What period will the new plan cover?

The new Local Plan will shape future development until 2045.

Why does the National Park have its own plan?

The Peak District National Park Authority is the local planning authority responsible for planning policy within the National Park.

Local Plan Preferred Approach Consultation

Consultation Period: From 3rd November to 21st December 2025.

The Preferred Approach is the next step in the local plan review. It follows and incorporates feedback from the first statutory consultation on Issues and Options, which took place in Autumn 2024 – a process which we actively participated in.

The Preferred Approach sets out draft policies and directions for the future of the National Park. It covers everything from minerals and farming to transport, tourism and protecting our landscapes, heritage and wildlife.

How to view the supporting evidence

All the supporting evidence referred to in the consultation documents is publicly available information either held by Government or other agencies, or if written or commissioned by the National Park, on the Local Plan Supporting Evidence Webpage.

Attend a consultation event

Drop-in events are taking place at the National Park Head Office, Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell, DE45 1AE on:

• Tuesday 11 November, 9am – 6pm
• Wednesday 26 November, 9am – 6pm

There may also be local events organised by Parish Councils – these will be advertised nearer the time.   

How to submit your comments

• Online using the consultation platform (using the links above)
• By email to: localplan@peakdistrict.gov.uk
• In writing by letter or on the representation form to the Policy and Communities Team at the above address.

All comments must be received by 5pm on Sunday 21 December 2025.