Intention 6: Supporting thriving and sustainable communities and economy

To support thriving and sustainable communities and economy, we will first define what is meant by thriving and sustainable communities, in the context of the National Park Management Plan. This has now been completed and will be used to develop the National Park Authorities approach to supporting community development and help to inform the production and update of parish statements.

Intention 6.1: Improve access to services

To improve access to services we will work with providers to improve broadband and mobile connectivity across the National Park in line with the UK’s Next Generation Access (NGA) standards.

The Shared Rural Network programme is a joint industry and Government initiative to improve rural mobile coverage which would also give improved broadband coverage through the use of shared masts and sites.  The programme started in 2020. The National Park Authority has now been approached by 3 and other mobile operators working with the Government to explore sites to improve ‘Not Spots’ in the National Park. The National Park Authority is currently engaged with Derbyshire Broadband to overcome landscape issues and deliver a sustainable service close to Glossop and is also seeking to work with small business to find sites in the National Park that support local access to wireless broadband.

An interactive map of the current situation in Derbyshire is available via this link; MAP (opens new window) and Staffordshire via this link: MAP (opens new window).  The coverage of the National Park is improving gradually, but communities and businesses are still likely to have difficulties in the most isolated areas.

Intention 6.2: Support the provision of locally needed housing

To support the provision of locally needed housing we will work through the National Park Management Plan Advisory Group Housing Sub-Group to address the local need for appropriate housing in the National Park.

Consultation on the issues is still underway. Discussions with the constituent authorities is ongoing regarding statements of common ground and the strategic cross boundary planning issues that need to be addressed in our respective plans. Currently the National Park Authority is working with Derbyshire Dales District Council and High Peak Borough Council to determine our housing needs.

An update on the planning permissions granted for housing during the period will be provided when the updated information is available.

Intention 6.3: Enable local businesses to thrive in a way that is compatible and wherever possible enhances the special qualities of the Peak District National Park

To enable local businesses to thrive in a way that is compatible and, wherever possible, enhances the special qualities of the Peak District National Park, we will assist the development of businesses in conjunction with relevant bodies. Linking business support, grant aid, planning and economic development.

There are on going discussions with the District councils on new shared evidence for our respective local plan reviews, which will include the need for new employment space. Evidence collection will continue throughout 2021/22 with the aim of informing an issues and options consultation later in the year. To increase local understanding a joint presentation from EQM and National Park Officers was delivered as part of Business Peak District’s programme of talks.

An update on the planning permissions granted for retail and business premises during the period will be provided when the updated information is available.