Countryside campaigners defend Hartington from suburban housing

Peak countryside campaigners, Friends of the Peak District, are once again supporting the people of Hartington to prevent the former Dove Dairy site being developed into an inappropriate, suburban housing estate.

Earlier this year, planning permission for 26 houses was refused by the National Park Authority's Planning Committee, mirroring the views of the Friends and the local Hartington community who believe passionately that this would be the wrong scheme for the site. The developer's appeal against the refusal will now be decided at an informal hearing at Hartington Village Hall on 2nd December.

Andrew Wood, Planning Officer at Friends of the Peak District, said "It's important to re-use the site, and there is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do so in a way that enhances both the National Park and the character and function of Hartington as a village. This scheme falls desperately short of fulfilling that opportunity."

The people of Hartington have been outspoken in objecting to the application, but also in expressing what they would welcome instead. They see a pressing need for some small business units and some homes that young families can afford, and a scheme that is designed to become a working part of the life and character of the village.

David Annat, Chair of Hartington Parish Council says “It’s a disgrace that just four small affordable homes are being offered as the only public benefit from a £9 million development, with no workspace or any community facilities!”.

The Friends of the Peak District and Hartington Parish Council are calling for the appeal be turned down and then hope the owner of the site will come back with a much more appropriate scheme along the lines that the community has suggested.