Looking After

How we work to look after the National Park, conservation, ranger services, biodiversity and policies.

The work of the Authority
How we make decisions, the role of Members and staff.
Current consultations
We want your opinions on these consultations
Ranger service
What our rangers and volunteers do around the National Park.
Plans & policies
Corporate plans and policies

Making Decisions

Although the Authority has been given the task of looking after the National Park it does so to an agenda set out by central government. It works in partnership with other organisations and individuals.

It is a complicated job and to help everyone understand how and why decisions are made, we produce - working with our partners - three key documents:

The Management Plan
The Structure Plan
The Local Plan

The documents are put together after a great deal of consultation with local people and organisations with interests in the Park.

However, general policies cannot deal with every situation that arises and sometimes there are conflicts between policies, say, for example when conservation clashes with a development proposal.

In all cases, members are advised by officers who draw up reports which contain all the relevant information and include reference to the policies that are laid down in the key documents. These reports are generally available for everyone to read. The only exceptions are those that contain certain financial information and confidential staff matters.

Speaking at National Park Authority Meetings

Anyone who wishes can talk about the issues being discussed at Authority meetings, making their points directly to members. The aim is to open up the democratic process so that the public can contribute more to decision making.

You are welcome to ask a question, make a statement or hand in a petition on any item on the agenda. All you need to do is make a request, which we receive at least two working days before the meeting. Contact Democratic Services by telephone on 01629 816362 or 01629 816382 or email democraticservices@peakdistrict.gov.uk You may also write or fax your request (see contact details on left).

You will then be invited to address the meeting for up to three minutes and you may be asked questions.

Dates of meetings and agendas

What to expect when you attend a Planning Committee meeting

More information on speaking at public meetings

Recording of Meetings

The Local Government Act 1972 does not require the Authority to permit the recording of meetings by sound, video, film, photograph or any other means. However, the Authority permits a handwritten record being taken at meetings and in addition, requests in advance for recording Authority meetings and committee meetings will be allowed if it is in the interests of helping the wider public observe and understand Authority decision-making.

Lobbying members

If you have any general concerns about the work of the Peak District National Park Authority, members can be contacted directly.
Contact details of members

Key documents

The Management Plan sets a vision and lays down objectives for the National Park - not just the Authority. It is a kind of 'overview' for the sustainable development of the National Park, balancing social, economic and environmental issues