For everyone who loves the Peakland guardian Spring 2014

Also protecting the landscapes of South Yorkshire Peaklandguardian 1 This issue… Precious protection under threat 3 Road threats re-emerge 4 Precious protection A future for Stanage? 5 The final battle for Backdale? 6 Help us fight 7 under threat Off-roading: stepping up a gear 8 Restoring the River Lathkill 9 2014 photo competition 10 On being a Friend – Sue Prince 11 Events calendar 12-13 Festival 14 A magnificent walk 15 Grindleford Loop 16 Recording Britain 17 Green belt review 18 Local plans – more trouble ahead 19 HS2 20 Isabella Stone – outgoing Chair 20 Ancient woodland vs motorway services 21 New Chair 21 The coalition government’s attack on the planning The gift of Friendship 22 system continues apace with national parks and Friends of the Peak District is an independent charity working to protect and enhance the unique areas of outstanding natural beauty now feeling landscapes of the Peak District for future generations. the heat. Friends of the Peak District represents the Campaign to Protect Rural in the Peak District, and is the national park society for the Peak District. Leading the charge is planning minister, Nick landscape. Sympathetic conversion of barns is CPRE South Yorkshire - Our aim is to promote Boles, no doubt egged on by his bulldog-like, not a problem and is often needed to save them the beauty, tranquility and diversity of South ‘take no prisoners’ boss, Mr Pickles. At the end from dereliction but the Government’s proposal Yorkshire’s countryside for everyone to enjoy now of last year, Mr Boles’ pledge to start a ‘national would risk mass conversion to unsustainable and in the future. We campaign for green spaces conversation’ about the need to roll back what levels of open market housing. unspoilt by development, environmentally friendly he viewed as overly restrictive planning in our Strong pressure by national bodies, such as farming and forestry, and thriving villages and attractive finest landscapes, which was limiting economic the Campaign for National Parks, National Parks towns, connected by excellent public transport. development and causing harm to rural England, and local campaigning by national parks communities and livelihoods. societies, including the Friends, was significant Registered charity number: 1094975 This was then brought into focus by the in causing much backbench unease, especially Registered company number: 4496754 government proposal, early in 2014, to remove with ‘shire Tories’. Happily, in March, the Cover picture: Crocusses ©R Egglestone the need for planning permission to convert government accepted that the proposal was Back page picture: Monsal Head ©Chris Maguire redundant agricultural buildings into new uses, unacceptable and exempted national parks and Designed and produced by TMgraphics including housing. This would be a significant areas of outstanding natural beauty from the [email protected] change in policy and would undoubtedly lead change in policy. This is a significant victory and A: Victoria Hall, 37 Stafford Road, , S2 2SF to damaging, uncontrolled development, hopefully will act as a warning shot across the T: 0114 279 2655 especially in national parks such as the Peak bows of the government’s deregulatory agenda E: [email protected] District and the Yorkshire Dales, where isolated and an end to Mr Boles’ ill-considered national W: www.friendsofthepeak.org.uk Field barn, near field barns are such an iconic part of their parks’ conversation.

2 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 3 future. However at its recent annual open meeting, which we attended, there was much disquiet as to Road threats A future for the ability of the NPA to deliver a coherent vision. The ‘gold standard’ that the NPA must now strive re-emerge Stanage? for is the newly-invigorated Eastern Moors estate which was leased to the RSPB and the National Two years ago, in the face of uncertainty over the Trust some years ago – a move strongly supported This is a tough time for transport future of the North Lees Estate, we issued our by the Friends and the BMC. Here a dynamic Charter for Stanage. It emphasised the special campaigners. The government has approach to stakeholder engagement, both in qualities of Stanage and its surroundings and that it launched a massive road programme planning and delivery, is seeing immediate and must be properly protected both now and in the positive changes for a range of user groups and hidden behind strategies and studies. future. better conservation on the ground. Since we issued our Charter, which drew support Its draft National Policy Statement It is not clear that the NPA is taking these adjacent from many Friends and supporters, the National on National Networks is concerned developments to heart. Its agenda appears to be set Park Authority took the decision to retain their more narrowly, simply looking for opportunities for with strategic networks – motorways, ownership of the estate, despite declining resources. cost recovery. If this is so, it will fail to harness the The British Mountaineering Council (BMC), which trunk roads and rail. It adopts the huge love for Stanage from residents, users and represents UK climbers, walker and mountaineers, unsustainable ‘predict and provide’ visitors alike. also rallied huge support for their recent ‘Stand up The Friends have an important historic stake in approach, based on unrealistic for Stanage’ campaign, with over 15,000 signatures. the estate too. Our founders, Ethel and Gerald No-one can be in any doubt that Stanage has a assumptions that bus and cycle use state and identifying interventions that will solve Haythornthwaite, suggested the estate be taken into hugely important place in peoples’ hearts! will fall and traffic will increase by over the problems. This may sound like a measured public ownership to protect it for everyone, for Now the Authority, through the auspices of the approach but it is being rushed through in order ever. Happily, Sir Hugh Beach, the former owner 40% over the next 30 years. Stanage Forum, are consulting with local people and to inform the Roads Investment Strategy, which agreed! In our 90th anniversary year, we are still users about its future management. The forum Although a welcome programme of maintenance will provide the budget for all the road schemes pledged to maintain their vision. and management of motorways is proposed there identified and must be complete before next year’s initially came into being when the last management is no attempt to make best use of the existing general election. plan was being debated and it acts as a channel for road network through measures such has high Unfortunately for us there is an additional public views on the estate’s management and occupancy vehicle lanes or smarter choices and study looking at the A628 trunk road between active travel. It is assumed that in order to meet the M1 and M67, which will also be assessed in the over-riding goal of economic growth and jobs the context of this national policy. There have FRIENDS OF THE PEAK DISTRICT’S road capacity must be increased with a massive been numerous studies of trans-Pennine travel CHARTER FOR STANAGE road building programme. Rail gets a better deal since the 1970s when the proposed motorway The North Lees Estate has a special place in the hearts of but re-opening local railways, which could provide through Longdendale was rejected but we are those who love the Peak District. now going through the cycle again. Worryingly end-to-end journeys without use of the car, are The North Lees Estate was sold to the Peak District National not considered. Amazingly HS2 is also not part of the study prejudges the solution to all the Park Authority at a knocknation. down price for the benefit of the the policy’! route’s complex problems of adverse weather, The environmental impacts of the policy could congestion in Mottram and collisions in the Peak It is a national asset and treasure. be profound. No attempt is made through the Park as more road space, and takes little account Public access and enjoyment of the North Lees Estate must be policy to reduce carbon emissions – outrageously of the overriding importance of the National safeguarded for now and the future. the government will be relying on improvements Park. In our view there is no need for further The beautiful landscapes of the North Lees Estate must be protected for now and the future. to cars and fuels, and on other sectors to keep us study. Instead, small scale, low cost measures on track for our climate change targets. The policy repeatedly recommended by previous work The decision about the future of the North Lees Estate must will also have a negative impact on landscape and by ourselves, should now be implemented. give primacy to ensuring excellent management that will protect access and the environment – and must not be simply quality and heritage assets, wildlife and water If these prove ineffective then a comprehensive on fi nancial considerations. resources, and encourage development of green multimodal study of the South Pennines should The North Lees Estate must not be split up. fields and use of natural resources. be undertaken. However, with national policy The decisions about the future of the North Lees Estate must In order to implement this policy the Highways favouring road building, it looks as though once involve local people and those who enjoy it and farm it. Agency is preparing route based strategies for all again the ghosts of motorways and bypasses in the The new managers of the North Lees Estate must help fi Stanage Edge ©Chris Maguire its roads, building an evidence base of their current Peak District will be resurrected. x the problem of off-roaders destroying Long Causeway and the land around it. 4 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 5 The fight to stop illegal and hugely The final damaging quarrying at Backdale Quarry, Help us fight! at the eastern end of Longstone Edge, was one of the biggest in our 90 year Backdale Quarry has a long and complicated history, which we have been battle for history. It took seven years of persistent actively involved in. It has become an eyesore in the centre of the Peak District campaigning, including taking a leading National Park. Backdale? role in public inquiries and seeing the case through a rollercoaster of court cases.

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Edmund Burke

The campaign was won in 2010 when the Court planning permission, without any fear of redress or In 1952, when vein minerals were largely at the moment. The government’s national of Appeal upheld the planning inspector’s original compensation. extracted by hand with pick-axes, permission policy planning framework, their disregard for decision that no more than two tonne of limestone The two years were up in January, so the was granted for ‘the winning and working of our precious green belts and opportunistic could be extracted for each tonne of fluorspar. As NPA issued the prohibition order but the new fluorspar and for the working of lead and other developers have all resulted in a huge increase no realistic reserves of fluorspar (a rare mineral landowner (Peter Hunt) and adjacent mineral rights minerals which are won in the course of working to our workload. We are the ‘go to’ charity for used in the chemical industry) were left in the owner (British Fluorspar) objected. these minerals’. The quarry was worked mainly communities who need help to defend themselves quarry, this meant quarrying had to cease. The site This now means a public inquiry will be held as an opencast fluorspar operation until the late against bad planning. has The site has lain dormant since 2010 and has this summer and we, together with the local Save 1990s when the operator started to extract large We desperately need your help. Fighting also changed hands. Longstone Edge Group (SLEG), are pledged to quantities of limestone. campaigns costs time and money; it’s convoluted In the intervening period, the Friends – together argue hard at the inquiry for the prohibition order Friends of the Peak District and Save Longstone and time consuming. with the Campaign for National Parks – had a to be upheld and thus finally end the threat to Edge Group have been lobbying and campaigning If you love and care about our precious strong hand in creating new legislation which Longstone Edge. This will be a huge drain on our to protect Backdale from unscrupulous operators landscape, please help us. Become a Friend of the means that the permission was suspended pending resources but forms an essential part of our work ever since. Our fight has seen us through public Peak District for as little as £2.50 per month or the submission (by the operator or landowner) to protect the Peak District. enquiries, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, make a donation, using the form enclosed. of the necessary paperwork. The new rules also Because of this we are appealing to Friends to the House of Lords, the Government and the Backdale Quarry may not be in your backyard, mean that if this situation continues for more than help support this essential last fight by donating European Court of Human Rights. but it is in your Peak District. One day, you may two years, the National Park Authority could serve to a Backdale fund that will allow us to make the We celebrated the prohibition order being need our help nearer to home. But right now, we a ‘prohibition order’ which would tear up the strongest case possible. issued in January, but this was not the end of the need yours. Please support our appeal to help us story; our fight continues. defend Backdale and make sure we’re still around Backdale Quarry is just one example of the if you ever need us. many planning applications we are challenging

6 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 7 Off-roading: stepping Restoring up a gear Friends of the Peak District launched TROs only two have been pursued to completion. Both the bureaucratic procedures for TROs the River its ‘Take Back the Tracks’ campaign and recurrent maintenance are resource hungry three years ago when an increase in and costly, and to date have not addressed 4x4s, trail bike and quad bike activity inappropriate use of sensitive routes. As the was endangering vulnerable Peak damaging impacts of vehicle use and conflict Lathkill between users are escalating we now believe District landscapes including Rushup that in the national park all unsealed rights of Edge and Stanage. way (Byways Open to All Traffic and Unclassified County Roads) should become restricted byways At that time the Friends’ policy was to promote and lose their rights of way for motorised vehicle better management through consensus rather than users. Lathkilldale is one of the natural jewels apply restrictions to routes which had legal rights Until the law changes as it applies to the for motorised vehicle users. Only on the most national park, and outside the national park in High of the Peak District, famed for its environmentally sensitive routes did we campaign Peak and in South Yorkshire, our policy remains quiet beauty and nationally important for closure. However, due to escalating damage one of addressing the most sensitive routes habitats, including its lustrous river. on an increasing number of routes it became clear and preserving the majority of routes for ‘quiet that current legislation is ineffective to control the enjoyment’ by foot, horse or bike, depending on However the valley has been much situation. Consequently, we have now changed the status of the right of way. altered by lead mining, which has our policy to campaign for a change in the law to make all off-roading by motorised vehicle users in added to its historical interest. But this the national park illegal. it has also altered the natural flow of Despite welcome changes in rights of way the river, which now runs dry in the law within the CRoW Act (2000) and NERC Act (2006), off-road vehicles continue to use routes summer months. which, due to their location and condition, cannot Natural England, who manage the valley as a sustain such use. The condition of some routes can national nature reserve, want to improve the river make them impassable to walkers, horse riders environment by blocking up old mine drainage and cyclists. There can also be serious impacts channels (below river level) termed ‘soughs’ which on wildlife, soil erosion and land management, rob the river of its water. In particular, research ©Stephen Lomas River Lathkill particularly where irresponsible off-roaders drive they commissioned strongly suggests that by blocked, by an internal collapse, in the 1960s, it off tracks and onto open moorland. Erosion is blocking Magpie Sough (which drains Magpie resulted in the hillside above exploding from the not the only issue for Friends of the Peak District Mine near Sheldon), water levels would improve, accumulated water pressure. However nature however. Even if they can still use the routes, possibly returning to pre-mining levels. In essence, conservationists and fishing interests believe it is a other users enjoyment is often marred by noise Magpie Sough takes some of its water from the project worth pursuing. and conflicts with off-roaders. head of the Lathkill catchment and diverts it to the Once project funding has been obtained, a Tools for addressing these impacts range from Wye above Ashford. planning application, together with an repairing and maintaining damaged routes to But the proposal is proving controversial. Many environmental impact assessment, will be applying traffic regulation orders (TROs) that limit people doubt that blocking soughs will submitted. However this is some way off and we vehicle use or ban their use completely. Within automatically bring the water back because they have not taken a view yet. We would very much the national park the Authority can instigate TROs think it may escape through other, possibly welcome hearing your views on Natural England’s on the grounds of improving amenity and/or unexpected, routes instead with unintended plans, either in writing or by email to Andy Tickle protecting the environment. However in the six consequences. When Magpie Sough was last ([email protected]). years since the Authority has been able to apply

8 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 9 Friends of the Peak District On being a Friend Photo competition 2014 By Sue Prince, OBE DL We are lucky enough to live in the most glorious In the past I was a secretary of state member landscape, perched on the south face of the of the Peak District National Park Authority, Manifold Valley in the Staffordshire Peak District. on the planning committee and I frequently We never tire of the views before us every day; witnessed the passion and commitment of the whether it’s raining, snowing or baking in sunshine, Friends professionally putting excellently reasoned it’s always a precious jewel in a precarious world. cases. I know they have been instrumental in the That’s why I support Friends of the Peak District, protection and recognition of the Peak District because they understand and treasure the living landscape and sustainable working economy. landscape too. I’m also an award winning folk artist (www. We have a busy eco-tourism business on our sueprinceartist.co.uk). I and three fellow members organic dairy farm, so every day I see our place of Peak District Artisans are hosting a through the worn out and jaded eyes of our Open Arts exhibition here at www.beechenhill. arriving guests. It is so important for them to come co.uk on 24–26 May. Come and join us for coffee to this tranquil, green and peaceful place. If we and cake - and maybe buy a painting! (refreshment don’t actively protect the Peak District it will end up proceeds will go to Friends of the Peak District and Enter now! like the rest of the country. Wetton and Alstonefield First Responders) This year the theme of our competition is ‘People in the Peak’. Can you capture that special something about the Peak District which we all love so much? In this our 90th anniversary year, we’re planning an exhibition highlighting our long history. The six short-listed winning photos of this year’s competition will be displayed as part of the exhibition which we hope to display in venues around the Peak District. First prize First prize: Win dinner, bed and breakfast for two people at The Peacock at (excluding Saturdays and Bank Holidays). See www.thepeacockatrowsley.com. Plus win a £100 voucher to use against any Large Outdoors residential weekends” Six short-listed winners • See your photo in our special edition Peakland Guardian – Autumn / Winter 2014 • Your photo may feature on our merchandise and publications • Win one year’s free membership to Friends of the Peak District And everyone who enters will receive a voucher worth £30 off any Large Outdoors residential weekend. Deadline: Monday 30 June Please send a high resolution image to us via Wetransfer, using email address mail@ friendsofthepeak.org.uk See www.friendsofthepeak.org.uk/photo-competition for more details and how to enter.

With thanks to

10 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 11 Saturday 13 September: 90th anniversary gala luncheon at Brookfield Manor Put the date in your diary for a very special reception and lunch to celebrate the vision of our founders, EventsCalendar 90 years ago. Hosted by Sir Hugh and Lady Ruby Sykes. Events in aid of Friends of the Peak District Here are a few other events we thought you might be interested in: Saturday 14 June: Renaissance Saturday 12 July: Green Festival, 10am-6pm Voices concert Celebrating sustainable living in the Peak District, at the Bakewell Agricultural Centre. A fun, family- Enjoy a summer evening of Early Music in the beautiful setting oriented event that will mix great local food, music and dance with inspiration and ideas for living a of Taddington Church. Peak based Renaissance Voices have greener life. The Bakewell Green Festival will bring together people from across the Peak District to share been singing together for 25 years, and have performed in the vision of a sustainable future with each other and with our many visitors. many historic venues in the UK and Europe including Haddon Entry: FREE Hall, Fountains Abbey and Avignon Cathedral. Their concert will include a variety of atmospheric music from 16th century Saturday 28 – Saturday 5 July: Wakes Week, St Peter’s Church, Hope Europe and also a contemporary piece to celebrate the 450th Sat 28 June Procession in Hope 2pm anniversary of the birth of Shakespeare. Sun 29 June St Peter’s Day Service 10am Tickets: £10 on the door or from David Young on Wells blessings 7pm 01298 85541 Tue 1 July Band concert 7.30pm Thu 3 July Lydian Singers Choir and Quintet concert 8pm Daily Hope Historical Society and Fly Fishing Exhibition 11am–5pm Sunday 29 June: tour, from 10.30am We’ve arranged a special VIP tour of the lovely Opera House, followed by coffee and cake in the Sun 17 Aug Hope Show Service at St Peter’s Church, Hope 10am Dress Circle Bar with an optional wander around Buxton’s unique and iconic collection of Victorian and Mon 25 August Hope Show at the showground Edwardian buildings. Derbyshire Open Art Festival Trevor Gilman is a semi-retired design engineer who has worked on the Octagon, the Opera House and the Bank Holiday Weekend: 24-26 May Annual open arts and crafts event taking place across Derbyshire. Bandstand, as well as many similar projects around the UK. He has been an Opera House front-of-house Visit the website and download the brochure for more info: www.derbyshireopenarts.co.uk volunteer for over ten years, and has been taking tours around the building for five years. He has led guided walks around the town as part of the and frequently gives talks to local groups including heritage societies and women’s institutes. For more information email [email protected] Tickets: £10 Local book published “Fandanzel - Quest for the Mystical Meadow”, by part of ’s estate Wednesday 16 July: Annual General Meeting, from 6.30pm local author, Sarah McNaught is a sequel to the luxury hotel in the peak district To find out what we’ve been up to and what we’re planning, to have your say and vote in the Board of “Haunting Tale in the Forest” published in 2012. Set in Trustees, and appoint a new Chair of the Board, put the date in your diary for the CPRE South Yorkshire the Derbyshire countryside, it tells the story of young and Friends of the Peak District AGM. To be held at Victoria Hall, 37 Stafford Lane, Sheffield, S2 2SF. Light James, his friend Alex, and the magical ancient fox, refreshments will be available. Fandanzel. Both books are available currently on Entry: FREE Amazon Kindle and are soon to be released in stores across Derbyshire and Cheshire. The Fandanzel series was created to raise Sunday 14 September: The Dambusters Challenge awareness amongst young and older people alike, Peak Walking Adventures are organising a fully guided fundraising walk over some of the most stunning of our countryside, and threats to our ecology from hills and moorlands that the Peak District has to offer – passing over the hills on both sides of Ladybower, human influence. Derwent and Howden Reservoirs. It was here that World War 2 pilots practised their bouncing bomb This second book touches on issues associated with green belt and brownsite developments, taking Award winning restaurant technique before the famous ‘Dambusters’ raids in Germany. and seven miles of some the reader through a rich tale, with lots of focus on the of the best dry fly and wild This Dambusters Challenge is approximately 21 miles long with 1,200 metres of ascent. issues of modern day and the mystery of nature. trout fishing in the UK.

A registration fee of £20 is payable upon booking, and in addition we ask you to raise a minimum of £50 Visit the author’s website www.sarahmcnaught. The Peacock at Rowsley Derbyshire, DE4 2EB in sponsorship or donations for the Friends. All proceeds (minus PayPal fees) will go to Friends of the Peak com for sales. (01629) 733518 District. To book your place and find out more visit: www.peakwalking.com www.thepeacockatrowsley.com 12 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 13 Students help to make Peak walk magnificent 11–27 Ju l y Buxton Festival Friends of the Peak District put outdoor leadership specially designed to show the Peak at its best. students from the University of in charge “The walks take in some of the most magnificent of one of its biggest events of the year: the aspects of the Peak District”, said lecturer James The Festival’s opera productions this year continue its tradition Magnificent Walk raises money to keep up its fight Mitchell “and highlight the work the Friends of reviving overlooked masterpieces. Dvořák’s The Jacobin to protect the national park as a living, working, do. We work in the outdoors so we know it’s creates a romantic village atmosphere, with sentimental beautiful landscape. important to protect the landscape. Many of these action and open-hearted lyricism; Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice The students were in charge of marshalling really fantastic places wouldn’t exist without the is considered a milestone both in Gluck’s work and in the and organising three different walks which were Friends’ campaigns.” history of opera; and Rossini’s Otello is especially notable for its original and highly sympathetic portrayal of the character of Desdemona and its superb third act. There’s also the Mahogany Opera Group’s production of HK Gruber’s Gloria – A Pigtale (a ‘cabaret opera’ performed by five ‘human sausages’ and a big band, mixing jazz, blues, Bavarian oompah, Mahler and Wagner) and the opening night Opera Gala, sponsored by Mercedes, starring Susan Bullock and Richard Berkeley-Steele. In the Music series, there’s a packed programme of concerts by renowned ensembles (The Lawson Trio, Innovation Chamber Ensemble, 4 Girls 4 Harps, Endellion String Quartet, Schubert Ensemble, La Serenissima, Hallé Soloists, Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, The Fibonacci Sequence, Psappha), instrumental soloists (pianists Yuanfan Yang and Sofya Gulyak, cellist Jessie Ann Richardson, accordionist Djordje Gajik), and singers (mezzo Rosalind Plowright, baritone Roderick Williams). There’s also late-night cabaret from great names in jazz including pianist Joe Stilgoe, soul singer Natalie Williams, saxophonist Alex Garnett and vocalist/trumpeter Georgina Jackson. Buxton Festival’s literary series continues to go from strength to strength with famous names and acclaimed authors including Jung Chang, Kate Adie, Peter Snow, Shirley Williams, John Julius Norwich, ©John Beatty Jonathan Aitken, Robin Hanbury Tenison, Paddy The three walks on offer were: a fabulous 4-mile “It’s been great to work with the outdoor Ashdown, Antonia Fraser, Claudia Roden, Vicky family walk through woodlands around Buxton; an students on a real life event” said Friends of the Pryce, Gyles Brandreth, Simon Jenkins, Alan excellent 8 mile walk taking in the Goyt Valley; and Peak District trustee, John Anfield. “Not only Johnson, Emma Bridgewater, Max Hastings and a tremendous 20 mile challenge walk which went are we benefitting from their expertise and Kirsty Wark. This year also sees the launch of via the Goyt Valley, Shining Tor, the Dane Valley, enthusiasm, we are helping future generations of Sunday evening ‘Evenings with’ celebrated figures the atmospheric Lud’s Church and the Roaches outdoor enthusiasts to care for our countryside.” including Jeffrey Archer and Ranulph Fiennes. before finishing at the Winking Man pub. If you would like to retrace this year’s walks, get This year’s Festival also includes free weekend One walker, Katie, said “Thank you for in touch as we have maps and directions that we events open to all ages, including storytelling in organising the ‘Tremendous Twenty’ Peak District can email out. the Magical Storytelling Yurt. Also, for anyone walk. It was a great experience and the extra We’ve already started planning next year’s walk. looking for a free taster of the Festival’s operas, support through little touches like the yummy flap Do join us if you can. there’s A Song at Six, each day in the Pavilion jack and friendly check point volunteers made Gardens Bandstand. it wonderful. The scenery was fabulous too of Email [email protected] if you would For further details visit www.buxtonfestival.co.uk or call 01298 70395. course!” like to be kept informed about our events.

14 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 15 p Recording Britain exhibition at the o We are still waiting to hear more from Network o Rail about the passing loop proposed at Millennium Gallery, Sheffield LGrindleford. This has been put on hold because the Department for d Transport has reduced the specification for fast trains from four trains per 3 April – 2 November 2014 r hour down to three. This means the project must re-visit the needs case for the scheme. It looks likely that a passing loop could be placed elsewhere and this must o now be investigated. Hopefully a more appropriate location with less impact on the f and its ancient woodland will be found. e Improvements to rail capacity and services are important for reducing pressure on l the roads, so in principle we support Network Rail’s proposed upgrade of the Hope Valley line, despite the fact it is in the Peak Park. The proposed passing loops are part of the d Northern Hub investment project to improve connectivity across the Southern Pennines and would allow faster services between Manchester and Sheffield to overtake stopping passenger

n trains and freight trains. This will help keep car commuters and heavy lorries off the Peak

i District roads. However whilst, the development at Dore just east of the tunnel is not controversial, r its sister loop at Grindleford in the Peak District National Park would destroy ancient woodland and invade the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate. The wonderful walk through

G Rough and Oxhay Woods between Hathersage and Upper Padley would be used to move some machinery and workers from a very intrusive car park and welfare site on the edge of Hathersage Booths to the railway. There would also be equipment stores and cabins along that footpath. So whilst we support the upgrade of the railway in principle we have put in a holding objection to proposed plans at Grindleford and are asking for the new loop to be placed somewhere else along the route and with less sensitive access arrangements.

Kenneth Rowntree, Grainfoot Farm, Derwentdale, Derbyshire, 1940 ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London An exhibition at the Millennium Gallery hosts The Recording Britain project was initiated a remarkable collection of work depicting the by Sir Kenneth Clark at the start of the Second changing face of Britain during the Second World World War when more than 90 artists were War. On tour to Sheffield from the Victoria and commissioned to make inspiring pictures which Albert Museum, Recording Britain represents a would be sympathetic records of vulnerable remarkable visual record of lives and landscapes buildings, landscapes and lifestyles. under threat. Made between 1939 and 1943, these evocative Showing in the exhibition is a historic film from pictures of quiet villages, bustling market towns, the Pathé Archive, made by the Council for the ancient parish churches and vanishing rural Preservation of Rural England (now the Campaign industries embody the ideals that Britain was to Protect Rural England). Dating from the 1940s, fighting for. However, these striking works reflect ‘This Blessed Plot – This Other Eden’ echoes a nation facing not only the potentially devastating the concerns of Recording Britain, calling for the impact of bombardment and invasion, but also establishment of National Parks in England. In the equally transformative effects of progress and the exhibition resource area a new film, created development. specially by Museums Sheffield, explores the Recording Britain will be at the Millennium story of the submerged villages of and Gallery until 3 November 2014. Entry is free. Derwent in the Peak District.

16 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 17 Green belt Local plans – more trouble ahead The volume housebuilders’ stranglehold on the planning policy process continues to tighten. We’ve been focusing on High Peak and Rotherham Local review Plans recently, and we’ll soon be turning our attention to Barnsley, Sheffield and Planning Minister, Nick Boles, recently made the news by publicly reprimanding North-East Derbyshire. the planning inspectorate for recommending a green belt review as a change Local Plans try to strike a difficult balance avoid loss of less suitable sites that, ultimately, to the Reigate and Banstead Local Plan. Boles claims to re-affirm government’s between finding room for housing and economic might not be needed. support for green belts, and that’s something we should of course welcome. development, and protecting the landscape for Secondly, NPPF states that if a council doesn’t But what is he really saying? people, nature, farming and recreation. Plan- have a five-year supply of available housing sites, making is all about the art of compromise; but then its Local Plan should be considered out-of- since the National Planning Policy Framework date in terms of planning for housing. This is a gift (NPPF) came into force in 2012, the cards to housebuilders, who can keep the Local Plan have been stacked firmly in favour of large-scale in flux and then speculatively apply for planning developers, and it seems they’re the only party permission on just about any site without the that isn’t asked to compromise. usual recourse to the Plan. High Peak Borough is NPPF mistakenly pushes local authorities to facing exactly this difficulty, and is inundated with adopt housebuilding targets way in excess of pre-emptive applications for some of the most what they’re ever likely to achieve, and therefore contested greenfield sites, such as at North Road to allocate vast amounts of extra land for new in and Macclesfield Road in Whaley housing – much of it on greenfield and Green Bridge. Belt sites. This will not solve the housing supply Thirdly, NPPF provides a neat ‘viability’ clause crisis: it will simply allow developers to cherry-pick for housebuilders allowing them to wriggle out the most profitable sites, and build the wrong of providing benefits to communities, including types of housing in the wrong locations. We’re affordable housing, energy efficiency, good design seeing this problem in Rotherham, where the and contribution to local amenities – in any Planning Inspector has made matters worse, by situation where doing so might harm their profit recommending removing the Council’s ability to margins. In other words, if councils want to get ‘phase’ the release of sites, so that they will have houses built, they have to abandon sustainable no way to lever development towards the sites development. they would prefer to see developed sooner, and The government fell for the line that planning was a barrier to progress, whereas it’s actually a barrier Many local communities have been frustrated statement, because a green belt review is a major to bad development. by a feeling, right or wrong, that the planning undertaking that needs to be done through full CPRE champions good inspectorate is routinely pushing up local public consultation. planning, and we need authorities’ housing requirements and allowing If the minister really wishes to protect green your help by drawing issues of housing supply to trump all other planning belts from unnecessary development then he our attention to how considerations. So the minister’s criticism should should state that the current extent of green belt particular sites, policies be seen as good news. But if the inspectorate has can be a legitimate limit on the capacity of towns or planning applications been gung-ho about housing supply then this can and villages to accommodate new development. could affect you in the only be at the behest of government. Green belt is not something that can be gradually coming year. Setting aside any speculation about motives, unpeeled whenever more land is required for what Boles actually said is that local authorities, housing. In our view the only case for changing not planning inspectors, should decide if there is the green belt is to make settlements more a need for a green belt review. We support this sustainable.

18 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 19 Ancient woodland vs motorway services In 2001, Rotherham Council rejected an HSIn principle a new, modern2 rail route application to build a motorway service area on serving the North of England should the eastern side of the M1 Junction 35, essentially for two reasons: firstly, there was not a need significantly improve rail connectivity for a service area between Woolley Edge to the and reduce road and air travel and north and Woodall to the south; and secondly, of route to enable the fastest speeds, rather there were no exceptional circumstances to the congestion, pollution and carbon is just hopping between junctions, and has no than a service-led solution designed to provide justify building in the green belt and destroying need for a break during their morning or evening emissions associated with them. If the the most benefit to the most people. precious ancient woodland at Smithy Wood near commute. • The impacts on valued landscapes in South Chapeltown on the outskirts of Sheffield. new route is integrated with the existing The applicant also says that their proposal will Yorkshire and North-East Derbyshire are In April 2014, an application was submitted rail network and services, and stimulates create lots of new jobs - but there’s an Enterprise excessive because the route affects many of to Sheffield City Council to put a very similar Zone half a mile away on acres of reclaimed land. development that is sustainable, the the remaining open and tranquil landscapes development on the western side of the M1 Shouldn’t the jobs go there, instead of on the last that currently provide relief between heavily- Junction 35. The applicant argues there is a need knock-on benefits for the countryside vestiges of unique 12th century woodland already industrialised and developed landscapes. for the development, and that they can ‘offset’ the should make it a winner. carved up by the motorway, and also under threat The aspiration for high speeds means that much damage to Smithy Wood by planting lots of new from the High Speed 2 rail route? However, HS2 Phase 2, as proposed, does of the route lies on embankments and cuttings trees. So what has changed? CPRE South Yorkshire, along with Sheffield and not secure sustainability benefits, and therefore that would break up wildlife habitats and create In our view, Sheffield should follow Rotherham’s Rotherham Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust and CPRE South Yorkshire cannot support it. The key physical severance between local communities lead and reject the proposal on the exact same local campaigners Cowley Road Action Group, problems are as follows. and their immediate countryside. You can see for grounds. Government guidance is that service will all be pressing Sheffield City Council to reject • There is insufficient evidence of integration yourself the harm that would be created using areas should be 28 miles apart - Woolley Edge and this damaging and wholly unnecessary proposal. with the existing rail network or any specific CPRE’s interactive maps (www.cpre.org.uk). In Woodall are 28 miles apart. It’s as simple as that. You can object too, by visiting http://publicaccess. information as to how existing rail capacity will our view the lack of a sound strategic case for HS2 The applicant cites the distances from Woolley sheffield.gov.uk/online-applications/ and quoting be released for better local services. means that the harm to local landscapes and local Edge to services on the M18 and A1(M) as a application reference 14/01079/OUT. • Over-emphasis on high speeds and short communities along the problem, and also says that peak time congestion journey times not only detract from the real route cannot be justified on the M1 sets Woolley Edge and Woodall potential benefits of a new rail route, but also on the basis of wider effectively further apart. But that’s nonsense, result in an engineering-led solution and choice benefits. because the vast proportion of peak time traffic

Chair of trustees renewable energy, campaigned tirelessly against Chairing Friends of the planning changes and, of course, (almost) won the We’re looking for a new Chair Peak District and CPRE long hard fight against quarrying at Backdale. South Yorkshire has been a As well as these headline achievements, what I Isabella Stone, our current Chair of Friends of experience of operating at a strategic leadership very rewarding experience, really value about the work of the Friends, is the the Peak District and CPRE South Yorkshire, will level with a successful track record of achievement working with expert and day to day engagement with planning issues. This be stepping down in July. So we’re looking for through their career and experience of external committed staff, trustees work does not grab public attention, but it is never someone to help us safeguard the landscapes of representation, delivering presentations and and volunteers, and ending and makes a huge difference to daily lives. the National Park and South Yorkshire. managing stakeholders. learning so much from them all, and having great Now we must look to the future with a new We’re looking for someone who is comfortable If you are interested in working with us, and fun working at our fundraising events too. Chair: we need to promote our work more, get in an ambassadorial role; is strongly committed to would like to know more, please contact our In my time as Chair, we have made major our message out to new audiences, persuade the charity and its objectives; and has the time to Deputy Chair, John Lambert, on 07967 149215 or progress preventing damage caused by off-roading people to join us, convince the world that our commit to the role. [email protected] in the Peak District, got unprecedented funding work matters. In terms of experience, we’d like someone with for the undergrounding of power lines, promoted Isabella Stone – outgoing Chair

20 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 21 The gift of Friendship. Stuck for that perfect gift? For Yes – I would like to be a Friend someone who loves the Peak District, this is a great way for them of the Peak District to help protect it – and to keep in touch with our work, and enjoy Membership type (please tick) Minimum annual amount the benefits listed below Annual individual £27 Annual joint £42 GiveThe membershipperfect gift for of anyone Friends who of the loves Peak the Peak Silver Guardian £100 The perfect Christmas gift District and protect our amazing landscape Gold Guardian £250 Life membership (under 60) £600 GiveFriends a gift of of the Friends Peak Districtof the Peak is the District only charity membership and protect these amazing Life membership (60+) £350 dedicated to protecting the countryside of all of landscapes. Gift membership Y/N the Peak District. FriendsWe’ve of been the Peak caring District for itis sincethe only 1924, charity and dedicated were Your details Name(s) ______tokey protecting in making the itcountryside Britain’s first of all nationalthe Peak park.District. Yet it Address ______remains fragile and needs your support. We’ve been caring for it since 1924 , and were key in ______Postcode______makingA gift it that Britain’s will first last national all year, park. YetFriends it remains of the fragilePeak and District needs your membership support. costs from just Tel ______Email______£27. A gift that will last all year, Friends of the Peak If the membership is a gift, please provide the details of the member DistrictIt comes membership with a gift card,costs badge,just £27. Peak District “Please support Friends of Name(s) ______goodie bag, a twice yearly magazine and discounts “Please support Friends of the Peak the Peak District’s vital work It comes with a gift card, badge, Peak District goody bag, District’s vital work protecting our Address ______(see below). protecting our incredible a twice yearly magazine and more. incredible landscapes” Most importantly your gift will help us to protect landscapes” ______Postcode______Julia Bradbury, President Mostthese importantly incredible your landscapes. gift will help us to protect these Julia Bradbury, President Tel ______Email______incredible landscapes. To buy a giftTo buy Friends a gift Friends of the of Peakthe Peak District District membershipmembership Please make cheques payable to Friends of the Peak District and send to us at 37 Stafford Road, Visit: www.friendsofthepeak.org.ukVisit: www.friendsofthepeak.org.uk or phone or phone 0114 0114 279 266 26555822 Sheffield, S2 2SF. Or pay by direct debit Instructions to your bank or building society to pay by direct debit Not a Friend yourself? Castleton, The Chestnut Centre in Chapel-en-le- I would like to pay £ ______to Friends of the Peak District Monthly Annually Frith, Haddon Hall, , Eyam Museum Name of account holder(s)______For less than £3 a month you can join us and and Peak and Speedwell Caverns in Castleton. help care for the Peak District and protect it for Bank/Building Society account Sort code future generations to enjoy. Your support will Please complete the form (next page) help us work for thriving rural communities in our and send it to us at: Freepost RTGA- national park, without developments and threats EYZJ-AEUY, Friends of the Peak District, Name and postal address of your bank or building society which harm its beauty and tranquillity. You will also Victoria Hall, 37 Stafford Road, Sheffield, To: the manager ______Bank / Building Society receive: S2 2SF • Our magazine, Peakland Guardian, twice a year Address: ______• A Friends of the Peak District pin badge Support us when ______Postcode: ______• 20% off a personal walking guide for a really you shop online! special day in the Peak District from Peak Originator’s Identification Number: 5 9 9 7 0 5 Walking Adventures If you like to buy your Give as you Live® • 10% discount at all Costwold Outdoor Shops food shopping, clothing Reference number: and Cotswold online or gifts online, you can now ask your favourite retailers to make a small additional donation to Instruction to your bank or building society • FREE walks with Large Outdoors (www. Please pay Friends of the Peak District from the account detailed in this instruction, subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct largeoutdoors.com) the Friends of the Peak District at no extra cost Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Friends of the Peak District and, if so, details will be passé don electronically to my Bank/Building Society Plus discounted entry to a wide variety of to you. Find out more and sign up at www. local attractions including: in giveasyoulive.com today. Signature(s) ______Date______22 Peaklandguardian Peaklandguardian 23 A: Victoria Hall, 37 Stafford Road, Sheffield, S2 2SF T: 0114 279 2655 E: [email protected] W: www.friendsofthepeak.org.uk