National Award for Peak planners

The Peak District National Park Authority has won a national award for excellence in planning from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

The RTPI’s awards reward outstanding achievement in planning UK-wide to raise awareness and understanding of pioneering work and improvements to quality of life.

The Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture award was presented to the Authority for its Stanton Moor Principles.

The Stanton Moor Principles have successfully protected Stanton Moor from the risk of quarrying for nearly 20 years. Stanton Moor is well-loved by many for its extensive Bronze Age Scheduled Monument, cultural heritage, wildlife and moorland walks.

The RTPI’s judges recognised the long term nature of the Stanton Moor Principles in their comments and said it sets an example for others to follow.

The judges said: “The planners at the local authority have ensured the principles map out a long term strategic vision for the moor, helping to secure its long-term future. These principles could be used as a model for other areas as it provides a good outcome for all parties.”

Paul Ancell chair of the Authority’s planning committee said: “We are delighted for our work to achieve national recognition and to receive this prestigious award from the RTPI.

“Protecting the cultural landscape of this important area of the National Park through the Stanton Moor Principles, in line with our national park purposes and aspirations for the place, is something we can all be proud of.”

Jane Newman, head of development, said: “It has taken 17 years for us to fully realise the aims of the Stanton Moor Principles and move quarrying away from the Scheduled Monument.

“In that time there have been changes in local and national policies, different Governments and changes in staff. There have been multiple planning applications, planning appeals and even protestors living in the trees at one time. We’ve worked with local communities, minerals companies, legal experts and set up the Stanton Moor Liaison Group. And throughout, the Authority has stuck to its Stanton Moor Principles.”

The Nine Ladies stone circle on Stanton Moor. ⓒ Peak District National Park Authority.

Revocation Orders have been confirmed in relation to old mineral permissions which posed a direct risk to the Scheduled Monument and Stanton Moor is no longer at risk.

The Stanton Moor Principles project was one of 11 entrants shortlisted in the Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture category. The South Down National Park Authority were commended for their community cinema in Lewes, and other projects included The Sill – a national landscape discovery centre in Northumberland National Park, as well as the regeneration of historic market town Diss.

The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are the longest running and most high-profile awards in the industry. For 40 years they have rewarded the brightest talent in the profession; the teams, projects and individuals that transform economies, environments and their communities all over the UK and internationally.