“Fantastic ambition and conservation”

Winners of the Peak District National Park Authority’s inaugural Planning Awards have been announced at a special ceremony recently at Thornbridge Hall.

The Awards recognise excellence in developments where extra consideration has been taken to ensure the scheme makes a positive contribution to the special qualities of the Peak District National Park.

A team of judges from across the industry have awarded winners and commended schemes that celebrate the built environment and landscape; from sensitive restoration and conservation, to innovative techniques and unique craftsmanship.

Andrew McCloy, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, thanked the judges and everyone who had made nominations. He said: “We were genuinely impressed by the standard of all the nominations. The winning schemes each demonstrate exceptional and high quality design, innovation and craftsmanship. They respect the special qualities of the Peak District National Park and show how the natural and built landscape can work in harmony, whether in the centre of a village or in a rural environment.

“The schemes use local materials and building styles to contribute to local distinctiveness, but they also have strong sustainability credentials and prove that even in a national park setting new development can and should respond to the impacts of climate change through imaginative design.

“These schemes are testament to the effort and commitment that planners, architects, designers, builders, home-owners and communities put in to create outstanding contemporary architecture that works within the National Park.
“We hope people who are considering new schemes will be inspired by these inspirational developments in the Peak District National Park.”

The winners received a trophy crafted from Derbyshire Fossil Limestone – a unique local Peak District product – provided by Natural Stone Sales Ltd.

Entries were judged in four categories. The winners are:

Best Conservation project – for any development relating to a heritage asset – has been won by Mill House, Ashford in the Water.

Judge’s comments: “Fantastic conservation, ambition, scale and detail. Every effort has been taken to conserve and reuse. A beautiful restoration of the building, retaining many of its industrial features. Also some innovative technical solutions.”

The runner up was St Michael and All Angels Church, Hathersage, which the judges commended “for its care and detail and good craftsmanship.”

Best Landscape scheme – for schemes relating to the landscape – was won by Heart of Hathersage.

Judge’s comments: “A very attractive, community-led project with a contemporary yet empathic design. Appropriately well-detailed materials that provide a much needed infrastructure to service residents and others arriving by bus. Excellent use of hard materials.”

Best Residential – for conversions, extensions, and new build – was awarded to Contour House.

Judge’s comments: “Outstanding modern design. A beautiful, unique contemporary house in scale with the Peak District vernacular buildings. The innovative use of traditional materials and simplicity of rural landscaping provides a calm quality lacking in much new development.”

Two schemes in Youlgrave were commended in this category. The development of eight new houses at Hannah Bowman Way was commended for its affordability and sensitivity to the landscape. And, Spring Lane End received high praise for its sustainable standards, innovative architecture in a challenging landscape with minimal impact from most viewpoints, and good use of local material.

Best Non-residential – for commercial, quarries, and public buildings – has been won by Chatsworth Stickyard.

Judge’s comments: “An extremely interesting restoration, preserving the original character very well.”

There were two runners up in this category: the contemporary design of the Bird Hide at Chatsworth Children’s Farmyard, which provides an educational facility; and, Bretton Hostel Studio, was commended for its sustainable features, including a ‘green’ roof.

For more information on the winners and runners-up, visit www/peakdistrict.gov.uk/planning-awards.