Planning jobs in Derbyshire Dales

About the area

Planning in Derbyshire Dales

Derbyshire Dales is a largely rural district stretching from Ashbourne in the south to the moors north of Bakewell. Matlock, Ashbourne and Wirksworth are its main towns outside the Peak District National Park. A large part of the district lies within the Park, including Bakewell, and there the Peak District National Park Authority decides applications. Derbyshire Dales District Council plans for the rest of the area, with Derbyshire County Council dealing with minerals, waste and highways.

Heritage and landscape run through almost every decision. The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site includes Cromford, Matlock Bath and Arkwright's mills, and the district has many conservation areas and listed buildings in stone-built towns and villages. Tourism is a major part of the economy, so visitor accommodation and facilities come up often, alongside the need for homes that local people can afford. Limestone quarrying around Wirksworth and Matlock is a long-standing issue. Planning roles here suit those interested in rural development management, conservation and landscape-led policy work.