Better protection for Derwent Valley Mills

Under new government plans, major developments near the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site will automatically be referred to the Secretary of State to decide, rather than a local planning committee, and homeowners would need planning permission for improvements such as satellite dishes and stone cladding.

The Government wants to create buffer zones around Derwent Valley Mills to stop them being ruined by inappropriate development. World Heritage Sites will be given the same protection as national parks.

But the move is likely to come too late for villagers campaigning against plans for 74 homes around the ancient dyehouse beside the River Derwent, at Milford, which is part of the site.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-07 12:58:54