WEST Derbyshire MP Patrick McLoughlin has asked highways chiefs to address speed safety measures along the A515 — including measures to combat illegal road racing.
A letter has been sent to the Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire County Council to ask about action to tackle speeding vehicles along Buxton Road.
The Tory MP also claims to have anecdotal evidence that the owners of high powered motorcycles and performance cars are travelling to the area specifically to see just how fast their vehicles can go.
Mr McLoughlin said: "I have spoken to a number of local people about this stretch of road, who have all expressed concerns about the speed at which cars and motorcycles are travelling at on the road.
"Some cars and motorcycles are travelling in excess of 120mph. This particular route is being used as a deliberate speeding location, with people travelling to this road with the intention to drive as fast as they can.
"I appreciate that improvement s have been made at the junctions, but this is a problem on the straight parts, so I have written to the cabinet member for highways at the county council and the chief executive of Peak Park to clarify about how they are tackling this, and what they are doing to deter people from excessive speeding."
Story courtesy of Ashbourne News Telegraph.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Peak Park map highlights planning breach claims
The Peak District National Park Authority has drawn a map of the 14 highest priority sites where it claims planning laws have been breached.
Its monitoring and enforcement team will show members the map – which includes sites at Bakewell, Winster, Sheldon, Middleton-by-Youlgrave, Monyash, Stanton Moor and Eyam – at a meeting tomorrow in Bakewell.
In its report, the team said it was preparing legal cases against landowner Bill Clay, for alleged failure to comply with three enforcement notices at the Pinfold Site on Monyash Road in Bakewell.
Officers are also involved with ongoing legal challenges over alleged illegal vehicle storage and unauthorised track building at Home Farm in Sheldon.
And they revealed they may use "direct action" to remove cars being stored without authorisation at Tor Farmhouse in Middleton-by-Youlgrave. The team is currently dealing with 305 outstanding enforcement cases.
To view the map and report, click here and here.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-16 11:24:02
Its monitoring and enforcement team will show members the map – which includes sites at Bakewell, Winster, Sheldon, Middleton-by-Youlgrave, Monyash, Stanton Moor and Eyam – at a meeting tomorrow in Bakewell.
In its report, the team said it was preparing legal cases against landowner Bill Clay, for alleged failure to comply with three enforcement notices at the Pinfold Site on Monyash Road in Bakewell.
Officers are also involved with ongoing legal challenges over alleged illegal vehicle storage and unauthorised track building at Home Farm in Sheldon.
And they revealed they may use "direct action" to remove cars being stored without authorisation at Tor Farmhouse in Middleton-by-Youlgrave. The team is currently dealing with 305 outstanding enforcement cases.
To view the map and report, click here and here.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-16 11:24:02
High-tech bid to net new county tourists
Tourism businesses have been learning how to make the most of new technology – in a bid to beat the credit crunch.
Over 250 delegates met for the Tourism Fair and Literature Exchange and learned how to make the most of popular websites such as YouTube and Facebook.
Communications chief Helen Rydzyk said: "It offered an invaluable opportunity to work together to boost tourism and share ideas in the ongoing quest to attract more visitors to the area and beat the credit crunch."
Popular workshops included Getting Visitors on the Web and Advanced Online Marketing Techniques.
Visit Peak District and Derbyshire also launched its new visitors magazine – called Welcome – which aims direct tourists to the area's top attractions.
The event was moved to Buxton's Pavilion Gardens – a larger venue than previous years to allow more business leaders to swap ideas and prepare for the 2009 season.
Visit Peak District and Derbyshire bosses reminded delegates that research shows holiday-makers will be looking closer to home this year, to beat the recession and weak exchange rates.
Well guess what folks we've been doing it for years. Wakey wakey Visit Peak District and Derbyshire!!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-16 11:55:51
Over 250 delegates met for the Tourism Fair and Literature Exchange and learned how to make the most of popular websites such as YouTube and Facebook.
Communications chief Helen Rydzyk said: "It offered an invaluable opportunity to work together to boost tourism and share ideas in the ongoing quest to attract more visitors to the area and beat the credit crunch."
Popular workshops included Getting Visitors on the Web and Advanced Online Marketing Techniques.
Visit Peak District and Derbyshire also launched its new visitors magazine – called Welcome – which aims direct tourists to the area's top attractions.
The event was moved to Buxton's Pavilion Gardens – a larger venue than previous years to allow more business leaders to swap ideas and prepare for the 2009 season.
Visit Peak District and Derbyshire bosses reminded delegates that research shows holiday-makers will be looking closer to home this year, to beat the recession and weak exchange rates.
Well guess what folks we've been doing it for years. Wakey wakey Visit Peak District and Derbyshire!!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-16 11:55:51
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
'Clough factor' boosts income
Derby County are sure the Nigel Clough factor is one of the main reasons behind them selling 17,700 season tickets already for next season.
The early bird deadline for renewals closed on Monday night and the figure for tickets sold is 1,100 up on the same stage last year.
And more than 700 new season-ticket holders have purchased tickets for the 2009-10 campaign.
Derby can boast the biggest season-ticket base in the Championship and all the signs point to them matching or beating the current figure of just over 22,000.
“There has been a tremendous response,” said president and chief executive, Tom Glick.
"It is very positive and we are thankful to supporters.
“We are encouraged that we can start next season with a similar season-ticket base, which would be terrific.”
Clough’s appointment as manager has caught the imagination of supporters and raised hopes of improved fortunes on the pitch next season.
The 22 points from 16 League games under Clough have taken Derby to the verge of safety in the Championship.
“Wherever I go in the community and the country, his arrival as manager has been a big topic of conversation,” said Glick.
"People are excited. They have a lot of belief and hope and rightly so.
“I think Nigel has a lot to do with it. I think he has helped bring it all together,”
Derby’s average gate for the eight home League games played under Clough is 30,101 and the biggest crowd of the season at Pride Park Stadium, a sell-out 33,079, watched Saturday’s defeat by leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Glick is expecting the final two home fixtures against Reading and Charlton to sell out.
“We are at almost 31,000 for Reading and almost 32,000 for Charlton,” he said.
“We are working hard on every aspect of the club to make it stronger, more exciting and a better experience for the fans.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 16:10:01
The early bird deadline for renewals closed on Monday night and the figure for tickets sold is 1,100 up on the same stage last year.
And more than 700 new season-ticket holders have purchased tickets for the 2009-10 campaign.
Derby can boast the biggest season-ticket base in the Championship and all the signs point to them matching or beating the current figure of just over 22,000.
“There has been a tremendous response,” said president and chief executive, Tom Glick.
"It is very positive and we are thankful to supporters.
“We are encouraged that we can start next season with a similar season-ticket base, which would be terrific.”
Clough’s appointment as manager has caught the imagination of supporters and raised hopes of improved fortunes on the pitch next season.
The 22 points from 16 League games under Clough have taken Derby to the verge of safety in the Championship.
“Wherever I go in the community and the country, his arrival as manager has been a big topic of conversation,” said Glick.
"People are excited. They have a lot of belief and hope and rightly so.
“I think Nigel has a lot to do with it. I think he has helped bring it all together,”
Derby’s average gate for the eight home League games played under Clough is 30,101 and the biggest crowd of the season at Pride Park Stadium, a sell-out 33,079, watched Saturday’s defeat by leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Glick is expecting the final two home fixtures against Reading and Charlton to sell out.
“We are at almost 31,000 for Reading and almost 32,000 for Charlton,” he said.
“We are working hard on every aspect of the club to make it stronger, more exciting and a better experience for the fans.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 16:10:01
Derby County 2 v 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
If a game captured Derby County’s frustrating season in 90 minutes, it was this.
They were good and bad in patches, putting supporters in the biggest crowd of the season at Pride Park Stadium through a roller-coaster of emotions.
There was the high of leading against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Championship’s front-runners, and the low of being pegged back.
And then there was the final, crushing disappointment of losing in the closing minutes.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said he was not sure how his side had won a lively contest.
“We were hopeless, we could not play any worse but we won,” added McCarthy.
Those who follow Derby know how Wolves took the three points to put them within touching distance of promotion to the Premier League.
All three of the visitors’ goals were avoidable.
Stung by criticism after conceding eight in two away games, the Rams responded by keeping a clean sheet against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday.
But their miserly mood did not last.
Andy Keogh, twice, and Matt Jarvis struck to give Wolves another win at the home of the Rams. They are unbeaten in eight visits and have won five.
Przemyslaw Kazmierczak’s free kick cancelled out Keogh’s early opener and Mile Sterjovski fired Derby in front 10 minutes after the break to delight the majority in the fourth consecutive 30,000-plus gate at Pride Park.
They could have gone further ahead but some of the decision-making and the final ball or attempt at goal let them down.
“They (Derby) should have been out of sight,” said McCarthy, while Rams boss Nigel Clough pointed to poor decisions and poor defending for the reasons why they lost.
Wolves exposed the faults as Jarvis equalised and Keogh headed a winner.
It is the first time Derby have lost at home this season to one of the leading sides, having beaten Sheffield United and Bristol City and drawn with Birmingham City, Cardiff City, Burnley, Preston North End and Swansea City.
Defeat, coupled with home wins by Norwich City and Southampton as well as Nottingham Forest’s point at Sheffield United, have left Derby still needing a few points to make absolutely certain of safety.
Victory at Hillsborough had pushed Derby to the verge of safety and they made four changes to the team to face Wolves.
Andy Todd replaced Lewin Nyatanga. Sterjovski came in for Barry Bannan, Robbie Savage returned for John Eustace and Kazmierczak made his first start under Clough.
Kazmierczak was in for Stephen Pearson, who was not in the 16 after completing his first 90 minutes in more than six months.
Wolves were without the injured strike duo that had hit more than 40 goals between them, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Chris Iwelumo, but they still went ahead after only seven minutes.
There was no obvious danger when Christophe Berra hoisted the ball forward but rather than being positive and dealing with the situation, Martin Albrechtsen let the ball drop and was caught out as Keogh nipped in to hook a volley across Stephen Bywater.
Keogh can be pleased with his finish but Albrechtsen handed him the chance.
There was the suggestion of a push but the Rams defender should have been stronger.
Derby have conceded too many poor goals this season and this was another to add to the catalogue.
Kazmierczak sent a couple of long shots wide. Those efforts were clearly sighters because he found the net for Derby’s equaliser on the half-hour mark.
Hulse was checked by Karl Henry for a free kick in a central position 25 yards out.
Kazmierczak is capable of striking the ball cleanly and had shown his ability at set-pieces on a handful of occasions since joining the Rams on a season-long loan from Porto.
On this occasion, he produced his best yet, curling the ball left-footed and low around the Wolves’ wall and beyond Wayne Hennessy’s dive.
It was a sweet moment for the Polish midfielder who has not found it easy to make the transition to English football.
Wolves had played much of the football and had been rarely ruffled before the goal but Derby went at the visitors with more purpose in the final 15 minutes of the half.
Jody Craddock, at full stretch, did well to clear a centre from Kris Commons and Gary Teale’s drive stung the hands of Hennessy.
Jay McEveley limped off with a foot injury just before the break and Kazmierczak stayed off at half-time due to a dead-leg.
Nyatanga went to left-back and Eustace, who did well against Cardiff and Sheffield Wedneday, joined Savage in the centre of the midfield.
Both goals led a charmed life at the start of the second half.
The advancing Hennessy blocked Hulse’s effort and then Sterjovski raced clear but, rather than finishing, he tried to go round Hennessy who dived and knocked the ball away from the Rams player.
At other end, Kevin Foley’s right-foot effort beat Bywater and rebounded off a post and then Henry found time and space at the back post only to lift his shot high over.
Given such wastefulness, it seemed that neither side wanted the lead.
But Derby accepted the next opportunity to go ahead after 55 minutes.
Commons pulled a corner back to the unmarked Sterjovski, whose controlled side-foot volley from 15 yards found the net.
Hennessy’s fingertips denied Hulse as Derby went for a third but Wolves levelled with 16 minutes left.
Savage tried to play his way out and then Derby struggled to clear the lines.
Substitute Marlon Harewood made his presence felt in the scramble and the ball broke to Jarvis, who drilled it in at the near post.
The visitors grabbed the lead for a second time in the game after 87 minutes.
Nyatanga joined in a Derby attack that broke down and Wolves countered down their right. Harewood drove in a cross and Keogh’s close-range header flashed into the net in front of the ecstatic Wolves fans.
The points belonged to Wolves, the disappointment to Derby.
It was hard to escape the feeling that they had played a big part in their own downfall.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:54:57
They were good and bad in patches, putting supporters in the biggest crowd of the season at Pride Park Stadium through a roller-coaster of emotions.
There was the high of leading against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Championship’s front-runners, and the low of being pegged back.
And then there was the final, crushing disappointment of losing in the closing minutes.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said he was not sure how his side had won a lively contest.
“We were hopeless, we could not play any worse but we won,” added McCarthy.
Those who follow Derby know how Wolves took the three points to put them within touching distance of promotion to the Premier League.
All three of the visitors’ goals were avoidable.
Stung by criticism after conceding eight in two away games, the Rams responded by keeping a clean sheet against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday.
But their miserly mood did not last.
Andy Keogh, twice, and Matt Jarvis struck to give Wolves another win at the home of the Rams. They are unbeaten in eight visits and have won five.
Przemyslaw Kazmierczak’s free kick cancelled out Keogh’s early opener and Mile Sterjovski fired Derby in front 10 minutes after the break to delight the majority in the fourth consecutive 30,000-plus gate at Pride Park.
They could have gone further ahead but some of the decision-making and the final ball or attempt at goal let them down.
“They (Derby) should have been out of sight,” said McCarthy, while Rams boss Nigel Clough pointed to poor decisions and poor defending for the reasons why they lost.
Wolves exposed the faults as Jarvis equalised and Keogh headed a winner.
It is the first time Derby have lost at home this season to one of the leading sides, having beaten Sheffield United and Bristol City and drawn with Birmingham City, Cardiff City, Burnley, Preston North End and Swansea City.
Defeat, coupled with home wins by Norwich City and Southampton as well as Nottingham Forest’s point at Sheffield United, have left Derby still needing a few points to make absolutely certain of safety.
Victory at Hillsborough had pushed Derby to the verge of safety and they made four changes to the team to face Wolves.
Andy Todd replaced Lewin Nyatanga. Sterjovski came in for Barry Bannan, Robbie Savage returned for John Eustace and Kazmierczak made his first start under Clough.
Kazmierczak was in for Stephen Pearson, who was not in the 16 after completing his first 90 minutes in more than six months.
Wolves were without the injured strike duo that had hit more than 40 goals between them, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Chris Iwelumo, but they still went ahead after only seven minutes.
There was no obvious danger when Christophe Berra hoisted the ball forward but rather than being positive and dealing with the situation, Martin Albrechtsen let the ball drop and was caught out as Keogh nipped in to hook a volley across Stephen Bywater.
Keogh can be pleased with his finish but Albrechtsen handed him the chance.
There was the suggestion of a push but the Rams defender should have been stronger.
Derby have conceded too many poor goals this season and this was another to add to the catalogue.
Kazmierczak sent a couple of long shots wide. Those efforts were clearly sighters because he found the net for Derby’s equaliser on the half-hour mark.
Hulse was checked by Karl Henry for a free kick in a central position 25 yards out.
Kazmierczak is capable of striking the ball cleanly and had shown his ability at set-pieces on a handful of occasions since joining the Rams on a season-long loan from Porto.
On this occasion, he produced his best yet, curling the ball left-footed and low around the Wolves’ wall and beyond Wayne Hennessy’s dive.
It was a sweet moment for the Polish midfielder who has not found it easy to make the transition to English football.
Wolves had played much of the football and had been rarely ruffled before the goal but Derby went at the visitors with more purpose in the final 15 minutes of the half.
Jody Craddock, at full stretch, did well to clear a centre from Kris Commons and Gary Teale’s drive stung the hands of Hennessy.
Jay McEveley limped off with a foot injury just before the break and Kazmierczak stayed off at half-time due to a dead-leg.
Nyatanga went to left-back and Eustace, who did well against Cardiff and Sheffield Wedneday, joined Savage in the centre of the midfield.
Both goals led a charmed life at the start of the second half.
The advancing Hennessy blocked Hulse’s effort and then Sterjovski raced clear but, rather than finishing, he tried to go round Hennessy who dived and knocked the ball away from the Rams player.
At other end, Kevin Foley’s right-foot effort beat Bywater and rebounded off a post and then Henry found time and space at the back post only to lift his shot high over.
Given such wastefulness, it seemed that neither side wanted the lead.
But Derby accepted the next opportunity to go ahead after 55 minutes.
Commons pulled a corner back to the unmarked Sterjovski, whose controlled side-foot volley from 15 yards found the net.
Hennessy’s fingertips denied Hulse as Derby went for a third but Wolves levelled with 16 minutes left.
Savage tried to play his way out and then Derby struggled to clear the lines.
Substitute Marlon Harewood made his presence felt in the scramble and the ball broke to Jarvis, who drilled it in at the near post.
The visitors grabbed the lead for a second time in the game after 87 minutes.
Nyatanga joined in a Derby attack that broke down and Wolves countered down their right. Harewood drove in a cross and Keogh’s close-range header flashed into the net in front of the ecstatic Wolves fans.
The points belonged to Wolves, the disappointment to Derby.
It was hard to escape the feeling that they had played a big part in their own downfall.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:54:57
Village is hoping to revive carnival
VILLAGERS are hoping to revive a carnival.
Councillor Juliette Blake has now arranged a meeting in the hope of bringing back Heage Carnival next year.
The event last took place in 2002 and Mrs Blake hopes that reviving it will inject community spirit into the village.
Residents are welcome to attend the meeting on Friday, April 24, at 7.15pm at the Park Crescent Community Centre, in Park Crescent
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:47:57
Councillor Juliette Blake has now arranged a meeting in the hope of bringing back Heage Carnival next year.
The event last took place in 2002 and Mrs Blake hopes that reviving it will inject community spirit into the village.
Residents are welcome to attend the meeting on Friday, April 24, at 7.15pm at the Park Crescent Community Centre, in Park Crescent
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:47:57
Debut for track
A RAILWAY line built by volunteers has been officially opened.
On Friday, the first train took to the tracks of the Stone Line at Wirksworth Station.
The 300-metre narrow gauge railway was built by volunteers from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association with cash from Derbyshire Environmental Trust. It was opened by the Trust's Dr Patrick Strange.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:46:01
On Friday, the first train took to the tracks of the Stone Line at Wirksworth Station.
The 300-metre narrow gauge railway was built by volunteers from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association with cash from Derbyshire Environmental Trust. It was opened by the Trust's Dr Patrick Strange.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:46:01
Parlour approval
A CAFE in the Derbyshire Dales will be able to sell alcohol and hold music events after councillors voted in favour of granting a licence.
Helen Hartley, owner of the Bakewell Pudding Parlour, in Water Lane, Bakewell, will now be able to sell alcohol from 10am until 11pm, seven days a week and hold music events up to six times a year.
The council's licensing sub-committee unanimously voted in favour of the application.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:42:07
Helen Hartley, owner of the Bakewell Pudding Parlour, in Water Lane, Bakewell, will now be able to sell alcohol from 10am until 11pm, seven days a week and hold music events up to six times a year.
The council's licensing sub-committee unanimously voted in favour of the application.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:42:07
Solicitor accused of theft from Shrovetide Committee in court
THE case of a solicitor charged with 10 financial offences, including false accounting and theft, from Ashbourne’s Royal Shrovetide Committee, will now be handled by Nottingham Crown Court.
Dawson John Hanson, 74, of Back Lane, Hollington, has pleaded not guilty to the offences.
This morning, at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court, Hanson was told his case will next be dealt with at Nottingham Crown Court in June.
Hanson has also pleaded not guilty to 12 financial offences alleged to have been committed while working as a solicitor in Ashbourne.
Most of the Shrovetide offences were allegedly committed between January 1, 2002 and August 4, 2007, while Hanson was secretary of the games committee.
They are four acts of theft totaling £20,473.77, four counts of false accounting and two Fraud Act charges.
The remaining alleged offences involve the accounts of clients at the solicitors’ firm where he was a partner.
He is accused of committing them between January 4, 2004 and September 17 last year.
They are six counts of possessing criminal property worth a total of £164,050 and six further counts of concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing criminal property worth a total of £97,362.
It is understood Hanson worked for Ashbourne firm Eddowes, Simms and Waldron, in Church Street, but is no longer employed there.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:27:18
Dawson John Hanson, 74, of Back Lane, Hollington, has pleaded not guilty to the offences.
This morning, at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court, Hanson was told his case will next be dealt with at Nottingham Crown Court in June.
Hanson has also pleaded not guilty to 12 financial offences alleged to have been committed while working as a solicitor in Ashbourne.
Most of the Shrovetide offences were allegedly committed between January 1, 2002 and August 4, 2007, while Hanson was secretary of the games committee.
They are four acts of theft totaling £20,473.77, four counts of false accounting and two Fraud Act charges.
The remaining alleged offences involve the accounts of clients at the solicitors’ firm where he was a partner.
He is accused of committing them between January 4, 2004 and September 17 last year.
They are six counts of possessing criminal property worth a total of £164,050 and six further counts of concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing criminal property worth a total of £97,362.
It is understood Hanson worked for Ashbourne firm Eddowes, Simms and Waldron, in Church Street, but is no longer employed there.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:27:18
Study set to delay plans for Elvaston Castle by up to 6 months
THE controversial redevelopment of one of Derbyshire's most popular historic buildings has been delayed by at least six months while a conservation study is carried out.
Elvaston Castle and its grounds are due to be converted into a hotel and golf course after owners Derbyshire County Council chose Highgate Sanctuary to take over the lease in 2006.
The company originally intended to submit a planning application in autumn last year, with work starting this summer and the redeveloped Elvaston Castle Hotel opening in summer 2011.
But because of the castle's age and historical significance, English Heritage, which advises local authorities on applications involving listed buildings such as Elvaston, said that a conservation study must be carried out first.
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire County Council said: "English Heritage agreed to fund a conservation study to look at what work needs to be done at the castle and how much that work will cost.
"We are talking to specialist consultants about this work and expect it will take place during the summer.
"The study will help inform all parties about the nature of the essential repairs needed which will help with the planning process."
Highgate Sanctuary has now revised its schedule, with the planning application due to be submitted this summer, work starting this winter and the hotel due to be completed by winter 2011.
Despite the credit crunch, the company still plans to go ahead with the development.
Highgate managing director Dr Tanya Spilsbury said: "We're still waiting for English Heritage and the county council to complete their survey to verify the repair costs and then we will proceed with preparing the proposals as soon as we can."
It is estimated that the 60-room castle needs £3m of repair work carried out, on top of annual running costs of £500,000 – amounts the council said it could not afford.
The controversial development has attracted criticism, with campaign group the Friends of Elvaston Castle set up in an attempt to keep the castle in public ownership.
A Friends spokesman said: "A conservation study costing £35,000 of taxpayers' money has already been carried out.
"The developer has been involved for at least five years and the estate is still declining.
"Nothing other than a not-for-profit community trust, made up of all stakeholder groups, is acceptable to the community to which the park belongs."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:24:53
Elvaston Castle and its grounds are due to be converted into a hotel and golf course after owners Derbyshire County Council chose Highgate Sanctuary to take over the lease in 2006.
The company originally intended to submit a planning application in autumn last year, with work starting this summer and the redeveloped Elvaston Castle Hotel opening in summer 2011.
But because of the castle's age and historical significance, English Heritage, which advises local authorities on applications involving listed buildings such as Elvaston, said that a conservation study must be carried out first.
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire County Council said: "English Heritage agreed to fund a conservation study to look at what work needs to be done at the castle and how much that work will cost.
"We are talking to specialist consultants about this work and expect it will take place during the summer.
"The study will help inform all parties about the nature of the essential repairs needed which will help with the planning process."
Highgate Sanctuary has now revised its schedule, with the planning application due to be submitted this summer, work starting this winter and the hotel due to be completed by winter 2011.
Despite the credit crunch, the company still plans to go ahead with the development.
Highgate managing director Dr Tanya Spilsbury said: "We're still waiting for English Heritage and the county council to complete their survey to verify the repair costs and then we will proceed with preparing the proposals as soon as we can."
It is estimated that the 60-room castle needs £3m of repair work carried out, on top of annual running costs of £500,000 – amounts the council said it could not afford.
The controversial development has attracted criticism, with campaign group the Friends of Elvaston Castle set up in an attempt to keep the castle in public ownership.
A Friends spokesman said: "A conservation study costing £35,000 of taxpayers' money has already been carried out.
"The developer has been involved for at least five years and the estate is still declining.
"Nothing other than a not-for-profit community trust, made up of all stakeholder groups, is acceptable to the community to which the park belongs."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2009-04-15 15:24:53
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