Date: 17/06/2009
Young people from Derbyshire have been having their say on crucial blueprints that will guide development in the Peak District for two decades.
High Peak Borough Council joined forces with Derbyshire Dales District Council and Derbyshire Youth Service to stage a series of exercises that highlighted the importance of planning in ensuring that the areas in which we live, work and play can prosper without spoiling their natural beauty.
The session was run by Planning Aid, an independent organisation that provides training and support to community groups wanting to play an active part in planning their areas.
The youngsters showed a good understanding of development issues facing the area, and came up with some great ideas while having fun planning towns for the future.
All information gathered on the day will be fed into the consultation process for the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy: a vital policy document that will inform planning decisions in the two districts until 2026.
Said High Peak councillor Linda Baldry, Executive Councillor for Planning: "It was heartening to see young people think about the planning of our area with such interest and enthusiasm. We really value the contribution they made through the workshop".
For more information on Planning Aid, visit www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk