Pauline Latham OBE MP has raised the issue of a controversial new housing development which has been given the go ahead near Kedleston Hall. The development will see 400 news homes built on land behind the hall and will have a significant impact on local residents. There are now growing fears that the decision by the planning inspector to overturn the Amber Valley’s original decision to block the scheme could set a precedent for similar proposals to build near heritage sites across the UK.
In a question put to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport this morning, Mrs Latham said “Kedleston Hall is a Grade 1 listed building. Kedleston Voice, an action group in my constituency has campaigned against the granting of planning permission on land which used to belong to the estate only for the planning inspector to overturn the council’s decision. They believe this is damaging to the environs of the halls”
She went on to ask “Can the minister put measures in place so no other Grade 1 listed building is affected by housing too close to such a historic setting?”
In response, the Secretary of State, Tracey Crouch said that “there is protection of the historic environment through statutory designation and planning policy. When determining planning cases, local planning authorities must have regard to the national planning policy framework, including its policies on conservation enhancement of the historic environment. We shall continue to stress the importance of that aspect of consideration”