First phase of Peak District resort gets green light

Plans for the first phase of a new resort in the Peak District, which could create around 1,000 jobs, have been given the green light.

Chesterfield Borough Council has recently approved the reserved matters planning application for a revised first phase of the PEAK Gateway Resort on the reclaimed Birchall Estate.

The 300-acre property is located on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park in Chesterfield.

PEAK proposes to bring the scope and services of internationally successful ski resorts to create the UK’s equivalent for biking, hiking and other adventure sports, as well as for nature, culture and heritage experiences.

PEAK will have its own micro grid for energy, waste and water. It will also generate and consume its own energy and operate a zero-carbon tourism dedicated mobility service.

Planning permission includes extensive overnight and holiday accommodation supported by hospitality, leisure, wellness, a multi-disciplinary bike park and experiential retail.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “PEAK Resort offers a fantastic opportunity to bring more visitors into Chesterfield, grow our local economy and create a range of new jobs.

“It will be an incredible asset for our borough and will be a national leader in respect of clean energy, zero carbon mobility and skills.

“I look forward to seeing this development take shape over the next few years.”