Partnership set to drive Chatsworth’s long-term plan

Chatsworth, which is part of the Devonshire Group, has started a collaborative dialogue on its future with the Peak District’s leading stakeholders.

Earlier this month, more than 50 representatives from councils, statutory authorities, charities and trade bodies, met with Stephen Vickers, chief executive of Devonshire Group and Chatsworth’s senior team at Cavendish Hall in Edensor, where they were invited to become involved in its ‘Whole Estate Plan’.

Due to be published next summer, the plan will shape Chatsworth’s future over the next 15 years and beyond.

By sharing its vision and direction of travel for the years ahead, Chatsworth is aiming to build better understanding and common goals with stakeholders to benefit the landscape and environment, jobs and enterprise, local communities and visitors to the region.

Lord Burlington, chairman of the Chatsworth Settlement Trust: “We understand and take very seriously the responsibility that custodianship and management of such a precious asset as Chatsworth brings.

“We take great care to balance the needs of conservation, access, enjoyment, education, community and economy.

“At the same time, we value other voices and encourage stakeholders and partners to share their knowledge, ideas and opinions within a conversation that we believe will make development of the plan more effective, by building and enhancing common goals for the benefit of our shared future.”

The Whole Estate Plan covers the core of the Chatsworth Estate, which includes Chatsworth House, garden, parkland, and Stand Wood – all under the management of the Chatsworth House Trust charity – as well as farms, woods, moorland and other interests between Baslow and Beeley, plus Peak Village in Rowsley.

Representatives of the organisations present, which included Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, East Midlands Chamber, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire and the University of Derby, welcomed the opportunity to engage with Chatsworth on the plan.

Andrew McCloy, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “The Peak District National Park Authority is pleased to be involved in the early stages of the development of a Chatsworth Estate Plan along with other stakeholders, and we welcome the commitment to partnership working and strategic planning from the estate.”