Look out for a special feature on BBC East Midlands TV across all their platforms this coming Monday (18 November) that focuses on the District Council's deep concern about the impact of holiday homes in rural communities across the Derbyshire Dales.
Reporter Simon Ward investigates claims by Hathersage ward member Councillor Peter O'Brien - supported by a full meeting of the Council in July - that in many of our villages the number of holiday homes has grown to such an extent that the sustainability of communities is being adversely affected.
As part of the piece, Simon interviews Eyam Primary School headteacher Oona Gilbertson (pictured above) about the impact of the lack of affordable housing for young families on the sustainability of her village school. He also speaks to Councillor O'Brien (pictured below) and a young resident about younger working families being priced out of the local housing market.
In a Motion to the July Council meeting, Councillor O'Brien won the backing of fellow councillors, who supported his recommendation to call on Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to see through the previous Government's proposals to place new Use Class Orders on holiday homes, making them subject to planning permission. Ms Rayner is also Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The meeting also approved the Council making parallel representations to the Peak District National Park Authority and the Local Government Association to engage other local authorities with similar issues to the Derbyshire Dales.
Deputy Council Leader Councillor Neil Buttle, who seconded the Motion, said at the time:
"The evidence is there that holiday homes are adversely impacting community viability. Sadly, our primary schools are less sustainable and villages, quite frankly, are losing their heart."
BBC East Midlands asked Government for a response to the District Council's request to make holiday homes the subject of planning permission, but Councillor O'Brien has described their response as "totally inadequate and deeply disappointing".
Tune into the feature on BBC East Midlands Today from 6.30pm on Monday - or catch up online at
