We’re giving the thumbs up to a new unobtrusive emergency services mast at the top of Snake Pass.
The four metre high mast discretely doubles up with an existing road sign, whilst a generator and liquid petroleum gas tank are buried under the ground.
We think it’s a great bit of work. Coldharbour Moor is probably one of the wildest areas of the Peak District. It’s a Special Area of Conservation and protected Natural Zone. The original plans for the mast and buildings were really intrusive and would have ruined this precious landscape, so we want to thank the police and others for coming up with a sensitive solution that works for everyone.
We were appalled at the original plans in 2006 for a six and a half metre mast, brand new lay-by and highly visible metal cabins to house equipment, and fought to get them improved. Over the last four years, Derbyshire Constabulary have made five different planning applications. The Peak District National Park Authority finally okayed the latest plans last summer.
“It’s a win-win situation. The police and other emergency services can now get full reception across this area, whilst this last bit of wilderness at the Snake Pass summit remains pretty much unspoilt for walkers and everyone else who values it,” says our planning officer, John King.