Bakewell split over 18ft high noise barrier

Derbyshire Dales District Council has been consulting with the public over the proposal to erect the 318ft long barrier at Agricultural Business Centre, in Bakewell.

The authority gained planning permission for the structure from the Peak District National Park Authority after receiving complaints from residents about noise from the town’s livestock market.

However many residents believe the barrier is unnecessary and will devastate the appearance of the town.

A spokesman for the district council said: “Derbyshire Dales District Council is trying to deal sensitively with a long-standing issue. Our Agricultural Business Centre (ABC) hosts one of the UK’s top five livestock markets and the second largest monthly farmers’ market in the country. The ABC also provides accommodation for local community groups, conference facilities, business units, café, and car parking and is the acknowledged economic hub of the Peak District business community.

“Opinion is split locally between residents who want us to take measures to reduce the noise that comes from the ABC during its operation, mostly as a livestock market, and those who do not want to see a noise barrier because of the potential visual impact they fear it could have on that part of the town.

“Two weeks ago the district council hosted a meeting with interested local people to get their views on a revised barrier plan before any formal report is submitted for consideration by our councillors, probably at the end of February.”