The Duke of Devonshire has found himself at the centre of a row with villagers in Beeley, Derbyshire, after applying for planning permission to convert stone cottages in the middle of the village into luxury holiday lets for tourists visiting the area.
The planning application has been met with opposition by locals who argue that the increase in the number of properties offering holiday rental accommodation will kill off the community in the small Derbyshire village as young people are being priced out of the property market.
Planning permission is being considered to convert the grade ll listed cottages in the centre of the village next to the local pub into luxury holiday lets. Historically, the quaint stone cottages had been used to house estate workers for many generations. The village is situated just a mile and a half from the Duke’s ancestral home of Chatsworth House, which has become a huge draw for tourists.
Offering a higher standard and increased choice in accommodation for those visiting this corner of Derbyshire would help to boost tourism and the economy in the area, however the locals argue that a balance needs to be found as focusing too much on the needs of tourists is threatening the life of the village.
It’s understood that planning officials have advised to approve planning consent, however the decision won’t be finally made until Friday.
