Hazel Barrow Farm: pitches for 13 tents. Photo: John M CC-BY-SA-2.0

Planners in the Peak District have given permission for a campsite catering for climbers, walkers and cyclists near The Roaches.

A seasonal campsite with 13 tent pitches will be set up at Hazel Barrow Farm, Upper Hulme, in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

The site is about a mile east of The Roaches, one of the Peak District’s prime climbing crags.

But the farm will not be able to accommodate campers during the spring and summer bird nesting season, to protect wildlife.

A second application for camping at a pub within 300m of the Pennine Bridleway and High Peak Trail was also given the go-ahead.

Peak District National Park Authority said of the Hazel Barrow site: “This small-scale development involves some landscaping improvement, conversion of two stone buildings to create holiday accommodation and a shower and toilet block.

“Several dilapidated outbuildings of no architectural importance will also be demolished to tidy up the site.”

Neighbouring residents raised concerns at the planning committee meeting that the campsite would damage the quiet enjoyment of the open moorland and that opportunities for economic growth at the site did not outweigh the importance of its wild landscape setting.

Approving the application, Councillor Lesley Roberts, chair of the committee said: “We have allowed a small number of tents at Hazel Barrow Farm to limit the campsite’s visual impact and, to protect wildlife, no camping will be allowed during the bird breeding season from 8 March to 25 July.”

A camping and caravan site at the Bull i’th’ Thorn pub, next to the A515 Buxton to Ashbourne road, near Flagg, also gained permission.

This allows for change of use of agricultural land to accommodate 10 caravans and up to 30 tents in the summer season and up to 10 tents or caravans between October 31 and March 31.

Local people expressed concern about noise from the campsite. The planning committee applied extra conditions to control nuisance noise: amplified music will not be allowed outside at any time and no music will be allowed on the campground after 11pm.

An otherwise unused barn has also been given temporary permission for one year to be used as a function room associated with the campsite. This allows a 12-month test period to assess if the noise controls work.

Trees and shrubs will be planted as part of the scheme to screen the campsite and reduce its impact on the immediate area.

Cllr Roberts, said: “In approving both developments we have put in place conditions that address local people’s concerns and that on balance will improve these sites in the national park landscape.

“These campsites will benefit staying visitors and help support the local economy.”

The national park authority said it has a primary purpose to protect the landscape and safeguard the environment but it also has a duty to balance this with helping local communities to prosper.