Approval clears the way for Chatsworth flower show

Planning permission has been awarded to hold the RHS Chatsworth show for a full decade '“ despite the concerns of Peak Park Authority officers.
.Director General of the RHS Sue Biggs and Show Director Nick Mattingley are joined by Chatsworth's Head of Gardens and Landscapes Steve Porter at an event to introduce the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show. Picture Scott Merrylees.Director General of the RHS Sue Biggs and Show Director Nick Mattingley are joined by Chatsworth's Head of Gardens and Landscapes Steve Porter at an event to introduce the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show. Picture Scott Merrylees
.Director General of the RHS Sue Biggs and Show Director Nick Mattingley are joined by Chatsworth's Head of Gardens and Landscapes Steve Porter at an event to introduce the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show. Picture Scott Merrylees

The Royal Horticultural Society needed the go-ahead to put up several temporary structures on a yearly basis, along with river crossings and show gardens.

Officers recommended that members of the Peak District’s planning committee should only approve the plans for three years, on the grounds that the event could cause ‘harm to heritage assets’.

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However, committee members approved the 10-year permission sought by the RHS.

Worries included the potential for ‘lasting physical damage’ to the site, and the risk the various structures would affect the ‘setting and significance’ of Chatsworth House and its grounds.

The temporary venues include a 14-metre high inflatable replica of Joseph Paxton’s Great Conservatory.

Three bridges will also span the River Derwent.

A report to the committee said it will take 45 days to set up the show, hold the event, remove the structures and restore and reseed the ground.

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“It is considered that, given the content of advice from heritage experts, it cannot be concluded at this stage that the public benefits would outweigh the harm arising from an annual show taking place in perpetuity,” officers said.

An RHS spokesman said the society was ‘delighted’ with the committee’s decision.

The gardening celebration will happen from June 7 to 11 next year. Around 80,000 visitors are expected.