Chatsworth House: Hydroelectric power scheme approved

Chatsworth has been making efforts to cut its carbon emissions

Plans for a hydroelectric power scheme at a stately home in Derbyshire have been approved by the Peak District National Park.

Two generators will be installed next to weirs on the River Derwent within the Chatsworth House estate.

Paul Ancell, chair of the park's planning committee, said they had to make sure the development "would not harm the historic landscape".

The structures will be built with local stone and partly screened by woodland.

'Reduce carbon emissions'

Archaeological work has to be completed and habitats created, to protect biodiversity, before construction can start, the planning conditions state.

Mr Ancell said: "In the interests of climate change it is to everyone's benefit that attractions such as Chatsworth are able to reduce their carbon emissions.

"We are happy that the level of visual impact this small scale hydroelectric scheme will have in the landscape is acceptable."

Chatsworth House has about 750,000 visitors every year.

Chatsworth House holds a sculpture exhibition each year