Management Documents

The Management Plan

The Management Plan looks at the main issues affecting the site and gives objectives and a programme of actions to ensure a co-ordinated approach and framework to its management. The plan provides the context in which those who live and work occupy or own property in the site or the adjacent buffer zone can participate in, and contribute to, the conservation of the site. Following extensive consultation the plan was adopted in April 2003.

Its overarching mission is:

to conserve the unique and important cultural landscape of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site; to interpret and promote its assets; and to enhance its character, appearance and economic well-being in a sustainable manner.

The Management Plan identifies 6 strategic aims and sets out specific objectives and actions to meet these aims.

The Aims are:

1. To identify the key issues affecting the vulnerability of the cultural landscape, opportunities for its enhancement and measures to protect the cultural significance of the site

2. To establish guidelines for the future management of the site, and the buildings and land within it, so that the special character of the cultural landscape is protected and enhanced.

3. To increase public awareness of, and interest in, the site; to realise its full potential as an education and learning resource; and to establish a co-ordinated research framework.

4. To develop an integrated and sustainable approach to meeting the transportation needs of the site.

5. To identify how present and possible future tourism within the site can be developed in an environmentally and economically sustainable way for the benefit of the local economy

6. To provide a common framework in which owners, occupiers, residents, public and voluntary agencies can pursue individual and partnership action plans; and to establish lasting mechanisms for monitoring, co-ordination and consultation.

Click here to view the Management Plan [PDF 2,262 KB]

2004 Annual Report

One of the key management responsibilities of a World Heritage Site is monitoring the site to ensure that its Outstanding Universal Value is maintained. UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines (March 1999) requires the submission of periodic reports to assess the state of conservation of the World Heritage Sites as well as focus future activities and funds. In addition paragraph 72 states that ‘It is necessary that every year the condition of the property be recorded by the site manager or the agency with management authority’. In order to comply with the guidelines, the production and distribution of an annual monitoring report is identified as an action under objective 25 of the Management Plan.

This is the first annual report undertaken for the DVMWHS and covers the period from April 2003 to end of March 2004. It has been prepared in liaison with members of the Derwent Valley Mills Partnership. It includes the work undertaken by numerous different individuals, groups and organisations within the site to achieve the strategic aims of the Management Plan.

Click here to view the 2004 Annual Report [PDF 194 KB]

Transportation Study

The overriding concern of the local community identified in the Management Plan consultation process was the issue of traffic management. The Derwent Valley Mills Partnership commissioned a major transportation study which was completed in summer 2003.

Analysis of the information gathered found that most visits to the mills sites were made by car with the journey taking in one or more stops at other places.

Based on the study a number of intervention measures have been recommended including:

Clearer directional signing to the site
Enhanced pedestrian and cyclist access and facilities
Improved bus and train service
Better parking management
Park and Ride Sites as a long term solution.

The partnership’s transportation panel is now working towards developing some of these ideas in partnership with mill owners, local authorities and other organisations including the Derwent Valley Rural Transport Partnership.

Click here to view the Transport Study [PDF 294KB]

River Bus Feasibility Study

The Partnership commissioned WS Atkins to investigate the viability and implications of the re-introduction of a river transport service on the River Derwent between Derby and Darley Abbey.

The report concludes that the venture would provide an exciting opportunity to connect The Silk Mill and Darley Abbey as well as providing a pleasant tourist attraction in itself. This could benefit both the local economy and the community.

The project would require major investment estimated at around £303,000 in order to build two landing stages and purchasing a suitable craft. But there will be tangible long term benefits and could provide greater focus on the role of the river.

Further consultation with the local community would be required if the funding can be secured for the project.

Click here to view the River Bus Feasibility Study [PDF 316KB]

Management Documents

DVMWHS E-newsletter no 6 (Jan 2008) [SIZE: 40.3 Kb] Downloable version of the latest DVMWHS E-newsletter from January 2008.
DVMWHS E-newsletter no 5 (Oct 2007) [SIZE: 46.2 Kb] Downloable version of the quarterly DVMWHS E-newsletter from October 2007.
2007 Annual Monitoring Report [SIZE: 503.1 Kb] One of the key management responsibilities of a World Heritage Site is monitoring the site to ensure that its Outstanding Universal Value is maintained. UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines require the submission of periodic reports to assess the state of conservation of the World Heritage Sites as well as focus future activities and funds. In order to comply with the guidelines, the production and distribution of an annual monitoring report is identified as an action under objective 26 of the Management Plan. This is the fourth annual report undertaken for the DVMWHS and covers the period from April 2006 to end of March 2007. It has been prepared in liaison with members of the Derwent Valley Mills Partnership. At 33 pages long, it includes all the work undertaken by numerous different individuals, groups and organisations within the site to achieve the strategic aims of the Management Plan.
Response to Milford Mills application [SIZE: 26.8 Kb] Planning applications concerning the World Heritage Site are dealt with by the relevant Planning Authorities. The Derwent Valley Mills Partnership is not a statutory consultee. On applications which may impact directly on the Site, the planning authority may give the Partnership an opportunity to comment. This was the case with a planning application concerning the former Milford Bleaching Mill site, and the response is available here to download.
Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Management Plan [SIZE: 564 Kb] The Management Plan looks at the main issues affecting the site and gives objectives and a programme of actions to ensure a co-ordinated approach and framework to its management. The plan provides the context in which those who live and work occupy or own property in the site or the adjacent buffer zone can participate in, and contribute to, the conservation of the site. Following extensive consultation the plan was adopted in April 2003.
DVMWHS E-newsletter no 4 (Jan 2007) [SIZE: 51.4 Kb] Downloable version of the quarterly DVMWHS E-newsletter from January 2007.
2006 Annual Report [SIZE: 355.7 Kb] One of the key management responsibilities of a World Heritage Site is monitoring the site to ensure that its Outstanding Universal Value is maintained. UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines require the submission of periodic reports to assess the state of conservation of the World Heritage Sites as well as focus future activities and funds. In order to comply with the guidelines, the production and distribution of an annual monitoring report is identified as an action under objective 25 of the Management Plan. This is the third annual report undertaken for the DVMWHS and covers the period from April 2005 to end of March 2006. It has been prepared in liaison with members of the Derwent Valley Mills Partnership. At 33 pages long, it includes all the work undertaken by numerous different individuals, groups and organisations within the site to achieve the strategic aims of the Management Plan.
DVMWHS E-newsletter no 3 (Sept 2006) [SIZE: 50.2 Kb] Downloable version of the quarterly DVMWHS E-newsletter from September 2006.
DVMWHS E-newsletter no 2 (May 2006) [SIZE: 59 Kb] An update on events and activities that are progressing in the World Heritage Site since the publication of the annual newsletter in March 2006.
Arts Strategy [SIZE: 290.9 Kb] A new arts strategy has been produced for the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, encouraging innovation and creativity.
The DVMWHS Economic Development Plan [SIZE: 2.3 Mb] This plan sets out a possible template for the economic future of the World Heritage Site. Experts in economics, tourism, transportation and the historic environment have been studying the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, and have identified the means by which the heritage of the valley can be used to strengthen its economy and how the economy can be used to protect its heritage in a mutually beneficial and sustainable way. The study presents a vision for the future with three key aims for economic prosperity: Raising the profile of the area. Building on existing assets to create a distinctive economic growth zone. Strengthening the tourist offer by linking the World Heritage Site to nearby established visitor destinations. The Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DDEP) funded the study in order to better understand the potential of the World Heritage Site and its key communities. The Derwent Valley Mills Partnership has now received the study and is in the process of consultation before a decision is made on how best to take the economic development of the World Heritage Site forward, based on the recommendations of the report. The six chapters of the plan can be downloaded individually. These are: Introduction Context and baseline assessment Vision for the Derwent Valley Mills WHS Strategic priorities The programmes Phased development with estimated costs and outputs The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Economic Development Plan was funded by the:
Economic Development Plan (presentation June 2005) [SIZE: 2.1 Mb] THE POTENTIAL of the World Heritage Site is being studied to assess how it can contribute to the economic future of the region. Consultants have been appointed to create an Economic Development Masterplan (EDM) for the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site which will provide a blueprint for the site’s contribution to economic growth over the coming ten years. This document was presented by the consultants to the Technical Panel and Development Plan Steering Group as a powerpoint presentation at a meeting held on June 22nd 2005. The final report is expected later this year. Key objectives for the EDM include: providing a ‘baseline statement’ from which an assessment of the area’s current economic role and future potential can be established; identifying the role the World Heritage Site will perform in driving the local economy and its potential to support economic regeneration; calculating the scale of change and activity appropriate for this universally significant site, across a range of sectors including tourism, transport infrastructure, retail and commercial development. Funding for this project is coming from the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, which is keen to understand the potential of the Derwent Valley Mills and the communities surrounding them.
DVMWHS E-newsletter no 1 (Jan 2006) [SIZE: 70.3 Kb] Downloable version of the quarterly DVMWHS E-newsletter from January 2006.
2005 Annual Report [SIZE: 362.4 Kb] One of the key management responsibilities of a World Heritage Site is monitoring the site to ensure that its Outstanding Universal Value is maintained. UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines require the submission of periodic reports to assess the state of conservation of the World Heritage Sites as well as focus future activities and funds. In order to comply with the guidelines, the production and distribution of an annual monitoring report is identified as an action under objective 25 of the Management Plan. This is the second annual report undertaken for the DVMWHS and covers the period from April 2004 to end of March 2005. It has been prepared in liaison with members of the Derwent Valley Mills Partnership. It includes the work undertaken by numerous different individuals, groups and organisations within the site to achieve the strategic aims of the Management Plan.
Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative: A guide to eligible works [SIZE: 72.9 Kb]
Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative: How to apply for a grant [SIZE: 74.5 Kb]
Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative: Summary of Grant conditions [SIZE: 95.5 Kb]
Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative: Guidance on materials and workmanship [SIZE: 88.4 Kb]