I wrote to the Peak Park in 2006 explaining that we had to use much more fuel than we would if we had double glazing, and in July 2006 I received a reply from the Head of Development Control Service, and I quote: "In general the Authority does subscribe to the principle of sustainable energy use.

However, in almost all cases this is only one of a number of considerations that have to be taken into account.

In your case the character and appearance of the listed building was the overriding consideration." So no worries about the planet there then.

I wonder if the planning officers, who thought the aluminium conservatory at Loose Hill Hall was appropriate within the curtilage of a grade 2* listed building, also thought the roof lights were acceptable.

When our farmhouse was listed there was black pvc guttering along one side of the house and the roof was half blue slate and half hard row tiles.

Someone from the Peak Park sneaked round to list the house and the pvc guttering was listed as cast iron and the whole roof as blue slate. I really think it quite important that they learn to tell the difference between pvc and cast iron and blue slate and hard row.

The second point in Barbara Wilson's letter, that my letter referred to planning applications in 1988, is rather wide of the mark. We did not submit any planning application for the house in 1988. I think she should try to be a little more accurate.

I agree with what Tony Ashton said in his letter last week that the direct option for National Parks should be on the agenda of the quinquennial review.

Whatever else Barbara Wilson might write, as far as I am concerned this letter is the end of the matter.

Anne Ritter
Perryfoot Farm
Peak Forest