High Peak Borough Council Rejects Derbyshire County Council's 110-Property Development Plan

Strategic Insights -

Local residents' concerns, Sport England's objections, and the council's own policies have led to the rejection of a proposed 110-property development at Glossopdale Community College's Lower Site. The refusal comes after a public consultation where neighbors raised objections to increased traffic, congestion, and loss of privacy. High Peak Borough Council's planning officers recommended refusal, citing the importance of preserving recreational fields and lack of evidence that the playing fields are surplus to requirements. The application, which included 30% affordable housing, was deemed unsustainable due to the loss of playing field land and concerns about drainage issues, traffic, and pollution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The High Peak Borough Council's Development Control Committee rejected Derbyshire County Council's application to build up to 110 properties at Glossopdale Community College's Lower Site.
  • The proposed development would involve the loss of playing field land, with no alternative facility of equal or better quality to deliver benefits to clearly outweigh its loss.
  • Sport England objected to the scheme, stating that it would result in the loss of the whole of the playing field land.
  • Neighbors raised concerns about increased traffic and congestion, loss of privacy, and feared drainage issues.
  • The High Peak Borough Council's senior planning officer, Rachael Simpkin, stated that the land is considered green field and protected, despite the applicant's agent arguing it is a brownfield site.
  • A majority of the planning committee voted to refuse planning permission for the county council's outline planning application.
  • The proposed site included three points of access, including two new vehicular points off Talbot Road and the existing access at North Road.
  • The application included plans for 30% affordable housing across a site including 2.15 hectares of previously developed land and 2.6 hectares of playing field land.
  • Residents from the Glossopdale Sites Residents Group, including David Quinn, expressed concerns about the development's suitability and potential impact on the surrounding area.

Statistics:

  • The proposed development would involve the loss of 2.6 hectares of playing field land.
  • The application includes plans for 110 properties.
  • 30% of the proposed development will be affordable housing.
  • The site includes 2.15 hectares of previously developed land and 2.6 hectares of playing field land.
  • High Peak Borough Council's planning officers recommended refusal.
  • The planning committee voted to refuse planning permission by a majority.

Sources:

  • "High Peak Borough Council news release" [No date]
  • "Letter from High Peak Borough Council spokesperson" [No date]
  • Quote from Rachael Simpkin, senior planning officer for High Peak Borough Council
  • Quote from Sarah Cox, applicant's agent
  • Quote from David Quinn, Glossopdale Sites Residents Group
  • Aerial image courtesy of High Peak Borough Council