Concerns raised over Dinting housing plans

Residents have raised concerns about proposals to build more than 100 homes on fields off Dinting Lane in Glossop during two public consultation events.

The events were held by consultancy company Enabl on behalf of developers Maska Group, and showed that the proposed development would be built on land behind Tesco, off Dinting Lane. The unit that previously housed Kingspan would remain in industrial use. 

According to consultation material, Maska Group says it aims to create "a vibrant and sustainable community that enhances quality of life and nurtures economic growth". The proposal includes a mix of housing types, landscaping and public open space, with around 30 per cent of the homes designated as affordable housing. 

The events, held at Glossop Cricket & Bowling Club, gave residents an opportunity to view the initial plans and speak to members of the design team before an outline planning application is submitted. Representatives stressed that the plans are "not a done deal" and said they were seeking feedback from the local community before finalising the proposals. 

The site has been earmarked for housing development for some time, although planning permission has not yet been granted. 

The Glossop Chronicle attended one of the consultation events for around two hours and did not encounter any residents expressing support for the proposals. 

INFRASTRUCTURE CONCERNS 

During the meetings, residents repeatedly raised concerns about local infrastructure, including access to NHS dentists, GP appointments, school places and traffic congestion. 

The development team said they recognised these concerns and would carry out a local impact assessment to examine the effect the scheme could have on local services and infrastructure. However, they acknowledged that their assessment would not take into account other housing developments currently under construction or progressing through the planning system in Glossop. 

Developers also explained that, if approved, the scheme would be required to make financial contributions towards local infrastructure and services through a Section 106 agreement. These legal agreements require developers to contribute towards facilities such as schools, highways improvements, open spaces and other community infrastructure needed as a result of new housing. 

Some residents expressed scepticism about whether such contributions would directly benefit Glossop, although the development team said decisions on how the money is spent would rest with the council. 

QUESTIONS OVER TRAFFIC AND THE 'GREEN BUFFER' 

Another concern related to the proposed access road, which would connect to an already busy junction serving Tesco, McDonald's and Wren Nest Retail Park. Residents argued that traffic congestion in the area is already significant and questioned how additional vehicles could be accommodated. 

There was also concern regarding the loss of the open land separating Dinting from the wider Glossop area. Many residents argued that the fields act as an important "green buffer", helping to maintain Dinting's distinct identity. 

One resident told the Chronicle: "Building affordable housing on derelict sites can be a really positive thing because it helps local people and improves neglected areas. But there doesn't seem to be any end to ‘executive-style’ housing developments in Glossop. The people who actually need homes locally often can't afford what's being built. 

"Then there are the practical issues. We don't have enough doctors, there are no NHS dentists taking patients, school places are under pressure and there's very little for young people to do. At the same time, more green fields are being lost to development." 

Another resident asked whether those behind the development were from Glossop and, after being told they were not, said they felt the developers did not fully understand the frustrations local people already experience. 

CONCERNS OVER WILDLIFE 

Local resident Val Cochrane, who alerted the Chronicle to the consultation event, raised concerns about the potential impact on the area's landscape and wildlife. 

She said: "I understand there are planning policies intended to protect the green wedge between communities and preserve the identity of different areas. If this development goes ahead, that important buffer between Dinting and Glossop will be lost. 

"Another concern is that the site is very steep and will require huge amounts of earth to be moved. That means heavy wagons using roads that are already deteriorating, creating even more traffic and disruption. 

"I'm also concerned about the impact on wildlife. People have already reported seeing displaced deer near other developments, such as Adderley Place. We need to know whether a truly independent environmental assessment will be carried out." 

COUNCILLOR OPPOSES PLANS 

Dinting ward councillor Dom Starkey also attended the consultation event and said he opposed the proposals. 

"My position has always been that we need the infrastructure before we build more houses" he said. "Since being elected, I've spent a huge amount of time dealing with planning issues, and it feels as though Dinting is being asked to take a disproportionate amount of development compared to other areas." 

He added: "This isn't a case of saying no development should ever happen. The issue is the scale and pace of development, particularly in one area, without the supporting infrastructure being in place. 

"We're already seeing significant pressure on roads and public services, and adding hundreds more homes inevitably means more vehicles and greater demand on services." 

The Glossop Chronicle has contacted High Peak Borough Council for comment. 

Residents wishing to submit feedback on the proposals can do so via the consultation website before any planning application is submitted: https://bit.ly/4vJrL23