Unauthorised demolition halts Shire Hill development

Work at the £18 million housing development at the former Shire Hill Hospital site in Old Glossop has hit a setback after unauthorised demolition work prompted enforcement action by the council.

Developer Cube Homes Ltd had unveiled proposals to build 40 family homes on the 4.2-acre site, combining new-build properties with the restoration and conversion of historic buildings. Planning permission for the scheme was granted in April 2024 with work beginning in August 2025. 

However, concerns were raised by the Conservative Councillor for Old Glossop Adie Hopkinson, after it appeared that the contractors had demolished most of a building on the site known as the ‘former workhouse’.  

Due to its heritage value, planning permission had required this building to be retained and adapted into housing rather than demolished. Instead, all but the south-facing wall has now been removed, with the remaining section supported by scaffolding. 

Cllr Hopkinson who acted on a complaint from the Glossop Heritage Trust as well as a local resident told us: “I received a complaint that the developer had breached the conditions of planning approval by demolishing most of a building which should have been retained. This is totally unacceptable.” 

He immediately contacted High Peak Borough Council and called for action to ensure planning conditions are upheld. 

“I’m pleased to say that work has been stopped on site and a new planning application must now be submitted, which will include rebuilding the protected area using original materials.” he said. “I will be keeping a close eye on this project. We must protect important historic buildings, and I would like to place on record my thanks to the Glossop Heritage Trust for the excellent advice they have provided on this issue.” 

High Peak Borough Council confirmed that enforcement officers have investigated the matter following the complaint. A council spokesperson said:  

“Planning Enforcement Officers established that demolition works at the site went beyond those consented under previous planning permissions. The developer was immediately requested to stop work, which they agreed to do voluntarily, and was advised that a further planning application would be required to regularise the situation. That application is currently awaited.” 

Shire Hill Hospital closed in 2018 when services were transferred to Tameside General Hospital. Outline permission for up to 52 homes on the site was previously approved in September 2022. 

The site has significant historical importance. Originally built between 1838 and 1840 as the Glossop Union Workhouse, it was intended to provide relief for the poor under deliberately harsh conditions. Residents were required to carry out hard manual labour, while children were sent to work in local factories. An infirmary was added and extended in 1927, and during the First World War beds were reserved for British military casualties. The site later became Glossop Public Assistance Institution before joining the NHS as Shire Hill Hospital in 1948. 

Cube Homes has previously described the project as one of its most exciting developments, saying it would transform a derelict brownfield site into a high-quality housing scheme while reflecting the historic importance of the location.