High Peak Borough Council says it is ‘refining’ plans and ‘listening’ to residents over Captial&Centric development
We questioned High Peak Borough Council on if the authority was taking residents' views into consideration over the regeneration plans for Buxton.
High Peak Borough Council contracted developer Capital&Centric to transform the town centre in a £100m project.
If the plans are approved by the council the redevelopment will include 326 apartments, redesigning the Springs car park and changing the entrance to the station as well as plans to open up the currently underground River Wye for alfresco dining areas.
Since the plans were submitted there have been 560 formal objections, a petition launched which has gained more than 2,400 signatures and more than 200 people turned up for a photo to also oppose the development.
Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader and executive councillor for regeneration, tourism and leisure, said: “The council is listening, and the conversation certainly doesn't end when the formal planning consultation closes.
“We recognise the strength of feeling about the proposals among some in the town and welcome the fact that so many people care passionately about Buxton's future.
“There is a shared desire to see The Springs and the wider town centre revitalised.
“We remain hugely ambitious for Buxton and believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform this part of the town, attract investment and deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Buxton Advertiser readers have been vocal on the proposal.
Susan Bullock said the plans do not bear any resemblance to Buxton.
Putting it simply Ian Howarth called the plans ‘dreadful’.
Reader Veronica Wilson said: “We just don't need more housing in the town. Just need the town refurbished.
“The parking is still not good enough as Waitrose car park is full most weekends now, less spaces will deter tourists.”
Martin Mulryan said this is ‘not what most folk in Buxton want - don’t spoil our town’.
Anna Pearson agreed and said: “It’s beyond awful, it's not in keeping with the area- why are you not listening to us?”
Councillor Greenhalgh said: “Listening is an important part of getting this right. “We've continued refining the plans and engaging with key stakeholders, including Waitrose and the Environment Agency.
“Our development partner, Capital&Centric, has also responded to public feedback by making changes to the proposals, including reducing the number of homes and addressing concerns about parking.
“All public parking will remain under council control, and the proportion of Reduced Market Rent homes has increased.”
Looking at the positives, reader Neil James McMullan said: “It looks nice and obviously it will be 99 per cent stone so just let Buxton move into the future, you're living in the past if you believe the back of the precinct looks great.”
Sarah James challenged the borough council for hiring Captial&Centric.
She added: “Time to send them packing HPBC, are you brave enough?”
Councillor Greenhalgh said: “Separately, around 550 responses to the formal planning consultation are being carefully considered by planning officers before the application goes to the Council's independent Development Control Committee, which will make the final decision.”
He added: “Buxton deserves this investment, and we're excited about what Revitalising Buxton can deliver.
“We'll continue working positively with the community and our partners to make the most of this fantastic opportunity for the town.”