22 July 2026
Whilst I welcomed the proposed regeneration of the town centre including the Springs shopping area the original plans and proposals shown to Buxton Residents during 2025 by Capital & Centric have now morphed into something significantly different. For example 74 residential homes has now grown to 332, growing green roofs to properties has now changed to a synthetic covering, buildings are upto 5 stories, building materials which were originally sypathetic to the area are now far too modern but more importantly not in keeping with the towns historic buildings. How has this significant change in the plan not been drawn clearly to the attention of local people? I think adjacent parking to shopping facilities down from 422 to 200 would cause shock to other local residents when they understood that residential homes had increased so significantly. How does the loss of retail space and parking increase the towns appeal to visitors or locals? Buxton with it's attractive historical buildings, lovely park, wonderful theatre is a destination stop for visitors to the High Peak. Any alterations to the town must enhance facilities not detract from them for all people using the town. I also took from the original proposals that facilities for local residents would be be placed back into the town center for instance the Library, the present location of which is not accessable to many of the towns residents. The council have a significant opportunity to enhance the town centre which should be grasped fully, bravely and historically this current proposal does not do this. Local Government reorganisation proposals make this even more significant in that those responsible for this decision will probably not be in power to see [Page 2] it's conclusion, in my mind this gives this decision even more gravity and responsibility. I recommend that this proposal is rejected.