22 July 2026
I object to the current plans as I believe they will have a detrimental effect on Buxton's heritage views. The current Springs shopping centre is an eyesore but does not obstruct the view to the rooflines and church opposite viewed from station road. The proposed buildings fronting station road will completely obscure these views. This is a detrimental step compared to what currently exists. This appears to run contrary to the original intention of merely improving access from the station to the retail units and creates an aggressive, overdeveloped density of buildings that blocks traditional open views. These development proposals also significantly reduce centrally located parking spaces. The current Springs centre parking is heavily used and relocating these spaces to a much less convenient location will deter visitors and shoppers from neighbouring towns and villages. Public transport is not frequent enough at weekends to provide a suitable alternative and it will seriously impede visitors and residents with mobility issues etc. Having to use a multi storey car park will also deter a lot of visitors and shoppers etc. The current car park serves the town well and to reduce the capacity and relocate this well used facility is a serious drawback and leaves the town in a worse position, not a better one. These plans are over ambitious and will take longer than a simpler regeneration plan. There was never any requirement to build the additional number of apartments being proposed. It will cause years of painful disruption which will harm the local economy and wellbeing of residents and retailers alike and will leave the town with fewer facilities. The question needs to be asked whether the scheme has become primarily a residential development scheme rather than a town centre improvement scheme.