23 July 2026
I wish to strongly object to planning application HPK/2026/0228 The initial plans presented to the townspeople bear little resemblance to the original proposal. My first objection concerns the reduction in car parking spaces. Buxton has barely sufficient parking for residents and the wider rural catchment as it is. Each year the town swells to accommodate visitors from far and wide to enjoy productions from the Opera House, Buxton International Festival (BIF) etc. Contemplating a reduction in car parking therefore would be catastrophic and has no benefit to Buxton residents, the elderly, the disabled and business owners. The proposal that people would need to walk to and from the Station or Market Place with their shopping is simply not viable. Who wants to push a loaded shopping trolley in Winter? Finally, given that groundwork can be notoriously difficult to predict in terms of time, it seems that Waitrose have the most to lose, which would be a great loss to the town. My second objection relates to the increased scale of residential housing now proposed. This seems particularly excessive for a town of this size and overwhelms the site with no concern for Buxton's character and history. The last thing Buxton requires is a housing estate in the middle of town. Obviously this supports the needs of the developer and not the local population. How can we increase the appeal of our town to visitors and locals? For instance, the random multi-coloured signage in Spring Gardens is an eyesore, to say the least. Surely some template could be adopted? Overshadowing historic architecture with 5-story modern buildings is not the way. More thought and consultation are urgently needed. We need something which appeals not just to the present generation but to those who come after us. [Page 2] I believe that HPBC should refuse the current application until a scheme that better satisfies Buxton's unique needs and character (not C&C) is found. I therefore recommend that this proposal be rejected.