Opposition to housing plans for Hogshaw and Fairfield Common grows

An online petition by Hogshaw Nature Reserve campaign group ‘Save Hogshaw Green Space‘ has now received with close to 4,000 signatures and the case opposing the housing plans by High Peak Borough Council is growing in support.

The local council intends to sell the land at Hogshaw and part of Fairfield Common as well as land near Granby Road in Fairfield to make way for new housing, as part of its local plan to meet government housebuilding targets. The council has also secured £2m in grant funding for a new Fairfield roundabout and link roads, which has received planning permission, to give access to the sites.

In total the plans would deliver 675 new homes.

Photo credit: Mark Cocker

Award winning author and naturalist Mark Cocker, who lives in Buxton has been at the forefront of highlighting the importance of opposing the plans and recently published an article and an open letter to High Peak Borough Council on his website – asking the council to revise their plans. The letter has been given the direct support and been endorsed by well known names in the environmental field including Caroline Lucas MP, the TV presenter Chris Packham, naturalist and TV presenter Iolo Williams and author and naturalist Stephen Moss, amongst others.

“This is the last fragment of semi natural landscape close to the town centre area of Buxton and we must preserve it. Lockdown has emphasised further the need for open space. The area of Hogshaw is so important to the local residents in the area, many of which only have small gardens or very little garden area at all”, said Mark.



Read his article in full here.

Hogshaw
Photo credit: Mark Cocker

Hogshaw is a well used and well loved green space that has been re-wilded in recent years providing a much needed habitat for butterflies, insects, birds, moths and plant species.

At least 80 local residents recently protested at Hogshaw in freezing temperatures to make their voices heard. Placards were placed at the site as people of all ages came along to support the cause.

“I love this green space, our children love it here and it’s minutes from our house. The place is thriving in wildlife and a place where children can learn about flora and fauna and grow to appreciate the importance of caring for our environment”, one resident said.

Buxton Civic Association oppose plans 

Buxton Civic Association are also leading in the campaign against the proposed housing plans. In a statement they said “the lockdown has demonstrated how important semi natural green spaces within our town are for people both for their physical and mental wellbeing.  They provide a resource for young people to play in relative safety and to get closer to nature as well as providing space for people with little or no access to open space of their own. ”

“The proposal by High Peak Borough Council to sell off the land at Hogshaw to facilitate a housing development as well as land on the common is eroding the number of such spaces for recreation and biodiversity.”

“Hogshaw has been a great example of nature recovery. Much of the old disused industrial site has regenerated to scrub and secondary woodland and is now home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It has become a very valuable reservoir for wildlife in the heart of the town”.

“This why we at BCA oppose the proposed development which will result in the loss of such an important and special site. We urge you to send comments to the Council and to add your names to the online petition”.

The general public can make their views and comments heard about the plans for Hogshaw and Fairfield Common to High Peak Borough directly and responses should be received no later than 26th February. You can contact them via email at [email protected] or complete the online form here.

You can sign the petition at change.org/p/high-peak-borough-council-save-hogshaw-green-space

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