Archive, February 2021: this report describes opposition and a consultation on housing proposals at that time.
Later update: On 11 August 2025, the council’s development control committee resolved to approve an application for 99 homes at Hogshaw (HPK/2023/0192), subject to conditions. The council’s application record, checked on 24 October 2026, listed the decision as “Under assessment by case officer” and showed no decision date. The Fairfield Common roundabout is now complete and open to traffic.
In July 2026, Action for Hogshaw said its campaign to have the site recognised as a nature reserve had recorded 1,000 plant and animal species there.
In February 2021, an online petition by the Save Hogshaw Green Space campaign had received close to 4,000 signatures opposing proposed housing development.
In February 2021, High Peak Borough Council announced its intention to sell council-owned land at Hogshaw, including Hogshaw Rec, for housing and community amenities. It said the Nunsfield Road allotments would remain in council ownership.
The council had secured £2 million for a roundabout and access roads to open up sites at Hogshaw and Granby Road. In its 2019 announcement, it said the infrastructure would enable 675 homes across the sites and adjoining land.
In February 2021, Buxton author and naturalist Mark Cocker published an article and an open letter asking High Peak Borough Council to revise its plans. The letter was signed by environmental figures including Caroline Lucas, then an MP, presenter Chris Packham, naturalist and presenter Iolo Williams, and author and naturalist Stephen Moss.
“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.
The original report described Hogshaw as a much-used green space that had regenerated in recent years, providing habitat for butterflies, other insects, birds and plants.
The original report said at least 80 local residents had protested at Hogshaw in freezing temperatures, with placards placed at the site.
“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 opposed the plans
Buxton Civic Association also opposed the proposed housing plans. In a 2021 statement it said: “The outbreak of Covid 19 and the subsequent lockdown 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.” The association also urged residents to comment on the proposal and sign the petition.
The consultation mentioned in this report closed on 26 February 2021.
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