Controversial plans for the redevelopment of the former Shire Hill Hospital site to create 52 new homes will go before councillors next week. 

Under the proposals put forward by NHS Property Services Ltd, they state the redevelopment in Old Glossop is unviable if both of the historic buildings on the site are retained. Just the former workhouse building would be kept and converted in the application put forward. 

They say that even retaining just one of the buildings means that for the project to go ahead they should also not have to provide any affordable housing as part of the scheme or funding for infrastructure. 

However, that position is at odds with planners who are recommending the application be refused when it goes before a meeting of High Peak Borough Council’s Development Control Committee on Monday (13 December). 

In their report, planners say the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the scheme cannot viably support contributions towards affordable housing and other infrastructure. 

The application has seen 112 objections put forward from residents which include criticism of the applicant’s stance. 

One said: “While I was initially pleased that the old Workhouse building is going to be retained, I was staggered to read that this was in return for backing out of providing affordable housing and contributing to local infrastructure; this is completely unreasonable and untenable. 

Another stated: “Retention and conversion of the administration building should not be used as a bargaining tool to offset obligations towards secondary education provision, open space and travel planning or affordable housing etc.” 

Another commented: “This is a money-making exercise at the expense of heritage, the environment, and residents’ safety.” 

Read more from the Glossop Chronicle

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper