The High Peak Borough Council's Development Control Committee met to discuss several planning applications, including a proposal for 110 dwellings in Glossop, which was recommended for refusal due to the loss of playing field land. Councillors approved an application to convert the Kings Arms Hotel in Chapel-en-le-Frith into tourist accommodation, and another to vary the operating hours of floodlights at the Glossop Community Sports Hub. They also approved, with conditions, a retrospective application for the retention of land used as a dog exercise area in Hadfield.

Planning Decisions

Glossopdale Community College, Talbot Road, Glossop

The committee discussed an outline planning application, HPK/2024/0481, for the construction of up to 110 dwellings at the Glossopdale Community College, Lower Site, Talbot Road, Glossop. The application sought approval for the principal points of access, with all other matters reserved. Derbyshire County Council was the applicant.

The planning officer recommended refusal, and the committee followed this recommendation.

The reasons for refusal were that the proposed development would involve the loss of playing field land, without adequate replacement facilities or an assessment demonstrating that the playing field land is surplus to requirements. This conflicted with policies S1, S5, H1 and CF4 of the Adopted Local Plan, Sport England's Playing Fields Policy, and paragraph 104 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The committee heard objections to the application from Jacky Palmer, speaking on behalf of Friends of Hogshaw. The applicant, Simon Artiss, also addressed the committee.

The planning application was brought before the Development Control Committee because the proposal constituted major development exceeding 1.0 hectare (ha). The 4.75 ha site previously accommodated Glossopdale Community College before its relocation in 2018.

The site is partly previously developed land, excluding the 2.6 ha playing field land, and lies to the north of Glossop Town Centre.

Sport England objected to the application, stating that the applicant had not demonstrated how the proposal would accord with policy exception 4 of their Playing Fields Policy. This requires a minimum of 2.6 ha of playing field land of equivalent or better quality to be replaced within the locality.

The Council's Leisure and Environmental Services also objected, noting a shortfall of playing pitches in the Central and Glossopdale Analysis Area, and a current shortfall of youth 11v11 pitches.

Kings Arms Hotel, Market Place, Chapel-en-le-Frith

The committee approved application HPK/2025/0196 for a change of use of the Kings Arms Hotel, Market Place, Chapel-en-le-Frith, from a public house to short stay tourist accommodation. The applicant was Mr Doug Ward, UKV3 Ltd, with Mr William Wilkinson, NC Studio, as the agent.

The former public house is located within the Chapel-en-le-Frith Conservation Area. The proposed development would create six short-stay tourist accommodation units.

The committee was told that the application was brought before them due to the level of public interest and an objection from the Local Ward Councillor and the Parish Council.

Councillor De Pee objected to the change of use due to the lack of parking available. Chapel Parish Council also objected on the grounds of a lack of parking and waste storage and collection facilities.

The planning officer recommended approval with conditions, and the committee followed this recommendation.

The conditions included:

• A time limit of 3 years for commencement of development.
• Adherence to approved plans.
• Submission of details for windows, external lanterns, flat roof railings, metal fire escape, and signage prior to installation or alteration.
• A holiday let restriction to secure short stay tourist accommodation.

Glossop Community Sports Hub, Cemetery Road

The committee approved application HPK/2025/0206 for a variation of Condition 8 relating to HPK/2023/0045 at Glossop Community Sports Hub, Cemetery Road. The applicant, Glossop North End Juniors AFC, sought to extend the use of floodlights by one hour each evening, until 22:10.

The planning officer recommended approval, and the committee followed this recommendation.

The varied condition now reads: The use of the floodlights hereby approved shall be restricted to 08:00 – 22:10 on any given day for the lifetime of the development unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority .

The committee was told that the application was brought before them because it related to major development previously approved by the Committee.

The committee heard that the extended hours would enhance the club's ability to meet growing demand by providing additional training slots, and would open up greater opportunities for recreational and community use.

10 neighbours expressed concerns regarding potential increases in noise and light pollution, while 15 comments of support were received highlighting the positive impact of the sports club on the local community.

The Council's Environmental Health Department had no objection to the proposed development subject to conditions.

Land at Park Road, Hadfield, Glossop

The committee approved application HPK/2024/0255 for the retention of use of land as a dog exercise area from agricultural field at Land at Park Road, Hadfield, Glossop. The applicant was Hounds Haven, with Ms Nia Borsey, Fisher German LLP, as the agent.

The planning officer recommended approval with conditions, and the committee followed this recommendation.

The conditions included:

• Adherence to approved plans.
• Restrictions on hours of operation.
• A limit of 8 dogs at any one time.
• Compliance with landscaping plans.
• Timescales for implementing approved landscaping.
• A Landscape Biodiversity and Enhancement Plan to be submitted and agreed within 1 month and implemented within 2 months of being approved.
• No lighting at any time.

The committee was told that the application was brought before them because the application constituted Major Development.

The application sought retrospective planning permission to retain the currently unlawful use of the site as a dog exercise field. The site is operated by Hounds Haven and benefits from a widened vehicular access and a parking and turning area.

The committee heard that 7 neutral comments had been received in connection with the application, raising issues such as the suitability of the location for a commercial enterprise, vehicle movements, and potential impacts on wildlife. 38 letters of support were received, highlighting the benefits of the facility, while 8 objections were received, raising concerns about the lack of permission, impacts on livestock, and harm to the rural landscape.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust initially advised that sufficient information had not been provided to determine the ecological impacts of the proposals, but following a Breeding Bird Survey Report, they removed their objection subject to conditions.

The DCC Highways Authority initially objected due to severely restricted visibility, but following a relocated access and visibility splays, they removed their objection.

Other Matters

The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 July 2025, subject to an amendment regarding delegated powers for S106 agreements relating to BNG habitat bank sites. They also noted the update sheet and the planning applications report.