Controversial plans that would have seen up to 38 new 'affordable' homes built in Bridgemont have been rejected by councillors. 

The outline application was for a steeply sloping green belt site in Whaley Bridge, located between Buxton Road and the Buxton to Manchester railway line. 

The plans had all matters reserved for a future application except access, which would be from the car park of the former Dog and Partridge pub. 

Monday's meeting of High Peak's Development Control Committee was told residents of the small village were almost unanimously opposed to the application, which would massively increase the size of the community. 

A resident, speaking on behalf of his neighbours, said it was an inappropriate development of a difficult site that would cause issues with traffic and parking, doubling the number of homes that use the cul de sac, and cause issues with drainage. 

He said the proposed new homes would tower over the existing properties due to the steep slope of the site.  

Network Rail and other statutory bodies had also raised concerns over the proposed site. 

Planning officers stated the application did not meet the very special circumstances that allow building on green belt land.  

However, the agent for the applicant said the development was appropriate for the green belt as it would provide much-needed affordable homes and was supported by two housing associations. 

He said: “The consultation responses have been used as a means to bolster reasons for refusal.” 

But he challenged the comments made, stating that the concerns raised could be addressed in the reserved matters application. 

Cllr David Lomax, moving refusal of the application, said: “We frequently get a lot of complaints for allowing housing development in the green belt when it is actually a green field site.  

“This case here is it is a green belt site and I have spoken very strongly supporting the local plan and that we should be protecting the green belt.” 

He also noted the serious concerns raised in responses from Network Rail and United Utilities. 

Cllr Emily Thrane seconded the resolution to refuse the application for five separate reasons which was passed by the committee. 

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