Time is running out to have your say on Shire Hill

Old Glossop residents are being urged to fight the latest plans to develop the former Shire Hill Hospital site - and there isn't much time left.

The closing date for comments is next Monday (6 July). 

Although NHS Property Services plan to keep the former workhouse as part of the proposed development of up to 52 houses, there are no guarantees. 

Old Glossop Residents’ Association has long been battling plans to stop large numbers of homes being built in the oldest part of Glossop.

It believes the infrastructure of the village can’t take it and when proposals to develop the former hospital site were first announced a few years ago, residents packed public meetings to object.

Dave Scanlon, Chair of Old Glossop Residents’ Association (OGRA), told the Chronicle: “Thanks to the tremendous efforts by local residents, the applicant is now looking to convert the former workhouse into flats – but only if viable – so it’s not a given.

“In return for keeping the building, they won’t offer any affordable housing or contribute to local infrastructure or schools. 

“While we accept that the site needs developing, there should be benefits for the local area. 

“The village has a 19th century infrastructure of narrow roads more designed for horse and cart than cars and lorries. 

“More housing will only increase the traffic problems and lead to more vehicles using the village as a cut-through.”

LEAFLET DROP: A member of Old Glossop Residents’ Association dropping a campaign flyer through another letterbox.

Other issues highlighted by OGRA include:

• Flooding - building houses on the steep site will increase the flood risk
• The risk to pedestrians as many of the roads don’t have pavements
• The need for conditions to be imposed by the council to protect the former workhouse, archaeological features and the trees, particularly those that form the natural boundary between Glossop and the Peak  District National Park.

“We’ve distributed leaflets around the village,” said Dave. 

“For more information, people can check out our website – oldglossop.org – or the Old Glossop Matters Facebook page.”