Homes plan goes to public inquiry

Campaigners say the houses would damage the area

Countryside campaigners and local residents have welcomed the decision to call a public inquiry into plans to build luxury homes near Buxton.

Developers want permission to build 78 homes on green land at Otterhole Farm.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is opposing the development and a residents' protest group has also been formed.

The CPRE says the public inquiry scheduled for October is the final chance to stop what it calls a totally unwarranted development of greenfield land.

Alternative sites

Objectors say there are alternative sites in the area and the development would mean the permanent loss of wildlife meadows beside the river Wye.

High Peak Borough Council says the area is ear-marked for housing in the local plan and Buxton has a shortfall of land for homes.

John Spottiswood from the CPRE said: "It's an outstanding location and visible from both the national park and the centre of Buxton.

"It would be suicide for the town to start building on places like this as tourism is a big part of the local economy and those tourists come for views."

He added: "We feel there are alternative sites for building within the town and for only 70 or so houses it is not worth losing this area."

There will be a public meeting to discuss the issue at the Burbage Institute on 28 July.