Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 1326

Received: 05/08/2026

Respondent: Anthony Massey

Hello

I understand that the Council is currently is the process of developing a new local plan and you have requested comments by the 1st September 2026. As part of the consultation exercise the Council has requested a “Call for sites” in early 2026 and as consequence of this request it is understood that developers have suggested that the land bounded by Leadbeaters Reservoir, Buxton Old Road and Blakelow Road is utilised for housing development.

Whilst it is understood that housing development sites form a key component of the plan and all suggested sites will need to be considered in detail, I would offer the following observations with regard to the Leadbeater Reservoir site:-
1. This site is designated Green Belt and therefore all other sites/options such as brownfield and greenfield sites should be considered before this site.
2. The site topography ie the height difference between Blakelow Road and the proposed site would mean that any residential development would have private spaces such as rear gardens visible from Blakelow Road.
3. Any development would significantly impact on the visual amenity.
4. The land in question is currently used for grazing of cows and sheep, any loss would impact on local food production and incomes.
5. The land in question is a recognised Toad migration site from the surrounding fields above Blakelow Road though the fields in question down to Leadbeaters Reservoir, and furthermore this migration route has been recognised previously by the Council as warning signs have been erected on Blakelow road to warn drivers of Toad’s crossing the road.

Regards

Anthony Massey