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Build ban set to lift

Tom Rowley
28/ 5/2008

GLOSSOPDALE could see an increase in new houses as a ban on new builds is lifted over the next three years.

Up until now there has been a moratorium on new housing but the pressure to meet demand for homes means it is no longer practical.

Although building firms like Wimpey, Barratt and Redrow are not allowed to develop large estates, some new houses have been constructed in the area.

A question asked at the latest Glossopdale Area Forum revealed that 763 new houses had been built in the last four years across the High Peak and 368 more are in the pipeline, having been granted planning permission.

These are mainly of the affordable variety, involving partnerships with housing associations, to provide homes for rent and shared ownership dwellings.

Two examples locally are four new homes on Hurdlow Mews, Gamesley and seven on Etherow Way in Hadfield.

"The houses that are built were largely given permission before the moratorium took effect," said Adrian Fisher, High Peak Council’s head of planning. "It looks like the moratorium will gradually be lifted up to 2011."

Hilary Senior, the council’s principal planning policy officer, highlighted the complexities of the housing market and said there is a need to provide more affordable housing throughout High Peak.

"It’s a big issue in Glossopdale and across the borough. There are young people trying to get into the housing market and then there are elderly people who want different types of accommodation.

"There are less families willing to have children sharing rooms but there are more family breakdowns so we need smaller properties as well. We want to provide housing for people who want to live in such a lovely area and we need to ensure that people can afford to live here."