A former mill owner's mansion, which could have become a health centre, is starting another year looking lost and neglected.

Thirteen years ago, Easton House in Glossop seemed certain to be turned into a multi-million pound addition to the nearby Manor House Surgery.

The Manor Street practice and Cohen’s Pharmacy were said to be set to fund the cost, with High Peak Borough Council thought likely to agree to the conversion.

But the planning application was turned down because the High Street East building was in a conservation area.

It was said planning laws had insisted that similar sash window fittings in the 19th century home, built by Francis Sumner, had to be installed.

Manor House medics insisted that on safety and hygiene grounds it was impossible and produced evidence backed by leading health bodies saying the same. 

So the much-needed facility, then and possibly now, never got off the ground.

Easton House had been empty for years since the demise of Sumner, Lord Doverdale and subsequent occupiers Volcrepe and E and M Polymers.

Its future had looked bleak when thieves and vandals moved in.

Ornate and expensive fittings, including fireplaces, were either stolen or destroyed, and glass in the sash windows were shattered.

Easton House, with its landscaped grounds, outbuildings that included a former stable block, looked extremely marketable.

However nothing materialised, although rumours were rife that it could be transformed into an art gallery, care home, housing etc.

Nothing however materialised until the interest shown by Manor House and Cohens.

Glossop people welcomed the health centre proposal, then came the planning setback and once again, with Easton House said to be in private ownership, its future seems as uncertain as ever.

On behalf, I am sure of most Glossop residents, if there are plans for Easton House, we would all be delighted to hear them.

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