Old Glossop Residents Association is calling for the authorities to take action after raising major concerns over the Hawkshead Grange development of 31 new homes. 

Thousands of tonnes of spoil including earth, bricks and rubble has been spread on land adjacent to the homes, much of which is Green Belt, which they have described as a blight on the landscape. 

The group are unhappy with changes made to an overflow channel meant to prevent the area flooding as a number of gardens have already flooded. 

Dave Scanlon, Chair of Old Glossop Residents Association (OGRA), told the Chronicle: “We urge High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council to take the necessary action so that the building waste is removed, the overflow channel properly reinstated and the area restored to its natural state.  

“We want to ensure our residents are safe from the threat of their homes flooding and that the area is once again a haven for wildlife and a fitting gateway to the Peak District National Park.” 

Hawkshead Grange is a development constructed by Mandale Homes, on the former Hawkshead Mill site.  

Mr Scanlon said: “They brought heavy plant in to rebuild the overflow channel. The resulting spoil, including earth, bricks and rubble has been spread all over the area, much of which is Green Belt. 

“It’s now an eyesore and has severely affected wildlife – nesting birds, bats, hedgehogs – as well as deer that were regularly seen. 

“The fence built between the area and the adjoining field have blocked the natural corridor used by wildlife. Now the development is almost complete, it should be taken down to encourage them to return. 

“The new overflow channel has mounds of earth and spoil on either side. There’s nothing to prevent it from erosion – and earth has already fallen into the channel, hampering the flow of water. 

“The construction is like the Suez Canal into the Rochdale Canal, so heavy rain causes a backup and flooding. The gardens of houses backing onto the channel were flooded during February’s storms.” 

OGRA have been advised by Derbyshire County Council, the flood authority, that a design for the realignment of the overflow channel has been approved and must be constructed and subsequently maintained according to that design. 

Mr Scanlon said OGRA have concerns as the building work completed means these doesn’t appear to be away for vehicles to access the site to carry out the necessary work. 

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said: “We are aware of this situation and the work carried out is unacceptable.  

“We are organising a meeting onsite with the planning team at High Peak Borough Council and the developer as soon as possible so that we can find a way forward.” 

A spokesperson for High Peak Borough Council said: “The Planning Enforcement Service is aware of the issue and is working with the developer, County Planning Team and Lead Local Flood Authority to achieve a resolution.”

Mandale Homes have been contacted by the Glossop Chronicle but have not yet responded. 

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