Councillors have unanimously approved an outline planning application for 65 new homes in Dinting. 

The submitted plans covered access to the site on Dinting Road, with other aspects to be covered when the reserved application is made. 

Members of High Peak's Development Control Committee meeting on Monday (12 December) felt they had little choice but to pass the application, as a previous one had been approved in the past and the site was included in the Local Plan as suitable for housing. 

Councillor David Lomax said: “It is incredibly difficult to refuse this site even if we would like to. It has already got outline permission that was given in 2015.  

“I have heard a lot of objections but certainly couldn’t move refusal as I don’t think the council could stand it up at appeal and be able to sustain it so sadly, I feel I have to move approval.” 

Councillor Graham Oakley said the battle to keep the site had been lost when it was designated in the Local Plan. 

“I agree with the arguments against using it however they won’t stand up if it came to an appeal.” 

He said there were still some battles to be fought at the reserved matters stage to make sure it was the best development possible. 

An artist impression of the site layout

The proposed new housing site, which slopes steeply towards the railway line, is expected to include provision for 30 per cent of the new properties to be affordable. 

Earlier, the meeting heard about any objections that had been submitted by local residents who urged the council not to approve the proposal before the review of the Local Plan is carried out as once green sites are lost, they are gone forever. 

A planning officer explained that the review into the local plan will start in the New Year, however the current Local Plan must be followed until a new plan is agreed which would take two years to finalise. 

In total more than 40 written objections were submitted raising concerns including traffic and road safety, pressure on existing services and flooding. 

The meeting was told by residents that information about St Luke’s School having capacity was wrong as they had confirmed with the school that it was oversubscribed. 

An agent acting on behalf of the applicant explained all the details, apart from access, would be covered by a reserve matters application. She said there was a commitment to the public right of way on the site. 

The application was agreed subject to conditions. 

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