Campaigners against a controversial housing estate on a greenfield site in Whaley Bridge have expressed dismay that High Peak Borough Council chose to announce approval of the plan on its website on 7 May, Election Day.

The battle against the estate; on idyllic fields leading into the Goyt Valley has been raging for nearly 18 months. Whaley Bridge Matters, a group that has been fighting the plan for up to 107 houses on the site between Linglongs Road and Macclesfield Road, representing hundreds of concerned residents and objectors, has called the council’s decision ‘a mockery of democracy’.

Jean Dusgate, speaking on behalf of the group’s Executive, added: “We have been disgusted at the way the council has dealt with this application from the outset. Its latest action in forcing the approval through to a deadline agreed with the developer smacks of a whitewash.

“We still believe that many aspects of our objections have not been fully or properly considered, and that the council ignored its own resolution to bring our latest concerns before the planning committee in public.

“For the council’s decision to be made by outgoing councillors behind closed doors, and announced on Election Day, makes a mockery of democracy. Our seriously-considered objections have been simply brushed aside. We are now seeking legal advice.”

Details of planning application number HPK/2014/0119 made by Gladman Developments of Congleton, together with the council planners’ reasons for their decision, can be found HERE on the council website.