Local MP Robert Largan has welcomed High Peak Borough Council’s U-turn over their plans to sell Hogshaw Rec to a housing developer.

Last year, High Peak Borough Council proposed selling Hogshaw, including Hogshaw Rec, for use by housing developers, despite the Rec not being identified in the Local Plan for development.

The Council consulted on their proposal, and many local residents, including Mr Largan, voiced their opposition to the proposal. The overwhelming majority of responses were opposed to the Council’s decision. 

Mr Largan highlighted the potential increase in traffic congestion along the A6 corridor if the sale of Hogshaw went ahead, as recent housing developments across the High Peak have already caused an increase in traffic on the A6.

High Peak Borough Council’s latest announcement means the much-loved recreation ground is safe, although no details have been published yet about what the Council’s plans are for the rest of the Hogshaw site, including the old tip, which is in the Local Plan. 

Mr Largan has praised the Friends of Hogshaw campaigners who have successfully fought to save the Rec. Last year, he met with campaigners, including Jax Palmer, to support their campaign.

Robert Largan MP for High Peak: 

“I’m delighted to see that High Peak Borough Council have finally U-turned and announced they are scrapping their plans to sell off Hogshaw Rec.

“Bizarrely Labour claims they have saved Hogshaw Rec by successfully ‘negotiating’ not to sell it. Given the Labour Council own the Rec, I can only presume they were negotiating with themselves.

“This is very welcome news and down to the efforts of the Friends of Hogshaw. Well done to everyone who was involved.”