Buxton Civic Association Members Unite Behind Response to Capital & Centric Planning Application Following Consultation Event
Wednesday 22nd July 2026
More than 100 members attended Buxton Civic Association’s (BCA) Town Development Consultation & Planning Response Session on Tuesday evening, where those present unanimously endorsed BCA’s proposed response to the Capital & Centric planning application to High Peak Borough Council.
The members-only event brought together BCA members from across the community to hear an in-depth presentation on the planning proposals, BCA’s analysis of the application, and its draft response before taking part in an open discussion.
As Buxton’s civic association, BCA’s role is to represent the interests of its members and to promote high-quality planning, conservation and development that enhances the town’s unique heritage, environment and character. While BCA is not a statutory consultee in the planning process, it has prepared a detailed response on behalf of its membership to inform High Peak Borough Council’s consideration of the application.
BCA’s position is clear: the Association supports appropriate, high-quality development that benefits Buxton and recognises the importance of investment in the town. However, it does not believe the current Capital & Centric proposals represent the right scheme for this significant site. As part of its response, BCA is also calling on High Peak Borough Council to refer the application to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), recognising that any decision on an application of this significance should not only be impartial, but also be seen to be impartial.
The presentation was led by BCA’s Planning Consultant, John Scott, who guided members through the proposals, highlighting both the opportunities and the key planning considerations that have informed BCA’s position.
Following questions and discussion, members unanimously endorsed the organisation’s proposed response, giving BCA a clear mandate as it prepares its formal submission.
Sarah Wilks, Chair of BCA, said: “It was extremely encouraging to see so many members taking the time to engage with such an important issue for Buxton. The thoughtful and constructive discussion demonstrated just how much people care about the future of our town. We’re grateful for the confidence members have placed in BCA, and their unanimous support gives us a strong mandate as we submit our response.”
Dave Green, Chief Executive Officer of BCA, said: “BCA believes Buxton deserves ambitious, high-quality development that respects the town’s unique heritage while securing its future. We welcome investment in our town, but we do not believe this particular scheme achieves that balance. We also believe that, given the significance of the application and the public interest it has generated, it is important that the decision is not only impartial, but is also seen to be impartial. That is why our response calls on High Peak Borough Council to refer the application to MHCLG.”
John Scott, BCA Planning Consultant, added: “The planning application represents one of the most significant development proposals Buxton has seen in recent years. It was important to explain both the planning context and BCA’s assessment of the scheme so members could make an informed judgement. I’m pleased that the presentation prompted such constructive discussion and that members unanimously supported BCA’s proposed response.”
BCA will now finalise its planning response before submitting it to High Peak Borough Council ahead of the deadline on Thursday 23rd July.
As Buxton’s leading environmental and heritage charity, established in 1967, BCA continues to champion high-quality development that respects the town’s unique heritage, landscape and character while supporting a sustainable future for Buxton.
