In April 1955 the Derbyshire County Planning Department issued a plan for the development of Glossop over the next 15 years or so.
Why a Town Plan for Glossop?
It is easy to regard the built-up area of a town as a fixed and unchanging structure but such a view is mistaken.
Changes are taking place all the time and it is the total result of all these changes which should secure a gradual but steady improvement in the convenience, comfort and beauty of the town as a place to live and work in.
This will never be achieved if we do not guide these changes by a pre-arranged plan.
Your Local Council and the County Council have been doing just that-making plans for the future of Glossop. The draft proposals which have been formulated have already been the subject of consultations with adjoining authorities, whose observations will be considered, but before a final scheme is prepared it has been thought desirable to offer the people who will be directly concerned a chance to see the proposals and to comment on them.
What is the future of Glossop?
A comprehensive survey of Glossop has revealed a number of important facts:
1) The population has been steadily declining. In 1921 it was 21,388, in 1953 it was 17,830, and in 1971 it is expected to be about 17,000 persons.
2) The low birth rate and outward movement of many younger persons over the decades has depleted the number of persons in the lower age groups at Glossop. In fact it is estimated that between 1931 and 1939 some 3,000 persons left the town. The result has been that the average age of the town’s population is about 5 years above that of the County as a whole.
3) About 60% of those persons employed in manufacturing industries in the Glossop Employment Exchange Area are dependent on the textile industry.
4) Probably some 2,000 men journey daily from the Glossop Employment Exchange Area to work in towns along the routes to Manchester.
5) About 83% of the 6,200 dwellings in the Borough are more than 40 years old. Some 3,300 dwellings were in existence before the by-laws of 1875 established minimum standards of space, light and ventilation for houses. Some 900 dwellings are in poor condition and would be replaced if resources were available.
6) Existing sources of water are not sufficient for the growing demand, still less for that which will arise if an increase of population takes place. The Borough Council have taken steps, however, to remedy this situation, and approval has been received to proceed with the first stage of the Hurst Reservoir Scheme (£59,000).
7) Extensive works are needed in both the sewerage and sewage disposal in the town. Proposals to build a new sewage disposal works (£225,000) and improve the sewerage system (£75,000) are now being considered.
8) Several of the main roads are in need of widening and in particular the A.57 road at Woolleybridge requires improvement.
9) Glossop and its surroundings contain much that is beautiful and its climate, if vigorous in comparison with the settlements on the plains, is healthy and invigorating.
10) The community life of the town is well developed and fully capable of giving a load and a welcome to newcomers.
What should be done in the face of these facts?
The County Development Plan, which was submitted to the Minister of Housing and Local Government in August 1952, suggested the reception of overspill population from Manchester.
Before the Town Map for Glossop can be submitted to the Minister, however, he must have approved, with or without modifications, the County Development Plan. This is expected to take place in 1955.
Therefore, the proposals incorporated in this Town Map (which include for the reception of some 18,000 persons) will probably be submitted to the Minister late in 1955 or early in 1956.
However, the actual form and contents of the submitted Plan will depend on two main factors:
1. Your suggestions on those draft proposals voiced through your elected representatives;
2. The result of negotiations on the reception of overspill, which are taking place at the present time.
The main suggestions put forward in the Plan are:
Overspill
The population which at the present time is about 17,000 persons would, with the reception of overspill population, increase to 36,600 persons by 1971.
Land is available to accommodate 18,000 overspill population.
Residential Areas
The population will be gradually redistributed in the eight main residential areas as follows:
| Residential Area Population | ||
| 1953 | 1971 | |
| Victoria Street | 5,550 | 5,025 |
| Old Glossop | 740 | 600 |
| Padfield | 660 | 650 |
| Hadfield | 3,860 | 9,825 |
| Gamesley | 440 | 3,940 |
| Simmondley | 1,000 | 7,200 |
| Sheffield Road | 1,210 | 4,810 |
| North Road | 1,280 | 1,950 |
Communications
Widenings and road improvements are likely to be undertaken on Turnlee Road, Dinting Vale, Hadfield Road, Cemetery Road, Woodhead Road, A.57 at Woolley bridge, and the junction of A.624 and A.6016 at Charlestown.
Redevelopment
Sites are suggested for now houses to replace obsolete dwellings cleared by 1971, under public health and housing legislation, as follows:
| Victoria Street | 10 acres |
| Old Glossop | 2 acres |
| Hadfield | 12 acres |
| Sheffield Road | 14 acres |
Industrial Areas
The needs of industry will be met by the allocation of 141 acres of land. This also makes allowance for the expansion of’ existing industries.
Schools
Provision will be made as follows:
1. The expansion of existing, together with seven new Primary Schools (either to replace the existing schools or to cater for the proposed increase in population) and the provision of playing fields for the new schools or to meet deficiencies at the existing schools.
2. Six new Secondary Schools, including the rebuilding of Glossop Grammar School on a new site.
In addition a College of Further Education will be required at a later date.
Health, Social and Other Services
As overspill proceeds there will be a need to improve and increase all the services. For example, sites will be needed for new libraries, churches, shops, public houses, etc.
Open Spaces
The Plan allows for an increase in the public open space provision from about 93 acres at the present time to about 176 acres in 1971.
Town Centre
Provision is made for extended shopping and business facilities in the town centre. Additional car parking space for the enlarged shopping centre is provided at Edward Street.
A matter which has also been given very careful consideration in the preparation of the Town Map is the effect of the Housing Repairs and Rents Act. 1954. A study has been made of the problems of reconditioning property in Glossop and methods have been suggested and are included in the exhibition. Models have also been made to illustrate this matter.