New campaign to halt water plant

A London-based firm originally put forward designs for the disused Cowdale Quarry early this year, but decided to redraw some aspects after negotiations with council planners.

More detailed information has now been provided to High Peak Borough Council but campaign group Friends of the Peak District has dismissed the project as inappropriate.

Cowdale Quarry contains the natural Rockhead Spring, which has been approved by both the British and European authorities as the source of saleable natural spring water.

According to papers submitted to the council, the quarry and the spring is owned by a company called Hockenhull Enterprises (Antigua) Ltd which holds a licence to extract water.

The plans for the bottling plant have been drawn up by associated firm, Express Park Buxton, which claims the factory will have a positive impact on the surrounding area.

A report supporting the application by Delta Architects, says: "Rockhead Spring is one of only two groundwater sources in the High Peak that has been recognised as a Natural Mineral Water.

"These two sources are the only Natural Mineral Waters exploiting limestone water in the whole of the Peak District.

"This emphasises how important a resource Rockhead Spring is.

"To achieve full potential a large purpose built factory is essential. This needs to be as close as possible to the source to ensure the integrity of the connecting pipeline."

The firm's application says that Cowdale Quarry, which lies immediately to the south of the A6 connecting Bakewell to Buxton, is ideal for the development for a number of reasons.

It says not only is the site ideal because it is next to the water source, but as a former quarry means that much of the building work would not be visible from the Peak National Park

The application also puts forward the possibility of developing other parts of the quarry site at a later time into new industrial units and buildings which could be used for leisure purposes.

A visitor centre and climbing facility within the quarry is also proposed, along with landscaped areas and water features.

However, Friends of the Peak District, a branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, is unimpressed with the plans and is organising a concerted objection effort.

John King, the group's planning officer, said: "This new information is muddled and inconsistent – and it makes no difference to our arguments. The clock is ticking now for Cowdale.

"We are urging people to oppose the development. It goes against the council's own planning policies, and will destroy a tranquil spot of local countryside."

Mr King said Cowdale Quarry was popular with local people for walking, climbing, picnicking and other recreational activities. It has not been quarried since 1950 and the site has reverted to nature.

He added: "Cowdale Quarry is part of a really important buffer zone between the Peak Park and Buxton. It's essential that we stop industrial sprawl, noise and light pollution affecting our national park."

"The bottling factory is just the start. Phase two of the plans are for an even larger industrial estate that would include extensive offices, business units and car parking."

The application is being considered by planners at High Peak Borough Council. A decision is expected later in the year.